BASEBOARD
A molding that goes around the perimeter of a room at the base of the walls.

BIFOLD DOOR
Usually used for interior closet doors, a bifold door is made of two hinged panels that fold to one side of the opening. Comes in solid-core, hollow-core, and louvered style options.

BROOM CLEAN
End of the day sweeping and removal of excess trash and debris.

BUILDING CODES
These are construction rules and regulations set by the governing municipality, required to be met for home and building safety.

BUILDING PERMIT
This is the formal permission obtained by the builder from the governing municipality, required to begin construction.

CASING
Pieces of wood trim around a window or door.

CHANGE ORDER
An amendment to a construction contract that changes the contractor’s scope of work, usually resulting in additional charges or a credit to the original contact price.

CO (CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY)
This certifies that the construction of the home has met all building codes, passed all inspections, and is safe for occupants.

BACKSPLASH
This is tile work on kitchen, bathroom, and wet bar walls, typically in back of the sink area and sometimes referred to simply as “splash.”

EGRESS
Building codes regulate egress windows by establishing a minimum size requirement that can be adequately used as a fire escape. Bedrooms require two egresses by code.

FRAMING
This is the structured support of the building, and the skeletal outline of the rooms within.

FIXTURES
This refers to permanent goods, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. (Examples include vanities, ceiling lights, water heater)

FOOTING
A footing supports foundation or bearing walls carrying the weight of upper floors, roof structures, etc. A footing is generally wider than the foundation or bearing wall and constructed on undisturbed soil to achieve the maximum stability possible. Footings run continuously under all bearing and foundation walls.

FLOOR PLAN
The floor plan is the design or layout of how the home will be set up (rooms, hallways, etc.).

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
A party or individual with the responsibility to oversee a construction project and who enters into the prime contract with the property owner.

HEARTH
A platform at floor level that extends in front of a fireplace.

INSULATION
Insulation prevents loss of heat/AC as well as protects the building from exterior elements. Typical insulation options include fiberglass, blown -in, and spray foam.

JOIST
A horizontal framing member usually spaced at a regular interval and used to support a floor or ceiling.

NEWEL
A support post placed vertically, generally joining sections with railing and balusters.

PUNCH LIST
Part of the project closeout where a document is created listing any work that has not been completed, or not been completed correctly.

SCOPE OF WORK
(SOW) An agreement on the work that will be performed during on the project.

SLAB
This is the concrete base of the home placed directly on the dirt/ground.

SIDING
Siding is the exposed, decorative (painted) exterior walls on a house.

STAIR RISER
The vertical face of a step in a flight of stairs.

STUD
A vertical framing member usually used to create walls.