The manner in which a building is constructed, including the layout, floor plan, style and appearance, materials used, and the building technology employed.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once commonly used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. While its use has declined since the late 20th century due to health concerns, the presence of asbestos in older buildings remains a significant issue due to its potential health risks.
Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) refers to products that include asbestos, a mineral fiber that has been widely used in building materials due to its durability and resistance to heat. However, the use of asbestos has generally been prohibited since the early 1980s due to health risks.
Direct costs are expenses that are readily identifiable in the construction of real estate, including labor, materials, and contractor’s overhead and profit. These are contrasted with indirect costs, which include expenses like architect’s fees and interest during construction.
A frame house is a type of residential structure built using a wooden frame, typically covered with siding or veneer materials that provide both aesthetic appeal and added durability.
"Friable" refers to materials—most importantly asbestos—that can be easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. When asbestos is in a friable state, it releases fibers or particles into the air, which can then be inhaled or ingested, posing significant health risks, such as lung diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Insulation involves materials used to slow the transfer of heat through walls, roofs, and other elements of a building to reduce energy costs and help maintain a uniform internal temperature.
The lineal foot is a unit of measurement used in real estate to represent a one-foot length measured in a straight line along the ground. Commonly used in pricing land and determining costs for building materials, the concept assumes consistent depth or width.
Masonry is a durable and versatile method of exterior construction involving the use of materials such as brick, concrete block, or stone to create robust structural and aesthetic components of a building.
A moisture barrier is a layer of material such as foil, plastic, or paper used in the construction of exterior walls, ceilings, and foundations to prevent moisture penetration into wooden members or insulation, helping to protect the structural integrity and energy efficiency of buildings.
In the context of real estate and building materials, nonfriable typically refers to materials, specifically asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), that are in good condition and do not easily crumble to release fibers when handled.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a building material composed of rectangular-shaped wood strands arranged in layers at right angles to one another, forming a strong and stiff panel bonded with waterproof adhesives.
In real estate, pitch primarily refers to the slope or angle of a roof, which can greatly influence the property's design, function, and appeal. 'Pitch' can also denote a thick black substance used in construction and maintenance, such as driveway pavement or roof patching.
Specifications detailed instructions provided in conjunction with plans and blueprints for construction. Specifications may stipulate the type of materials to be used, special construction techniques, dimensions, and colors.
Veneer is a thin layer of material, typically wood or brick, applied over a less attractive or less expensive surface to enhance its appearance and provide a refined finish.
