Words
Words
The vocabulary of home projects, in plain language.
- Addendum
- A written change or addition to an agreement, signed by both sides.
- Allowance
- A set amount in an estimate for items not yet chosen, such as tile or lighting.
- Backsplash
- The material on the wall behind a sink or stove that protects it from splashes.
- Building department
- The local office that reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work.
- Change order
- A written record of a change to the scope, with its price and schedule effect.
- Code
- The set of local rules for how buildings must be built and altered.
- Contingency
- Money set aside, apart from the main budget, for surprises found during work.
- Deposit
- An up-front payment. Limits and customs vary by state.
- Estimate
- A written, approximate price for described work. May or may not be fixed.
- Exclusion
- Something the price does not include.
- Grout
- The filler between tiles. It needs sealing and care in wet areas.
- Inspection
- A check by the local authority that work meets code at a set stage.
- License
- Official permission to work in a trade, where a state or locality requires it.
- Lien
- A legal claim against property for unpaid work or materials. Rules vary by state.
- Permit
- Official approval from the local authority to carry out certain work.
- Primer
- A base coat that helps paint stick and hides stains or color changes.
- Punch list
- A written list of small items left to finish or fix at the end of a project.
- Scope of work
- The written description of the tasks included in a project.
- Sheen
- How shiny a paint finish is, from flat to gloss.
- Soft costs
- Project costs other than materials and labor, such as permits and design.
- Subcontractor
- A tradesperson hired by the main contractor for part of the work.
- Subfloor
- The structural layer under the finished floor.
- Underlayment
- A thin layer between the subfloor and the finished floor.
- Vanity
- A bathroom cabinet that holds a sink.
- Warranty
- A written promise about the work or product, with its length and limits.
- Waterproofing
- Layers that keep moisture out of walls and floors, especially in showers.
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