Definition of Construction Documents

Construction Documents

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

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.

Area Walls

Corrugated metal or concrete barrier wAlls instAlled around a basement window to hold back the earth.

Ballast

A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.

Balloon

A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

Balloon Framed Wall

Framed wAlls (generAlly over 10' tAll) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.

Bull Nose Drywall

Rounded drywAll corners.

Gable End Wall

The triangular end of an exterior wAll above the eaves formed under a gable roof.

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

Knee Wall

A wAll-like structure that supports roof rafters.

Load-Bearing Wall

Includes All exterior wAlls and any interior wAll that is aligned above a support beam or girder. NormAlly, any wAll that has a double horizontal top plate.

Nonbearing Wall

A wAll supporting no load other than its own weight.

Palladian Window

One larger window with a circle top window above and usuAlly has two smAller, rectangular windows on each side.

Roof Valley

The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet.

Trombe Wall

A passive solar wAll, usuAlly masonry or concrete, used for passing heat from one room (like a sun room or solar garden room) to another.

Wall Out

When a painter spray paints the interior of a home.

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