E

Earnest Money

A partial payment made as part of the purchase price to bind a contract for property.

Earth Sheltered Dwelling

A structure, which uses soil to reduce heat loss (or gain).

Easement

An area of a piece of property given rights to another for the purpose of placing power lines, drains, and other specified uses.

Eastern fir

A softwood similar to spruce in its general characteristics. Used for siding, moldings, and general construction.

Eave Vent

Vent opening located in the soffit under the eaves of a house to allow the passage of air through the attic and out the roof vents.

Eaves

The lower portion of the roof that overhangs the wall.

Egress

A means of exiting the home. An egress window is required in every bedroom and basement.

Electrical Service Panel

Refers to the high-voltage electrical system's first point of entry into a home beyond the meter.

Elevations

The exterior view of a home design that shows the position of the house relative to the grade of the land.

Ell

An extension or wing of a building at right angles to the main section.

Energy Efficient

Method of construction or building practice by which less energy is used or consumed to produce the same level of energy service. 2. Materials, appliances, or other items designed to reduce consumption of energy while providing a specific energy output.

Equity

The market value less any loans against a property.

Escrow

An agreement in which the parties deposit money and/or legal documents with a third party who handles the transaction.

Escutcheon

Door hardware, which accommodates the knob and keyhole.

Excavation

A cavity or pit produced by digging the earth in preparation for construction.

Expansion Joint

A bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent cracking due to expansion as a result of temperature changes.

Expansive Clay

A type of soil, which swells when wet and produces very high-pressure against underground walls.