Renovation dictionary
Date: Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Art deco
Bold geometric style of architecture and interior design popular from 1925 to 1940.
Bearer
Sub-floor timber that supports floor joists.
Builder's warranty
Compulsory insurance for builders that protects you from faulty work.
Cladding
A layer of metal, brick, timber or cement that protects the structural elements of a building.
Cornice
Molding at the top of the walls of a room used to join it to the ceiling.
Covenant
A binding agreement that states the structure must conform to specific standards.
Defect liability
Period of time indicated in the contract in which the builder has to rectify defects.
Eaves
Overhang at the edge of the roof that projects over the wall.
Fascia
A sheet or band running horizontally along ends of the roof rafters between moldings.
Flashing
Sheet metal that protects the walls and roof from moisture.
Gable
Triangular section of wall sitting between the ends of a sloping roof.
Grout
Thin mortar used to fill the joints and cravices found between tiles or masonry.
Hardwood
Wood harvested from broadleaf trees (eg. oaks, maples), unlike softwood (pine, fir).
Joist
Wood, steel or concrete beams providing the main structural support for a ceiling or floor.
Lintel
Horizontal structural member supporting the load over a door or window.
Louvre (or louver)
Parallel slat in a window or door that allows air and light to enter but keeps rain out.
Practical completion
Stage when building works are completed in accordance with the contract.
Render
Cement or plaster coating applied to brick or masonry walls .
Specifications
Detailed description of work to be undertaken and materials to be used in a renovation.
Truss
Rigid structural support (usually in a triangular shape) for roofs and floors.
Veneer
Thin layer of high-quality wood glued on top of inferior wood for aesthetic purposes.
Are you an expert renovator? Share your favourite building terminology here!
Bold geometric style of architecture and interior design popular from 1925 to 1940.
Bearer
Sub-floor timber that supports floor joists.
Builder's warranty
Compulsory insurance for builders that protects you from faulty work.
Cladding
A layer of metal, brick, timber or cement that protects the structural elements of a building.
Cornice
Molding at the top of the walls of a room used to join it to the ceiling.
Covenant
A binding agreement that states the structure must conform to specific standards.
Defect liability
Period of time indicated in the contract in which the builder has to rectify defects.
Eaves
Overhang at the edge of the roof that projects over the wall.
Fascia
A sheet or band running horizontally along ends of the roof rafters between moldings.
Flashing
Sheet metal that protects the walls and roof from moisture.
Gable
Triangular section of wall sitting between the ends of a sloping roof.
Grout
Thin mortar used to fill the joints and cravices found between tiles or masonry.
Hardwood
Wood harvested from broadleaf trees (eg. oaks, maples), unlike softwood (pine, fir).
Joist
Wood, steel or concrete beams providing the main structural support for a ceiling or floor.
Lintel
Horizontal structural member supporting the load over a door or window.
Louvre (or louver)
Parallel slat in a window or door that allows air and light to enter but keeps rain out.
Practical completion
Stage when building works are completed in accordance with the contract.
Render
Cement or plaster coating applied to brick or masonry walls .
Specifications
Detailed description of work to be undertaken and materials to be used in a renovation.
Truss
Rigid structural support (usually in a triangular shape) for roofs and floors.
Veneer
Thin layer of high-quality wood glued on top of inferior wood for aesthetic purposes.
Are you an expert renovator? Share your favourite building terminology here!
