Definition of Concrete Block

Concrete Block

A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size. Often used in low rise commercial and some residential construction. The original design and use is attributed to the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

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concrete block and stucco.

Yard of Concrete

One cubic yard of concrete is 3' x 3' x 3' in volume, or 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3 ½" sidewalk or basement/garage floor.

Window Buck

Square or rectangular box that is installed within a concrete foundation or block wall. A window will eventually be installed in this "buck" during the siding stage of construction.

Courtyard home

A home with a courtyard as its main entrance.

Fiat Money

Fiat MOney is paper currency made legal tender by law or fiat. It is not backed by gold or silver and is not necessarily redeemable in coin. This practice has had widespread use for about the last 70 years. If governments produce too much of it, there is a loss of confidence. Even so, governments print it routinely when they need it. The value of fiat mOney is dependent upon the performance of the economy of the country which issued it. Canada's currency falls into this category.

Incontestable Clause

This clause in regular life insurance policy provides for voiding the contract of insurance for up to two years from the date of issue of the coverage if the life insured has failed to disclose important information or if there has been a misrepresentation of a material fact which would have prevented the coverage from being issued in the first place. After the end of two years from issue, a misrepresentation of smoking habits or age can still void or change the policy.

Living Will

This is a will which specifically expresses the testator's desire not to be kept alive on life support machines, should the occasion arise.

Money Laundering

This is the process by which "dirty mOney" generated by criminal activities is converted through legitimate businesses into assets that cannot be easily traced back to their illegal origins.

Suicide Clause

Generally, a suicide clause in a regular life insurance policy provides for voiding the contract of insurance if the life insured commits suicide within two years of the date of issue of the coverage.

Will

This is a legal document detailing how you want your assets to be distributed upon your death. You may also stipulate how you wish to be buried or who you would like to take care of any surviving dependent family members. In my opinion, it is very important to be quite specific about your wishes for the distribution of special assets such as the antique grandfather clock, the classic silver tea set or the antique piano. If you think that your beneficiaries may dispute how your things are to be distributed, consider stipulating that an auction be held in which all beneficiaries may bid on the item which they value and all mOneys collected are then shared in the same manner in which you distributed your other liquid assets. Your might want to remember that a will is automatically revoked upon marriage unless the will specifically states that the will is made in contemplation of marriage.

Commercial Business Loan (Credit Insurance)

An agreement between a creditor and a borrower, where the creditor has loaned an amount to the borrower for business purposes.

Gross Household Income

Gross household income is the total salary, wages, commissions and other assured income, before deductions, by all household members who are co-applicants for the mortgage.

Earnest money

A deposit made by potential home buyers during negotiations with the seller. The sum shows a seller that a buyer is serious about purchasing the property. The mOney usually is counted toward the down payment.

Townhouse

One of a row of houses connected with common side walls.

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.

Architect

One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans and sometimes supervises the construction of homes.

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.

Brick Veneer

A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction.

Construction Documents

All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific construction project.

Fuse

A device Often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines. See Circuit Breakers.

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

Living Square Footage

See square Footage, Living

Low-Voltage System

Provides security, entertainment, communications, environmental control, networking, and other functions generally powered by a signal cable, phOne line or data cable. Is not typically metered.

Riser

Vertical boards between the steps of a stairway.

Square Footage, Living

The square footage in a home that is heated and/or cooled. The space occupied by two-story rooms and stairwells is counted once in the lower floor's square footage. Living square footage does not include garages, bonus rooms, or porches unless otherwise noted.

Subfloor

The structural material that spans across floor joists. It serves as a working platform during construction and provides a base for the finish floor.

Zone

The section of a building that is served by One heating or cooling loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs. Also, the section of property that will be watered from a lawn sprinkler system.

Zone Valve

A device, usually placed near the heater or cooler, which controls the flow of water or steam to parts of the building; it is controlled by a zOne thermostat.

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