Definition of Backout

Backout

Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical (heating, plumbing & electrical) subcontractors finish their phase of work at the rough stage prior to insulating to get the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally, the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others and completes all framing necessary to pass a Rough Frame Inspection.

Inspection Report

This is a telephone interview of the person applying for life insurance conducted by someone from the underwriting department of the insurance company. Some insurance companies only sporadically contact applicants and some contact every applicant. On average the interview lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. The questions asked relate to personal habits (like smoking and alcohol consumption) and finances, including income and net worth, confirmation of employment, duties and the nature of the applicant's business. In addition, there are questions about driving, sports, aviation and currently held insurance. all information obtained is strictly confidential and is submitted solely to the underwriter for review.

Home Equity

The difference between the price for which a home could be sold (market value) and the total debts registered against it.

Inspection

The examination of the house by a building inspector selected by the purchaser.

Coach home

One of a group of homes in a two-story building, with own garage and entrance.

Courtyard home

A home with a courtyard as its main entrance.

Home warranty

Like any other warranty, this guarantees the property against failure of mechanical systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and installed appliances.

Patio home

Small, single-family home with a patio.

Single-family home

A detached house.

Allowance

A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures.

Area Walls

Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth.

Ballast

A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.

Balloon

A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

Balloon Framed Wall

Framed walls (Generally over 10' tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.

Braced Framing

A construction method in two-story homes in which the Frame is reinforced with posts and braces.

Bull Nose Drywall

Rounded drywall corners.

Ductwork

A system of large tubes, pipes or channels (ducts) designed to deliver air to and from a furnace or other air-handling unit.

Electrical Rough

work performed by the electrical contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires, and outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed (before insulation).

Electrical Service Panel

Refers to the high-voltage electrical system's first point of entry into a home beyond the meter.

Forced Air Heating

A common form of heating with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed thRough a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house.

Framer

The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber and erects the Frame, flooring system, interior walls, backing, trusses, rafters, decking, installs all beams, stairs, soffits and all work related to the wood structure of the home. The Framer builds the home according to the blueprints and must comply with local building codes and regulations.

Gable End Wall

The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves formed under a gable roof.

Interior Finish

aterial used to cover the interior framed areas of walls and ceilings

Knee Wall

A wall-like structure that supports roof rafters.

Load-Bearing Wall

Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double horizontal top plate.

Nonbearing Wall

A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.

Palladian Window

One larger window with a circle top window above and usually has two smaller, rectangular windows on each side.

Rafter

One of a series of beams that form the slope of a pitched roof and are analogous to floor joists.

Roof Valley

The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet.

Stick-Built Home

A house built without prefabricated parts. Also called conventional building.

Trombe Wall

A passive solar wall, usually masonry or concrete, used for passing heat from one room (like a sun room or solar garden room) to another.

Walk Through

A final Inspection of a home before "closing" to look for and document problems that need to be corrected.

Wall Out

When a painter spray paints the interior of a home.

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