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ASTM

American Society for Testing Materials.

Acre

A plot of land comprising 43,560 sq. ft.

Adhesive

A natural or synthetic material, generally in paste or liquid form, used to fasten or glue boards together, lay floor tile, fabricate plastic laminates, etc.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

A mortgage loan in which the interest rate changes throughout the life of a loan as an index changes with the market.

Aggregate

A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.

Air Space

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

Air-Dried Lumber

Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for length of time. The minimum moisture content of thoroughly air-dried lumber is usually 12 to 15 percent.

Alcove

A recess opening off a wall of a larger room. Often used as a sitting area, coatroom, or storage area.

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.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those, provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

Amortize

The method of paying down the principal of a loan over a period of time. In a traditional 30 year loan the amount of the loan is repaid, or amortized, with payments that also include interest over 30 years.

Ampere (Amps)

The rate of flow of electrical charge. Current = voltage / resistance.

Anchor

Any fastener (usually metal) used to attach parts, such as joists, trusses, posts, etc., to masonry or masonry materials.

Anchor Bolt

A threaded rod inserted in masonry construction to anchor the sill plate to the foundation.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.

Appraisal

An expert valuation of property.

Apron

Trim used under the stool on interior windows.

Arcade

A series of arches supported by columns or piers to provide an open passageway.

Arch

A curved structure that will support itself and the weight above its curved opening by mutual pressure.

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.

Areaway

Recessed area below grade around the foundation to allow light and ventilation into basement window.

Aromatic red cedar

Similar characteristics to (Western) red cedar. Primarily used in construction for chests and closet linings for its mothproof value.

Arris

A sharp edge formed when two planes or surfaces meet. Found on edges of moldings, doors, shelves, and in cabinet construction.

Ash Pit

The area below the hearth of a fireplace, which collects the ashes.

Asphalt shingles

Composition roof shingles made from asphalt impregnated felt covered with mineral granules.

Assessment

A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.

Assessor

A public official responsible for the evaluation of property for the purposes of taxation.

Assignee

A person to whom a transfer of interest is made in connection with a mortgage or contract for a home or piece of property.

Assignor

A person who makes an assignment for a mortgage or contract for a home or piece of property.

Atrium

A central hall or open court within a structure.

Attachment

The legal seizure of property to require payment of a debt.

Attic

The space between the roof and the ceiling.

Attic Access

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

Attic Ventilators

In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. They are located in the soffit area as inlet ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as outlet ventilators. They can also consist of power-driven fans used as an exhaust system. See LOUVER.

Awning Window

An out swinging window hinged at the top.