| Structural & Framing |
Addition |
Expanding an existing building footprint by adding square footage or levels. |
| Structural & Framing |
Beam |
Horizontal support member that transfers loads to columns or walls. |
| Structural & Framing |
Bearing Wall |
Wall that supports the weight of floors, ceilings, or roof structures above. |
| Structural & Framing |
Blocking |
Short pieces of lumber installed between framing members for reinforcement or attachment. |
| Structural & Framing |
Bridging |
Cross bracing between floor joists to prevent twisting and distribute load. |
| Structural & Framing |
Column |
A vertical support member that carries the weight of the structure above. |
| Structural & Framing |
Footing |
Concrete base that spreads the structural load to the ground. |
| Structural & Framing |
Foundation |
The load-bearing base structure (typically concrete) on which a building rests. |
| Structural & Framing |
Framing |
The structural skeleton of a building made from wood or steel components. |
| Structural & Framing |
Header |
A beam placed over openings like doors and windows to support loads. |
| Structural & Framing |
Joist |
Horizontal framing member that supports floors or ceilings. |
| Structural & Framing |
Load Path |
The route through which weight is transferred from roof to foundation. |
| Structural & Framing |
Post |
Vertical support similar to a column, often used in decks or basements. |
| Structural & Framing |
Sheathing |
Plywood or OSB panels fastened to framing for rigidity. |
| Structural & Framing |
Stud |
Vertical framing member forming the walls of a structure. |
| Structural & Framing |
Subfloor |
The base panel attached to floor joists beneath the finished floor. |
| Structural & Framing |
Truss |
Prefabricated triangular frame used to support roofs or floors. |
| Structural & Framing |
Wall Plate |
Top or bottom horizontal framing element in a wall. |
| Structural & Framing |
Sill Plate |
Bottom plate that anchors the wall framing to the foundation. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Baseboard |
Decorative molding covering the joint between wall and floor. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Casing |
Trim surrounding doors or windows. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Crown Molding |
Ornamental trim at the junction of walls and ceiling. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Chair Rail |
Horizontal molding installed mid-wall to prevent chair damage. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Finish Carpentry |
Final woodwork including trim, doors, cabinetry, and built-ins. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Millwork |
Custom wood components manufactured off-site such as molding and cabinets. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Newel Post |
The main supporting post at the bottom or top of a staircase. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Paneling |
Decorative or protective wall covering made from wood or MDF. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Railing |
A safety and decorative barrier along stairs or decks. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Wainscoting |
Wood paneling that covers the lower part of an interior wall. |
| Carpentry & Finish Work |
Trim |
General term for decorative molding and framing around openings. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
AFCI |
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter; prevents fires from faulty wiring. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Breaker Panel |
Electrical service panel distributing power through circuit breakers. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Conduit |
Protective tubing for electrical wires. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Dimmer Switch |
Device controlling light brightness. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Electrical Rough-In |
Initial phase where wiring is installed before walls are closed. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
GFCI |
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter; prevents electrical shock near water. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Lumens |
Measurement of light output. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Recessed Lighting |
Fixtures embedded flush into ceilings. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Sconce |
Wall-mounted light fixture. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Under-Cabinet Lighting |
Fixtures installed beneath cabinets for countertop illumination. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Pendant Light |
Hanging light fixture suspended from the ceiling. |
| Electrical & Lighting |
Low Voltage Lighting |
Energy-efficient lighting system using a step-down transformer. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Air Gap |
Space between water outlet and flood level to prevent contamination. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Backflow Preventer |
Device ensuring contaminated water doesn’t reverse into clean lines. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
PEX |
Flexible plastic tubing used for plumbing lines. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Trap |
Curved pipe section preventing sewer gas from entering rooms. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Shut-Off Valve |
Valve that controls water flow to a specific fixture. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Sump Pump |
Pump that removes water from a basement or crawl space. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Vent Stack |
Vertical pipe that allows sewer gases to vent outdoors. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Drain Line |
Pipe carrying wastewater away from fixtures. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Supply Line |
Pipe delivering fresh water to fixtures. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Condensate Drain |
Line that removes condensation from HVAC systems. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Return Air Vent |
Vent that draws air back to the HVAC system. |
| Plumbing & HVAC |
Plumbing Rough-In |
Installation phase where pipes are laid before finishes. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Aggregate |
Sand, gravel, or stone mixed with cement to make concrete. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Brick Veneer |
Non-structural decorative brick surface attached to exterior walls. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Cement |
Binding component of concrete. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Flashing |
Metal or waterproof material preventing water intrusion at joints. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Mortar |
Compound used to bond masonry units together. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Parging |
Thin coat of mortar applied to smooth or waterproof masonry walls. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Stucco |
Exterior finish made from cement and sand for texture and protection. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Weep Hole |
Small openings that allow trapped moisture to escape. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Retaining Wall |
Structure that holds back soil or rock from a building or landscape. |
| Masonry & Concrete |
Expansion Joint |
Material allowing controlled movement between concrete slabs. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Backsplash |
Protective wall covering behind counters, often made of tile or glass. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Base Cabinet |
Cabinet sitting directly on the floor supporting countertops. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Countertop Overhang |
Portion of countertop extending beyond the cabinet base. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Island |
Freestanding cabinetry providing additional counter and storage space. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Peninsula |
Cabinet extension attached on one side to a wall or other cabinets. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Butcher Block |
Wooden countertop surface made from glued-together strips of hardwood. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Quartz |
Engineered stone material used for countertops—durable and low-maintenance. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Granite |
Natural stone countertop material known for strength and variation. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Range Hood |
Ventilation device installed over a stove to remove smoke and odors. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Undermount Sink |
Sink installed beneath the countertop for a seamless edge. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Farmhouse Sink |
Deep, exposed-front sink popular in rustic and modern kitchens. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Soft-Close Hardware |
Cabinet hinges and drawers designed to close gently. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Toe Kick |
Recessed space under a cabinet allowing comfortable standing posture. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Pantry Cabinet |
Tall cabinet or closet for food and small appliance storage. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Cabinet Refacing |
Updating cabinet doors and veneers without replacing the boxes. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Galley Kitchen |
Layout with two parallel counters creating a narrow work zone. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Triangle Workflow |
Design principle connecting sink, stove, and refrigerator efficiently. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Pot Filler |
Wall-mounted faucet above the stove for convenience in cooking. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Quartzite |
Natural metamorphic stone used as a durable countertop option. |
| Kitchen Remodeling |
Shaker Style |
Simple, flat-paneled cabinet door design favored for its timeless look. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Vanity |
Cabinet that supports a sink and provides storage in a bathroom. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Pedestal Sink |
Sink supported by a single column, with no storage underneath. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Tile Backer Board |
Moisture-resistant panel behind tile installations. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Grout |
Material filling joints between tiles to seal and stabilize them. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Shower Pan |
Waterproof floor base that directs water to the drain. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Curbless Shower |
Walk-in shower with no raised threshold for accessibility. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Steam Shower |
Enclosed shower system that generates steam. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Soaker Tub |
Deep bathtub designed for full-body immersion. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Freestanding Tub |
Tub not attached to walls, serving as a focal design element. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Linear Drain |
Long, narrow drain allowing a flat shower floor. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Heated Floors |
Radiant heating system installed beneath floor tiles. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Dual Vanity |
Two-sink vanity setup for shared use. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Rain Showerhead |
Overhead shower fixture simulating rainfall. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Body Jets |
Wall-mounted nozzles that spray water horizontally in showers. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Water Closet |
Enclosed space for a toilet. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Mirror Defogger |
Heating element preventing mirrors from steaming up. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Vent Fan |
Exhaust fan removing humidity and odors. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
Tile Niches |
Recessed shelves built into shower walls for storage. |
| Bathroom Remodeling |
ADA Grab Bar |
Safety handle for accessibility in showers and tubs. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Deck |
Elevated outdoor platform attached to a structure. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Patio |
Ground-level paved outdoor area for relaxation or dining. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Pergola |
Open-frame structure providing partial shade over a deck or patio. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Siding |
Exterior wall covering made of vinyl, wood, or fiber cement. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Eaves |
The overhanging lower edge of a roof. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Fascia |
The vertical finishing edge under a roof’s edge, often supporting gutters. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Soffit |
The underside of a roof overhang. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Gutter |
Channel attached to roof edges to collect and direct rainwater. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Downspout |
Vertical pipe carrying rainwater from gutters to ground level. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Dormer |
Roof projection containing a window. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Railing System |
Safety barrier used on decks, stairs, or balconies. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Hardscape |
Non-plant outdoor features like patios, paths, and retaining walls. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Landscape Lighting |
Exterior lighting designed to highlight and improve safety. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
French Drain |
Gravel-filled trench directing water away from structures. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Retaining Wall |
Structure used to hold soil on sloped terrain. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Vinyl Siding |
Durable, low-maintenance PVC cladding for exteriors. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Fiber Cement Siding |
Composite material known for durability and fire resistance. |
| Exterior Remodeling |
Composite Decking |
Synthetic deck material made from wood fibers and plastic. |
| Green Building |
Energy Star |
U.S. certification for energy-efficient products and appliances. |
| Green Building |
Low-E Glass |
Energy-efficient window glass that reflects heat. |
| Green Building |
Solar Gain |
Heat absorbed through windows from sunlight. |
| Green Building |
R-Value |
Measurement of insulation’s resistance to heat flow. |
| Green Building |
SEER Rating |
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for air conditioning systems. |
| Green Building |
LEED Certification |
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; green building standard. |
| Green Building |
Cool Roof |
Roofing designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. |
| Green Building |
Smart Thermostat |
Programmable thermostat that optimizes energy use. |
| Green Building |
Tankless Water Heater |
On-demand hot water system with energy savings. |
| Green Building |
Sustainable Materials |
Products sourced responsibly with minimal environmental impact. |
| Green Building |
Greywater System |
Reuse of gently used water for irrigation or flushing. |
| Green Building |
Passive Solar Design |
Building design that uses sunlight for heating and lighting naturally. |
