Essential Construction Terms for Your Pre-Built Home

Essential Construction Terms for Your Pre-Built Home

Purchasing a new pre-construction home gives you the opportunity to build your dream home without compromising on style and quality. While you’re narrowing down your homesite, floorplan options, and included features, it’s helpful to know some of the common construction terms that will be discussed during your homebuilding and buying process.

Key Construction Terms Explained

Breaker Box

Metal box containing all electrical circuit breakers.

Cornice

Exterior finish on a building: trim, siding, windows and doors.

Damper

Device used in A/C systems, ducts, fireplaces, etc. to block airflow.

Dormer

Minor structure projecting from a sloping roof; usually containing a window or ventilating louver.

Easement

Right or privilege to use land, other than as a tenant, for a specific purpose, such as utility or telephone lines running through property.

Fascia

Wooden or flat board run around home to cover rafter tails.

Flashing

Sheet metal strips used to prevent leakage over windows, doors, etc., and around protrusions through the roof, such as chimneys, exhaust vents or step gables.

Foundation

Part of a building that supports the entire structure above it.

Header

Structural element used in the area above a door or window opening to carry the weight perpendicularly to studs.

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; also known as climate control. Main drain for the A/C unit ties directly into a bath drain. Secondary drain located over a window as a backup in case of primary drain stoppage.

Joist

Piece of lumber running across the ceiling of a room from top plate on which the sheetrock is attached.

P-Trap

Curve in drainpipes designed to hold water and prevent gas from re-entering the home.

Sheathing

First layer of outer wall covering nailed to the studs.

Soffit

Underside of roof overhang; exposed underside of the roof-projection of eaves, frequently with openings for attic ventilation.

Strike Plate

Metal plate that engages bolt when door is closed; attached to doorjamb.

Swale

Shallow channel designed to allow water to drain away from the home. Swales are normally cut down property lines from back to front with the yards on either side sloping towards the swale.

Vapor Barrier

Used to prevent moisture from passing from one area to another – walls, slab, etc. – usually polyethylene.

Water Cut-Off

Valve at water service to allow water shut off to home – can be outside or inside behind an access panel.

Weep Holes

Regular spaces between bricks (usually every 4) on bottom course of wall to allow air circulation and provide a conduit for accumulated moisture to drain from behind the brick wall.

Understanding these construction terms will help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively during your homebuilding process. With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to create the perfect home that meets all your needs and preferences.