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Related terms

• Inspection

  A code official's review of work at defined stages (rough-in, framing, final) to verify compliance before the next phase can proceed. Fai…

• Hazard

  A condition or activity with potential to cause harm — electrical, structural, dust, fall, or material (lead, asbestos). Identifying haza…

• Insulation

  Material that resists heat flow, rated by R-value, installed in walls, ceilings, and floors. Opened walls are the opportunity to upgrade…

• Hard Costs

  The tangible construction costs — labor, materials, equipment — as opposed to soft costs like design fees, permits, and financing. Hard c…

• Joist

  One of the repetitive horizontal members that support a floor or ceiling, spanning between beams or walls. Joist size, spacing, and direc…

• Grout

  The material that fills and seals joints between tiles. Sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grouts differ in durability and stain resistance — ep…

• Knee Wall

  A short wall, typically under a sloped roof or supporting a counter or railing, that is less than full ceiling height.

• Grading

  Shaping the ground around a structure so water drains away from the foundation. Poor grading is a leading cause of basement and crawl-spa…