Building Glossary
Terminology
Whether you are considering building your own house or hiring a building contractor you will definitely find this comprehensive building glossary useful, so why not print out a copy and keep it close to hand on your next building project?
Aggregate - The collective term for sand, gravel and stone, which can be
used to make concrete amongst other things, used within the building
profession. They can be compacted to firmly fill a space and are often bound
together with cement, to make concrete or bitumen, to re-surface roads
Appraisal - A valuation of a building undertaken by an expert.
Apron - A trim board, installed under a window sill.
Bonding agent - A substance which is used to bond two different parts or objects together
Beam - A horizontal support which carries the weight of a building load
Bearing partition - A partition in a building which supports its own weight and that of a vertical load
Bearing wall - A wall which supports its own weight and that of any vertical load
Blue print - Often used for architectural drawings of proposed buildings, a blue print is a copy of the planned building structure. This term usually describes the architect’s drawing and is used for a variety of necessary activities including securing permits etc.
British Standards - Specific standards established and approved by the British Standards Institute as regards the performance of products or methods.
Bill of quantities - A list of the items with a cost value that will be required in the construction of a building
Building Regulations – Legislation detailing the methods and requirements
for the construction of buildings, taking into account health and safety
issues.
Cantilever - An overhang. Where one floor juts out over a foundation wall.
Normally, not projecting over 2 feet.
