Definition of Attic Access

Attic Access

An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic. Sometimes found in halls, closets or garages.

Attic Ventilators

Screened openings in houses to allow for ventilation of an attic space.

Home Equity

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

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.

Tray ceiling

A flat ceiling with a raised center portion.

Vaulted ceiling

An arched ceiling.

Air Space

The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.

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.

Basement Foundation

A basement is a usable foundation that typically has ceiling heights of 8' and is often finished off as living or storage space.

Coffered Ceiling

A ceiling with recessed square panels, bordered with trim for ornamental purposes.

Crawlspace Foundation

The space between the ground and the first floor of a home, usually no higher than four feet.

Crawlspace Vent

An opening to allow the passage of air through the unexcavated area under a first floor. Ideally there should be at least two vents per crawlspace.

Flat Ceiling

A ceiling with no change in elevation.

Insulated Ceiling (I.C.)

Marking on recessed lighting fixture indicating that it is designed for direct insulation contact.

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

Slab Foundation

For a slab foundation, the site is leveled off, and a trench is dug around the perimeter of the home site. Gravel is then spread across the site, and concrete is poured approximately four inches thick over wire mesh and a moisture barrier. In areas of load bearing walls, trenches need to be dug to allow for additional thickness at this location. Slab foundations have no piers or floor joists, and the concrete slab is the floor system.

Stick-Built Home

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

Tray Ceiling

A decorative ceiling treatment used to add volume and/or height to a room. 2 Common types are: 1) Angled area toward the center leading to a flat ceiling surface, and 2) Stepped square edged leading toward the center of the ceiling.

Vaulted Ceiling

A ceiling that angles upward on one or both sides to create volume in the room.

Ventilation

Creates a positive flow of air that allows the house to "breathe" and helps prevent moisture build-up year-round.

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