Home Additions Terms & Definitions

Blueprints

Construction plans that are used by builders and subcontractors to build a structure.

Building Code

Legal requirements covering all aspects of construction, established and enforced by local governments in order to protect public safety.

Center Beam

The wood or steel material that runs the length of the ground level of a house.

Concrete

A mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water that hardens into a rocklike material.

Drywall

A type of interior wall constructed using gypsum wallboard panels instead of traditional plaster.

Excavation

The removal of earth and/or rock to create an open area underground for a basement.

Footing

The widened supports at the base of the foundation walls.

Foundation

The walls that are partially below-ground, supporting the weight of the building above.

Framing

The process of constructing the internal skeleton of a structure, usually composed of wood or steel beams.

Grading

Preparing a site by digging or filling in earth/rock in order to accommodate the construction of a building.

Joists

A series of horizontal parallel beams that support a building's floor and ceiling.

Permit

Document issued by your local government agency that allows construction work to be performed.