A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Glossary

A (TOP)

A/C- An abbreviated term which means Air Conditioning or Air Conditioner.

Anchor Bolts - Bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to foundation system.

Appraisal - A method of giving an estimate of fair market value for property.

Architectural shingles - Upgraded shingles that have added dimension because of extra layers and shadowing, giving the appearance of depth

B (TOP)

Backfill - Dirt or other material used to fill in around the foundation walls, built up (sloped) to drain water away from the foundation.

Base Molding - A decorative board used to cover the joint between wall and floor. May also be called baseboard molding.

Beam - A structural member bearing a load from one support to another.

Bearing wall - A wall that supports a load in addition to its own weight.

Bifold door - Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors.

Blueprints - Complete construction plans, drawn to scale, used by KanBuild Homes, Builders and subcontractors to build a structure. They usually include site plan, foundation plan and cross-section, floor plans, elevations, building and cross-sections, mechanical systems, and special construction details. The term blueprint derives from the chemically treated blue paper on which drawings are printed in white; the term commonly refers to any set of working home drawings, whether printed on blue, white, or other paper.

Building Code - Codes are established by building officials and others with first-hand knowledge of construction practices. They govern the requirements for construction in a given area. Codes may vary depending on the structure being built (i.e.: commercial, residential, multi family, etc.) KanBuild's homes and structures are built to meet or exceed the building code used for stick built homes. Manufactured homes (mobile) are built to a less strict code known as HUD code.

Bull nose (drywall) - Method of rounding corners on drywall. This term can also be associated with ceramic tile. It refers to a rounded edge tile.

C (TOP)

Cantilever - When one floor extends beyond the foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally, a cantilever does not extend more than 3 feet.

Casement Window- A window sash with hinges on one vertical side and swings open like a typical door. Is opened by using a crank style handle.

Casing - A trim molding installed either on the interior or exterior to cover the window frame or jamb and the rough openings between the window unit and the wall.

Caulking - A substance, usually waterproof, which is used to fill and seal joints or seams.

Ceiling joist - The horizontal framing members that support ceiling loads. Also may be called roof joists.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO) - A legal document issued by a building inspector, stating that a house has passed all inspections and is ready for utility hook-up and occupancy.

Chair Rail - A trim molding applied at chair back height horizontally along a wall to protect the wall finish from chairs being pushed against it. It is decorative, yet functional.

Change order - A document that modifies the plans, specifications and/or the price of the sales order. Once

Circuit Breaker - A safety feature for electrical distribution. If the demand for electricity on a particular circuit is excessive, the circuit breaker stops the flow of electricity through that circuit. The circuit breaker must manually be reset in order for electricity to flow to that circuit.

Collar ties - Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. Generally two inch members joining opposite roof rafters to strengthen the roof structure.

Commode - Toilet, water closet.

Contractor - An independent individual or company licensed to perform certain types of construction.

Crawl Space - In houses without slabs, pilings or basements it is the space enclosed by the foundation wall under the living space of the home.

Cricket - When two different roof pitches meet, a second roof is built on top of the primary roof to create a valley. This helps water drain.

Crown Molding - A decorative trim board installed horizontally to cover the joint between wall and ceiling.

Cultured Marble - A manufactured marble-like material commonly used for countertops and lavatory surfaces. It is water resistant, normally much lighter weight and less expensive than quarry marble.

D (TOP)

DP Rating (windows & doors) - stands for Design Pressure. The DP Rating is a value that determines the structural wind loading requirements of a window or door. Local and state building codes determine the DP Rating, which is required for the windows and doors used in your home.

Dead bolt lock - A security lock installed on exterior entry doors that can be activated only with a key or thumb-turn. Unlike a latch, which has a beveled tongue, dead bolts have square ends.

Decking - A term used to describe the sheeting placed on the floor framing or roof trusses. This product is generally OSB but may also be plywood.

Door stop - a piece of wood or some other material that is attached to the doorjamb to keep the door from swinging all the way through the jamb when closing.

Doorjamb, interior doors - The case installed in a doorway in which a door closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb. These 3 jambs have the "door stop" installed on them.

Dormer - A structure which protrudes from the roof. Dormers may have a window installed vertically inside of a small gable or may be used to extend the dimension of an upstairs room.

Double glass - Window or door in which two panes of glass have a sealed air space between the panes. Insulates the home from outside temperatures as well as noise. This may also be referred to as thermal pane glass.

Double hung window - A window that has two sashes which slide vertically in one frame. Both sashes are able to move independent of each other up and down.

Dry in - a term used with modular construction. It is the stage a home is at after being set onto the foundation and being safe from the weather elements. Keep in mind that most systems built homes are at least 80% complete once dried in.

Drywall - Is a panel made from gypsum used for interior wall and ceilings. The panels are either 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thick and nailed or screwed to the framing studs. To finish the drywall the joints must be taped and a joint compound must be applied and sanded. KanBuild primes the walls and ceilings once the drywall has dried. Also called wallboard, plaster board, gypsum board or sheetrock.

Ducts, Ductwork - Usually round or rectangular metal pipes installed to distribute warm and cold air from the heating and cooling source into the home.

E (TOP)

Eaves - The horizontal part of a roof that extends beyond the exterior side wall.

Egress - A means of exiting the home. Building codes generally determine the egress requirements for homes and other building structures.

Elevation Plan - A line drawing floor plan which shows the outside view of the house.

F (TOP)

Fascia - Material attached along the gable line of a home or other building structure. They may bee made of aluminum, metal, wood, vinyl or a composite. Drainage gutters are normally attached to the fascia.

Flashing - is used to cover joints and openings on roof and walls to protect against water leakage.

Flat paint - An interior paint that dries with a dull finish.

Floor Joists - The horizontal framing members that support the floor.

Floor Plan - Drawing of a home that shows the layout as if viewing from above.

Footer, footing - Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed at the base of foundation walls, columns and piers to help distribute the weight of the home over a larger area.

Floor truss - An engineered product designed to take the place of a floor joist. The advantage to floor trusses is strength and the space provided for wiring, plumbing and HVAC.

G (TOP)

Gable - The end wall of a home that extends from the eaves to the peak of the roof, normally it is triangular in shape.

GFCI, or GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - Generally these are outlets used in "wet areas" like the kitchen and bath. They utilize a plug that is designed to shut off all electric current.

H (TOP)

Header - A component constructed of multiple layers of lumber or LVL inserted into a wall or roof to carry a load in open spans of the wall or roof. Typical header areas are above doors and windows.

Heat Pump - A mechanical device used for heating and cooling which operates by pumping heat from a cooler to a warmer location. Heat pumps can extract heat from air, water, or the earth. They are classified as either air-source or geothermal units.

H V A C - An abbreviated term for Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Hip roof - A roof system where each wall's roof section slopes up to the peak of the roof. There are generally no gables with a Hip roof.

Hose bib - A water faucet located on the exterior of a home.

I (TOP)

Infiltration - The means of air passing from indoors to outdoors or vice versa; term is usually associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes in homes/buildings. KanBuild's modulars generally have less infiltration because of the extra measures they take to seal possible openings.

Inspections - Examination of work completed by an expert on any process or element of construction to determine compliance with code requirements. KanBuild requires in-plant inspections by team leaders, the quality control team as well as independent third party inspections.

Insulated glass- Window or door in which two panes of glass are sealed with air space between. Also referred to as Double glass or Thermal Pane.

Insulation - Any material used in construction to resist heat loss, protect against sound transmission or fire; also used to cover electrical conductors.

J (TOP)

Jamb - The case installed in a doorway or opening. It consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.

K (TOP)

L (TOP)

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) - A structural beam composed of wood laminates. They are pressure bonded with adhesives to attain a high integrity structural beam.

Landing - A platform used in stairs often when stair runs change directions.

M (TOP)

Mantel - The shelf and / or decorative trim around a fireplace opening.

Marriage Line - A term used in modular construction that identifies the place that two modules are joined together on the foundation.

Masonry - Term used when referring to materials set in mortar. (may include stone, brick, concrete, tile and glass block)

Mechanical Systems - General term for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical systems. While main plumbing and electrical lines are installed in KanBuild's plant, a Mechanical Systems Subcontractor will be required onsite to join utilities and install your HVAC.

Modular Builder (applicable to KanBuild) - A licensed contractor who has been approved to sell and build building components provided by KanBuild, Inc.

Modular Home (applicable to KanBuild) - A home constructed in multiple sections referred to as "modules" at the KanBuild plant in Osage City, KS. The construction method meets or exceeds the state and local building codes (the same code which governs conventional stick-built homes). The "modules" are then transported to the home site where they are assembled and finished on site by the local independent KanBuild Homes Builder.

Modular Manufacturer - An entity that builds modular building components in a controlled environment using an assembly line process. This building process has many advantages for builders as well as homebuyers.

Molding - A trim piece used for a decorative finish around doors, windows and around the top and bottom of walls. KanBuild uses wood molding, but other companies may use plastic molding as well.

N (TOP)

NEC (National Electrical Code) - Rules which govern wiring methods to optimize safety. Local codes may differ from the NEC.

Nonbearing wall - A wall that supports its own weight.

O (TOP)

On Center (OC) - A measurement for spacing studs, rafters and joists. I.e.: studs placed at 16" O.C. will be laid out so that there is 16" from the center of one stud to the center of the next.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) - A wood panel composed of compressed strands of wood fiber and resin. Can be used as an alternate sheathing on the walls, roof and floors.

Overhang - The part of a roof that extends past the outside wall.

P (TOP)

Panel box- The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each circuit.

Pedestal Sink - A sink bowl attached to a base leg without a cabinet.

Percolation Test (Perc test) - Soil test performed by a soil engineer to determine if the soil on a proposed building lot is capable of handling the discharge from a septic system. The results from this test dictate the best location for septic fields as well as the size of a septic system.

Permit - A certificate granted by a local government agency permitting construction to be performed within the criteria of the local codes. Permits must be obtained before work begins and each agency granting permits must inspect the work at specified points of construction.

PEX - a flexible pipe which is used for hot and cold water lines. There are many benefits to PEX pipe: it is generally quieter than rigid pipe systems, less likely to have scale buildup and is more withstanding in freezing temperatures than rigid pipes.

Plywood Lumber Beam - A structural beam comprised of dimensional lumber framing with a plywood skin.

Post Jack - An adjustable or fixed post in a basement or crawl space designed to carry specific point loads.

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R (TOP)

Rake - The horizontal part of a roof that extends beyond the exterior end wall.

Ridgevent - A vent that is horizontally applied at the peak (ridge) of a roof to allow for airflow in the attic space.

Roof Pitch - The degree or angle of slope of a roof. This is expressed as the amount of rise (vertical height) in relationship to the run (horizontal width). Ex. 5/12. The higher the first number the steeper the roof.

S (TOP)

Set - To move the modules onto the foundation via crane or roll on equipment.

Sill Plate - A treated piece of lumber placed on the foundation wall but beneath the module floor framing.

Single Hung - A window that has only one sash that slides vertically in the frame. The lower sash will raise to provide ventilation and egress.

Stud - A nominal 2 inch lumber product that is designed to be installed vertically in the wall. May be 2x3, 2x4 or 2x6 stud in KanBuild wall systems.

T (TOP)

Truss - A structural form which is used in the same way as a beam, but because it is made of an web-like assembly of smaller members it can be made longer, deeper, and therefore, stronger than a beam or girder while being lighter than a beam of similar dimensions.

U (TOP)

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Z (TOP)

Zoning - A governmental process which limits the use of a property or where a structure may be built. (I.e.: single family residential use, multi family residential use, commercial, etc.)