Building Terms - “A”

A/C - 1) An abbreviation for an air conditioner or for air conditioning in general. 2) Abbreviation used in electronics for alternating current as in AC/DC.

A/C Condenser - The outside fan unit of an Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the Freon gas and turns the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace. One of two main components of a typical home heating/cooling system, the other is the air handler (see below)

A/C Disconnect - The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser. A seperate power shut off, in addition to the circuit breaker in the homes main breaker box,  is installed at the air conditioning unit for the safety and ease of access for those preforming maintenance on the unit. 

Aerator - 1) The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow. Often water flow issues can be easily solved by cleaning this little screen out. 2) A machine or tractor attachment used in landscaping and turf management.

Aggregate - Fine aggregates, such as sand and crushed stone, and coarse aggregates, like rock, pebbles and stone, are used in cement, concrete gypsum and other materials to provide strength, volume or other desired physical characteristics. 

Air Ducts - Also known as HVAC or air conditioning ducts these carry conditioned air from the air handler or furnace throughout the home to the vents in each room. 

Air Handler - One of two major parts of a typical home heating/cooling system. Typically located in the home, possibly in the attic or basement. The air handler circulates the conditioned air through the air ducts of the home. A blower fan and air filter are located within the air handler unit.

Air space - The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. 

Allowance(s) - 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. Builders will often use the “allowance” system when bidding a semi-custom or true custom home.

Amortization - A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.

Anchor bolts- Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, masonry floor or wall. Anchor bolts also come into play with hurricane strapping. 

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 which provides an opinion of property value. The market value of a home is often determined by a licensed home appraiser. Appraisals are often requested by banks and lending institutions. Keep in mind, however, that a piece of land or a home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it - no matter what it is appraised for.

Apron - A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill. Often the site of wood rot or leakage issues of the apron is installed incorrectly or is especially old or weathered.

Architect - One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. Depending on your area you most likely will need a licensed architect or home designer to prepare an official set of floor plans for your new home. Even if it is not required it is highly recommended to have a professional licensed architect, home designer and/or engineer review your floor plan.

Area wells - Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth. Also called window wells in some areas. 

Assessment - 1) A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property. 2) A fee levied by a Home Owners Association, or like body, on property owners within a community to raise funds.

Assumption - Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. Rules and laws dealing with assuming loans can get complicated and change from area to area. Be sure to discuss anything of this nature with a loan officer and an attorney prior to taking any action. 

Astragal - A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes. 

Attic access - An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic. These are also called scuttle holes, or access holes. 

Attic Ventilators - In home building these are screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. In a ventilated attic style home a great deal of heat, both from within the home and from sunlight on the roof, can build up within the attic. These ventilators help move that heat out of the home.

–This is an ever expanding and changing list. Something I should add in? Have an expanded or different definition for an item? Call something above by a different name in your area? Let me know by dropping your comment in the form below.  Thank you!