Glossary of Remodeling Terms
Here is a list of terms to help you communicate with and understand your home remodeling contractor:
Bid Phases - The different phases in a remodeling project. These are organized to ensure smooth completion and scheduling of various contractors. Examples of bid phases include framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, installation of appliances, and painting.
Blueprints - A set of working plans that show all the details and aspects of the remodeling project. They are nicknamed "blueprints" because they are printed in blue ink.
Certificate of Occupancy - Once all municipal codes or rules and regulations for housing construction are met, the housing inspector will issue a certificate of occupancy. This document verifies that all the work meets city standards and that the dwelling can be legally occupied.
Change Order - When the work under contract is altered or changed, a written agreement known as a change order is created to document the details as an addendum to the original contract between the homeowner and the remodeler.
Contractor Grade - Also known as "builder grade" this refers to products of average quality. Contractors use these to save money, but homeowners may prefer to pay extra for upgraded quality.
Cost Estimate Sheet - When bidding on a job, the contractor will submit a written list of anticipated expenses and this cost estimate sheet will give the homeowner an overview of remodeling costs. The estimate should include both labor and materials broken down and itemized.
Elevations - In architectural terms an elevation refers to drawings on blueprints, and these are used to illustrate such things as the size of a room, the placement of stairs, doorways, and windows, and the dimensions of the various components of the building.
Footing - The foundation that supports a structure is called the footing or "footer" and these are usually made of concrete and anchored partially under the ground. Unless the footing is stable and strong, the entire building will be a risk for shifting, settling, or falling.
Functional Obsolescence - This term refers to aspects of a design or layout that do not serve a desired purpose or are outdated and outmoded. A kitchen with an outdated stove or inadequate space for ease of movement and food preparation, for example, suffers from functional obsolescence and needs to be remodeled or updated.
General Contractor - When there are many different types of contractors working on a remodeling project, the one who coordinates and supervises all of them and serves as a liaison between the workers and the homeowner is known as the General Contractor.
GFCI Outlets - GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and these are specially designed outlets that cut off the electrical flow to prevent accidents and electrocution. GFCI outlets are typically required when an electrical outlet is in close proximity to water such as in kitchens and bathrooms.
HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.