Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) refers to any material or product containing more than one percent asbestos. Asbestos, used for its strength and heat-resistant properties, is harmful when inhaled, leading to serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
The manner in which a building is constructed, including the layout, floor plan, style and appearance, materials used, and the building technology employed.
In real estate and construction, backfilling is the process of refilling a previously excavated area with soil or other materials. It is a crucial step in construction to ensure stability, proper drainage, and to support structures.
A bearing wall, also known as a load-bearing wall, is a crucial structural element in construction that supports the weight of the objects above it, providing stability to the building.
A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber, defined as one foot wide, one foot long, and one inch thick, or 144 cubic inches. Notably, the dimensions refer to the nominal width and thickness of lumber, which are initially measured before drying and planing processes.
Building codes are a set of regulations that govern the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. These codes aim to ensure the safety, health, and general welfare of the building occupants and the public.
Building inspection is a crucial process involving a physical review of property as it proceeds under construction to ensure that each major component meets building codes. This includes inspection of foundations, plumbing, electrical wiring, roofing, and other materials. It also encompasses periodic inspection of existing public buildings for health and safety considerations.
A building permit is an official authorization granted by a local government entity that allows for the construction, expansion, modification, or renovation of a building or structure. This legal requirement ensures that construction complies with building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards.
A Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) is a legal document issued by a local government agency or building department certifying that a building complies with applicable building codes and is safe for occupancy.
A demising partition is a barrier or partition used to separate two adjacent tenant spaces or to separate a tenant space from common areas, such as corridors, in commercial real estate. This term is commonly used in the context of lease agreements and construction specifications.
Demolition is the process of tearing down and removing an existing structure, typically to clear a site for new development or construction. This can involve a variety of methods, depending on the size, location, and type of construction of the building to be demolished.
A developer is an individual or company that improves raw land into improved property by utilizing labor, capital, and entrepreneurial efforts.
Development refers to the process of adding improvements to a parcel of land, which can include drainage, utilities, subdividing, access, and buildings. It encompasses all activities from the preparation of detailed plans to securing government permits and the actual construction.
Erosion refers to the gradual wearing away of soil, rock, or other surface materials through natural processes such as water flow, wind, or glacier movement. It is a critical concept in real estate, agriculture, environmental planning, and construction, as it affects land stability, property values, and ecosystem health.
A gambrel roof is a type of roofing architecture featuring two slopes on either side where the lower slope is notably steeper than the upper, flatter sections, commonly found in barn houses, colonial buildings, and Dutch-influenced homes.
In the realm of real estate and construction, grading refers to ground level adjustments and the preparation of a smooth surface on a site, generally for the purpose of laying a foundation.
A hip roof, also known as hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, typically with a fairly gentle slope.
Improved land refers to property that has been enhanced with certain modifications and development activities to make it more useful and potentially more valuable compared to raw land.
Latent defects are hidden flaws in a property that are not apparent at the time of purchase or during an initial inspection but may reveal themselves later, often causing significant issues.
A lien waiver is a document from a contractor, subcontractor, materials supplier, or other party to the construction project, stating they have received payment and waive any future lien rights to the property for the amount received.
A load-bearing wall is an essential structural component of a building that supports the weight from the roof, floor, and above stories, transferring weight to the foundation.
A lot is an individual parcel of land within a subdivision's plat. This land unit must have the appropriate zoning designation to be considered buildable and suitable for construction.
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.
Molding refers to ornamental strips of material, such as wood, used to cover joints between walls and ceilings, and to trim door and window frames. It adds a decorative touch to interiors and can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space.
A legal notice filed after the completion of construction that signals the time frame during which an unpaid contractor can legally file a mechanic’s lien.
Expenditures related to construction that are spent away from the place of construction. Off-site costs can include expenses associated with extending utilities and infrastructure needed to service a development project.
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.
Overbuilding occurs when there is more real estate construction in a specific area than the market can absorb within a reasonable amount of time. This imbalance between supply and demand often leads to vacant properties and lower rental rates.
A permit is a vital document issued by a government regulatory authority that grants the bearer the right to perform specific activities such as constructing, modifying, or occupying a building.
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.
A rafter is a structural member, often made of timber or a beam, that supports a roof by providing a framework from the ridge or hip of the roof to the wall plate.
Real Property Trades or Businesses encompass various activities in real estate such as development, construction, rental, and management. For tax purposes, a taxpayer must own an interest greater than 5% in the business for the hours to count toward material participation.
Redevelopment involves the demolition of existing improvements and the construction of new improvements on a site. The new improvements often differ from the old ones in various aspects...
Rehabilitating a property involves restoring a structure to a condition of good repair, making it functional and habitable again, and potentially increasing its value.
Renovate refers to the process of upgrading or improving an existing structure, aiming to either restore it to its original condition or modernize it while preserving its general appearance. This process typically involves more extensive changes than remodeling but less than rehabilitating.
A retaining wall is a structure designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to (typically a steep, near-vertical, or vertical slope). They are frequently used in landscaping, construction, and flood prevention to prevent the erosion of soil and manage water runoff.
Rough-In in construction refers to the initial phase of fitting the crucial systems of a building. This includes plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installations within the un-finished walls, flooring, and ceilings, setting the groundwork for the final installations. It prepares the building for final connections.
Scale refers to the proportional relationship between the dimensions of a drawing, plan, or model and the dimensions of the physical object it represents. It is crucial in real estate and construction for accurate representation and implementation of designs.
Settling refers to the movement, generally a sinking or shifting, of a building due to its weight and/or soil shrinkage. It's normal and expected to some degree, varying based on construction and soil characteristics.
A 'Shell' refers to the structural frame of a building that has been completed to a point where it is ready for tenant improvements. This typically includes the main structure, basic utilities, and HVAC installations, but lacks interior finishings.
Site improvements refer to modifications and enhancements made to a parcel of land to increase its usability, safety, and appearance, facilitating better utility of any structures built on it.
A site-built home is a type of residential structure that is constructed primarily on its assigned site using stock materials. Although some components may be prefabricated off-site, the home is erected, framed, and finished by workers on location.
The soffit is the underside of a roof that extends beyond the exterior walls, covering the eaves.
Soil boring tests are crucial procedures in the field of geotechnical engineering to determine the subsurface soil and rock conditions, commonly conducted before construction projects.
Soil boring tests are geologic engineering tests conducted to determine the ability of the soil to support proposed structures and to ascertain the necessary foundation design based on soil strength and properties.
Speculative building involves land development or construction without a formal commitment from end users, with the expectation that demand exists or will form for the finished product.
A surveyor is a professional who specializes in determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. They typically work on land surveys to establish property boundaries, create topographic maps, and facilitate construction projects. In real estate, surveyors play a crucial role in validating property lines, legal descriptions, and ensuring compliance with zoning and building codes.
Sustainable development refers to a philosophy that views construction within the constraints of long-term environmental health, emphasizing building to meet human needs without compromising the ability of the natural environment to support such development.
Topography refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It encompasses the terrain, elevation, and landforms, and significantly influences real estate value, construction feasibility, and property management.
A turnkey project is a type of development where the developer completes the entire project on behalf of a buyer, turning over the keys upon completion. This comprehensive approach includes all necessary activities such as land purchases, permits, planning, and construction.
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.
