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Construction jargon

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Affinity Properties, Inc 509937

If you are pondering a new construction project for your home, you may need a good head start with the terminology to bring you up to speed on the construction options available to you. Construction jargon is a language in itself, but to get a good head start, all you need are the basics for the roof, foundation and insulation. Not all these products are created equal, so be sure to do your home work on precisely which styles and materials will serve your building project the best.

Roofing Types.

Roofs are mainly comprised of ten geometric shapes, each bringing their own sense of utility to the building project. The most popular is the Gable, a triangular mode with a pitch in the middle to drain water and snow form the peak. A variation is the Cross Gable, which adds another dimension with a decorative second Gable configuration. The Gambrel is similar to the Gable, with a flattened top most commonly found in barns and rural properties. The Saltbox resembles the Gable, with one side of the roof smaller than the other. A Mansard roof is constructed with a flat top and closely associated with the French chateau architecture. The Hipped roof is most suitable for larger eaves and a good choice for rainy climates. The Crossed Hipped version adds another dimension to the low-pitched structure. A Pyramidal roof is just that: a four-sided pyramid shape appropriate for smaller square building structures, and the Flat roof is the most basic and easiest to construct, however, may not be suitable for structures subject to heavy snow.

Insulation.

The insulation is the home's imbedded padding that serves an energy efficient component to keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Batt insulation is among the most common grade used for exterior walls, with one side of the panel covered in foil. Batt is also a popular choice for sound-proofing a room and may provide added protection against fire. Alternative insulation includes foam and blown grades made of cellulose that may sprayed into the drywall or laid like a blanket in the attic.

Foundation Types.

The structural foundation may be constructed of poured or block concrete, brick, stone or wood and must be laid according to code for your building area. Some states mandate a provision for a basement and you need to be sure that the material selection is approved for earthquake prone locations. The accuracy of the structure's foundation is the most important factor before construction to ensure there will be proper drainage, no leaning and tipping, and that the grade is strong enough for the number of floors you wish to build.

Retrofitting For Earthquakes.

The idea behind retrofitting a home is to build foundational strength to keep the property in tact during an earthquake. Many homes built prior to the 1960's may need a retrofit renovation to anchor the home to it's foundation, thus helping the interior and exterior walls to gain support and keep the roof in alignment during the shaking. Retrofitting costs are generally between 1 and 3 percent of the home's value and can lower the earthquake insurance premiums in some areas.

The author of this article has expertise in Austin real estate. The articles about Lakeway real estate reveals the author’s knowledge on the same. The author has published many articles in his Austin real estate blog as well.

Comments (2)

Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

 Very good information for the prespective home owner.

Mar 16, 2011 10:05 PM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

Thanks for the tips.  Realtors have told me that knowing construction terms and how a house works really helps their credibility with buyers and sellers.

Mar 16, 2011 10:32 PM