Home Improvement Glossary of Terms

110 Line

A “110” volt circuit is the standard household voltage, powering most appliances, lighting, and everyday electronics.

220 Line

A “220” volt circuit provides higher voltage and amperage, essential for heavy-duty appliances like electric dryers and ovens.

Acrylic Paint

A highly pigmented paint with excellent color retention, made from synthetic resin. Similar to latex, it dries quickly and can resemble watercolor or oil paintings.

Allowance

A budgeted amount in a construction contract set aside for expenses determined during the project, such as tile selection, cabinet fixtures, and other finishing details.

Aluminum Paint

A paint containing aluminum particles that create a metallic-looking finish, commonly used for reflective or heat-resistant coatings.

Angle Stop or Angle Supply

A shut-off valve that connects interior water pipes to external fixtures like faucets and toilets, allowing for localized water control.

Architect

A licensed professional who designs buildings and oversees renovations or structural changes. Architects plan and guide construction, ensuring compliance with safety and design standards.

Asbestos

A formerly popular construction material known for its fire resistance and durability. Prolonged exposure has been linked to severe lung diseases, leading to its restricted use.

Awning Window

A window hinged at the top, allowing the bottom panel (sash) to swing outward for ventilation while providing protection from rain.

Back Priming

Applying primer or paint to the back of woodwork to prevent the wood grain from contracting or swelling due to moisture changes.

Baseboard

A board running along the base of a wall, covering the gap between the floor and the wall for a finished appearance.

Basin

A circular sink with sloping or curved sides, commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens.

Bay Window

A three-panel window unit that extends outward from a home’s walls, typically featuring a large central window flanked by two smaller angled side windows.

Bid

A written proposal from a contractor detailing the scope of work, materials, and cost for a construction or renovation project.

Bidet

A bathroom fixture with hot and cold water designed for personal hygiene, originally popularized in France.

Blistering

The formation of bubbles on a freshly painted surface, often caused by heat, moisture, or applying a second coat before the first has dried.

Blueprints

Detailed architectural drawings that outline the design, dimensions, and construction specifications of a building or renovation project.

Blushing

A hazy or milky appearance on painted surfaces caused by moisture during the drying process, most noticeable on gloss or lacquer finishes.

Bond or Bonding

A financial security deposit required for contractor licensing, ensuring payment of debts or project completion as per contractual obligations.

Bow Window

A curved window unit made of multiple panels, each angled at approximately 10 degrees, extending outward to create an elegant, rounded exterior projection.

Deed

A signed and sealed legal document used to transfer ownership of real estate, automobiles, and other significant assets.

Designer

A professional, typically non-licensed, who specializes in designing homes, interiors, landscapes, and other residential elements.

Diverter

A plumbing valve that directs water flow to different outlets, commonly used in faucets, showers, and bathtubs.

Door Header

A structural beam above a door that redistributes the load from above to the side door studs for stability.

Double Glazing

A window system with two glass panes that improves energy efficiency and provides insulation benefits similar to household insulation.

Double Hung Window

A traditional-style window with two vertically sliding panels, often made of wood, allowing for flexible ventilation.

Drop-Sheet or Drop Cloth

A protective covering used to safeguard furniture, floors, and valuables during interior painting or renovation projects.

Dry Rot

A fungal condition that deteriorates wood by consuming its fibers, turning it into powder; thrives in damp and moist environments.

Drywall or Gypsum Wallboard

A manufactured wall material made of plaster or gypsum encased in a thin cardboard layer, typically sold in panels for easy installation.

Eggshell

A paint finish with a soft sheen, positioned between flat (no gloss) and semi-gloss (some gloss), offering a subtle, smooth appearance.

Elongated Bowl

An oval-shaped toilet bowl that is approximately 2 inches longer than a standard round bowl, providing additional comfort.

Enamel

A durable paint that dries to a smooth, hard finish, available in various gloss levels, from matte to high-gloss.

Energy Star

A certification program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies energy-efficient products, including appliances, HVAC systems, and lighting.

Estimating

The process of calculating a project’s expected cost, typically providing a preliminary budget before finalizing a contract.

Expansion Joint

A gap or flexible joint designed to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of materials, such as wood, due to temperature changes.

Fiberglass

A fibrous glass material used in manufacturing various products, including bathtubs, insulation, and roofing.

Finish Coat

The final layer of paint applied to a surface, providing the desired color, texture, and durability.

Fixed Price Contract

A contract in which the project cost is predetermined and agreed upon, regardless of fluctuations in labor or material costs.

Fixture

A general term for permanent household items, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, such as sinks, faucets, and bathtubs.

Flat

A paint finish with no gloss or shine, offering a smooth, matte look but less durability compared to higher-gloss finishes.

Floor Area

The total square footage of a building or space, used for calculating occupancy, construction, or real estate purposes.

Floor Plan

A detailed drawing of a building’s layout, showing room arrangements, walls, windows, doors, and other structural elements.

Forced Air Heating

A heating system that warms air in a furnace and circulates it through ducts using a blower, powered by gas, oil, electricity, or propane.

Frame Wall

A structural wall made of studs, top and bottom plates, and a wall covering such as drywall, forming part of a building’s framework.

French Hinged Door

A door with multiple glass panes extending most of its length, framed by wider panels, and hinged to swing open.

Frieze

A decorative horizontal band found on the interior or exterior of buildings, often featuring classical designs like egg-and-dart motifs.

Fuse

An electrical safety device, common in older homes, that interrupts circuits when excessive current flow causes it to overload and break.

General Contractor

An individual or company responsible for overseeing construction and renovation projects, managing subcontractors, and ensuring project completion.

Generator

A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, often used as a backup power source.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A safety device designed to prevent electric shocks by shutting off power when it detects an imbalance in electrical current, commonly required in new home construction. Also known as GFI.

Gloss

Refers to the level of shine in paint finishes, ranging from flat (no shine) to high gloss (very shiny), with higher gloss finishes generally being more durable.

GPF (Gallons Per Flush)

A measurement indicating the amount of water a toilet uses per flush, affecting water efficiency.

Graining

A technique used to mimic the natural appearance of wood grain on surfaces through painting, staining, or specialized tools.

Grout

A thin mortar mixture used to fill gaps between tiles and masonry, providing stability and a finished look.

Hand Shower

A detachable showerhead connected to the water supply via a flexible hose, offering greater mobility and convenience compared to a fixed showerhead.

Hardboard

A dense fiberboard created by compressing wood fibers, available in various sizes and thicknesses, commonly used in construction and furniture-making.

Hearth

The floor area in front of or inside a fireplace, typically made of brick, stone, or cement, serving both functional and decorative purposes.

Hot-Water Heating

Also known as hydronic heating, this system uses fuel to heat water, which is then circulated through pipes and radiators to warm a home.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

A system that controls indoor temperature, air quality, and ventilation, ensuring comfort and air circulation throughout a building.

I-Beam

A structural beam made of iron, steel, or wood, featuring an “I”-shaped cross-section for strength and durability in construction.

Industrial Paint

A high-durability paint designed for commercial and industrial applications, offering resistance to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and environmental exposure.

Insulating Glass

A window or door construction using two or more panes of glass with hermetically sealed spaces between them to improve energy efficiency and soundproofing.

Insulation

A material used to reduce heat loss or gain in buildings, typically installed in walls, ceilings, and floors to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Jamb

The vertical components of a door or window frame, typically made of wood or other materials, providing structural support and a finished appearance.

Jet

A specialized feature in toilets that accelerates siphoning by directing water into the trapway, or in bathtubs to create a whirlpool effect for relaxation.

Knot

A natural imperfection in wood where a tree limb or branch was once connected, often visible on the surface of a plank, adding texture and character to the material.

Landing

A flat, level section of a staircase, located either between flights or at the top or bottom of a staircase, providing a resting point and transition area.

Latex Paint

A type of paint that uses latex as a binder, offering easy cleanup with water while wet, quick drying times, and flexibility to resist cracking.

Linseed Oil

A natural drying oil extracted from flaxseed, commonly used in paints, lacquers, and varnishes to enhance durability and finish.

Low Consumption Toilet

A water-efficient toilet designed to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush, reducing water usage while maintaining effective performance.

One-Piece Toilet

A seamless toilet design where the bowl and tank are integrated into a single unit, often made from glass or china. This style is easier to clean and has a sleek, modern appearance.

Open-Front Toilet

A U-shaped toilet seat commonly found in public and commercial restrooms. The open front improves hygiene by reducing contact and making cleaning easier.

Panel

A flat, rectangular board often set within a frame, commonly used in doors, cabinets, or walls to add structure and design.

Payment Schedule

A contractual timeline that outlines when a customer must make payments to a contractor, often based on project milestones, material costs, or completed work.

Permit

Official authorization from a local or state government to proceed with construction or renovation work. Permits may be required for zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, and other modifications.

Plywood

A durable building material consisting of multiple thin layers of wood veneer glued and pressed together, commonly used for flooring, walls, and furniture.

Pop-up Assembly

A sink drain mechanism in which a stopper is controlled by a lever or rod within the faucet, allowing for easy opening and closing of the drain.

Pressure Balance Valve

A shower plumbing component that maintains a consistent water temperature by adjusting for fluctuations in hot and cold water pressure, preventing sudden temperature changes.

Pressure Relief Valve

A safety device used on water heaters and boilers to release excess steam or pressure, preventing dangerous pressure buildup within the tank.

Punch List

A final checklist of unfinished or defective tasks that must be completed before a construction project is considered officially finished and the final payment is released.

PVC or CPVC

Types of plastic piping used for plumbing. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is commonly used for drainage and irrigation, while CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is designed for hot and cold water supply due to its higher heat resistance.

Remodeling Contractor

A professional who specializes in extensive home renovation projects, including home additions, expansions, and complex remodeling work.

Riser

The vertical component of a step that connects one stair tread to the next, contributing to the staircase’s structure and elevation.

Round-Front Bowl

A standard toilet bowl shape measuring approximately 14 inches in width and 16 ½ inches in length, making it about 2 inches shorter than an elongated bowl.

R-Value

A measurement of a material’s thermal resistance, indicating its insulation effectiveness. A higher R-value signifies better insulation and greater energy efficiency.

Schematic Drawing

A preliminary sketch that outlines the basic dimensions and shape of a room or building without intricate details.

Scope of Work

A detailed document describing the tasks, materials, and deliverables required to complete a construction or renovation project.

Setback Thermostat

A programmable thermostat that allows users to adjust temperature settings at specific times to improve energy efficiency.

Single Glazing

A window design that uses a single pane of glass, offering minimal insulation compared to double glazing.

Siphoning

The suction effect that occurs in a toilet’s trap-way during flushing, ensuring efficient waste removal.

Soffit

The finished underside of architectural elements such as staircases, eaves, beams, or roof overhangs.

Specialty Contractor

A contractor licensed to perform specific types of work, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC installations.

Specifications or Specs

A detailed list of materials, model numbers, finishes, and features that outline the specifics of a construction or remodeling project.

Standard Practices of the Trades

The accepted minimum industry standards for construction and installation work, ensuring quality and compliance.

Subcontractor

A contractor hired by a general contractor to perform specialized work within a project, such as electrical or plumbing tasks.

Three-Way Switch

An electrical switch that allows control of a single fixture from two different locations, commonly used in staircases and large rooms.

Time & Materials Contract

A contract that breaks down labor (billed hourly), material costs, and overhead, commonly used for projects with variable scopes.

Tongue & Groove

A woodworking joint where the protruding edge (tongue) of one board fits into the recessed groove of another, often used in flooring and paneling.

Tread

The flat, horizontal surface of a step that supports foot traffic.

Trim

Decorative molding or woodwork installed around windows, doors, ceilings, and baseboards to enhance aesthetics and cover gaps.

Tube & Knob Wiring

An older electrical wiring method used before World War II, consisting of ceramic knobs and tubes to route and insulate electrical wires.

Two-Piece Toilet

A conventional toilet design consisting of a separate bowl and tank that are joined together upon installation.

Undercoat

A preparatory layer of paint applied before the final coat to improve adhesion, durability, and coverage; also known as a base coat or primer.

Vanity

A bathroom storage cabinet that sits beneath the sink or counter, often used to house plumbing and provide additional storage.

Vessel

A type of sink that rests partially or entirely above the countertop, often made of glass, porcelain, or stone, and designed for aesthetic appeal.

Walkthrough

A site visit where designers, architects, contractors, and/or subcontractors assess the project and review the scope of work.

Water-Saving Toilet

A toilet designed to use between 1.6 and 3.5 gallons of water per flush to reduce water consumption.

Watt

A unit of power measurement that indicates the electrical requirement of an appliance or fixture, calculated as voltage multiplied by amperage.

Weather-Stripping

The process of sealing gaps around windows and doors using materials like metal, wood, or plastic to prevent air and water infiltration.

Zoning

Government regulations that define how a property can be used, such as commercial, residential, industrial, or mixed-use. Zoning laws also dictate building height, density, and property setbacks.