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Reference - Construction Terms
Use the glossary/index below to find definitions of construction terms.
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Accessory Structure
In one- and two-family dwellings not more than three stories high with separate means of egress, a building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main building, and which is located on the same lot.
Addition
An extension or increase in the accessible floor area of a residence that is heated and cooled will be considered an addition to the livable dwelling space in a residence. Conversion of unheated garage space to heated and cooled living space will be considered an addition to the livable dwelling space in a residence. Conversion of empty space in a vaulted ceiling area to add accessible floor area will be considered an addition to the livable dwelling space in a residence.
Aggregate
A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.
Architectural documents
Any medium that refers to or depicts architectural works, structures, parts of structures, or designs, whether built or unbuilt. Included are textual documents such as specifications and letters; graphic documents such as drawings, prints, and photographs; models; and any other visual media that concern any portion of the built or unbuilt environment. Subjects may include not only architectural works, but also related subjects such as furniture, engineering designs, naval architecture, textiles, architectural ornaments, paper architecture, studies, landscape designs, and stage designs.
Architectural Drawing
A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building.
Architectural Drawing
A drawing which shows the plan view and/or elevations of the finished building for the purpose of showing the general appearance of the building, indicating all accessory locations.
Area
Unit of measure of length times width expressed in square inches or feet.
As-Built Drawing
A drawing or print marked by the Contractor to show actual conditions of a project as constructed after construction.
Backfill
The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundation wall.
Backing
Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than week drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall.
Baffle
A partial blocking against the flow of wind or sound.
Ballast
A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.
Balloon Framed Wall
Framed walls (generally over 10' tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.
Balustrade
The rail, posts, and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.
Barge
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.
Base or Baseboard
A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor.
Bat
A half-brick. Used in masonry construction.
Beam
A structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes called a "girder".
Bench
A relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.
Bearing Partition
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bearing Point
A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation
Bearing Wall
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bearing Header
• A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening.
• A wood lintel.
• The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).
Bedrock
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
Blue Print(s)
A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.
Breaker panel
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers. (Also see Electrical Panel)
Breezeway
A roofed walkway with open sides.
Bridging
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists or rafters at mid-span for the purpose of bracing the joists/rafters & spreading the load.
BTU
British thermal unit (unit used to measure thermal (heat) energy; it is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level starting at 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Building Construction Code
A series of ordinances enacted by a state or local governmental entity, establishing minimum requirements that must be met in the construction and maintenance of buildings. Building codes and Community ordinances governing the way in which a home may be constructed or modified.
Building Code
The legal requirements set up by the prevailing various governing agencies covering the minimum acceptable requirements for all types of construction.
Building Inspector/Official
A qualified government representative authorized to inspect construction for compliance with applicable building codes, regulations, and ordinances. Courts have ruled that building inspections are exempt from errors and omissions liabilities.
Building Permit Application
A legal document that contains information regarding the application for a permit to perform specific construction, installation, or changes to equipment, mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical components or the demolition of structures on site.
If you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion within the structure, you may be required to obtain permits. Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits, or others:
• building
• electrical
• mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
• plumbing (gas, water, or sewer)
Specific requirements and applicable codes vary by type of work to be performed.
Building Permit
A written document issued by the appropriate governmental authority permitting construction to begin on a specific project in accordance with drawings and specifications approved by the governmental authority.
Building Process
A term used to express every step of a construction project from its conception to final acceptance and occupancy.
Building Plans
A complete set of plans that details all the work to be performed as listed on the building permit application. Plans must be “wet-sealed” or stamped by the licensed professional that prepared the drawings. If the plans are drawn by the homeowner each page must be signed by the homeowner.
Cantilever
An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall.
Cantilevered Void
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical sides of 6" and 4" respectively.
Cavity Wall
Double masonry wall having an air space between the wyths.
Ceiling Joist
One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.
CFM (cubic feet per minute)
A rating that expresses the amount of air a blower or fan can move. The volume of air (measured in cubic feet) that can pass through an opening in one minute.
Certificate of Occupancy
If you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion or tenant space within the structure, you may be required to obtain local permits and a site plan approval or site plan exemption.
Check Valve
A valve that permits passage through a pipe in only one direction.
Circuit
The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground.
Circuit Breaker
A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box. It is designed to (1) shut of the power to portions or the entire house and (2) to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit (measured in amperes). 110-volt household circuits require a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps. 220-volt circuits may be designed for higher amperage loads e.g., a hot water heater may be designed for a 30-amp load and would therefore need a 30-amp fuse or breaker.
Codes
Prevailing regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements set forth by governmental agencies associated with building construction practices and owner occupancy, adopted, and administered for the protection of public health, life safety and welfare.
Code Analysis
This shows the codes being used, the occupancy classification of the structure and the construction type. (Construction type for residential is usually VB)
Cold Air Return
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.
Collar Beam
Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.
Column
A vertical structural compression member which supports loads.
Combustion Air
The duct work installed to bring fresh, outside air to the furnace and/or hot water heater. Normally 2 separate supplies of air are brought in: one high and one low.
Compressor
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).
Concrete
The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).
Condensate Line
The copper pipe that runs from the outside air conditioning condenser to the inside furnace (where the a/c coil is located).
Condensing Unit
The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat.
Conduit, electrical
A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed.
Construction Documents
All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific construction project.
Construct
To assemble and combine construction materials and methods to make a structure.
Construction
The act or process of constructing.
Construction Documents
A term used to represent all drawings, specifications, addenda, other pertinent construction information associated with the construction of a specific project.
Consultant
One hired by the owner or client to give professional advice.
Control Joint
Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors to "control" where the concrete should crack.
Cooling Load
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer, usually 78° F, regardless of outside temperature.
Corbel
The triangular, decorative, and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.
Corner Braces
Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
Cornice
Overhang of a pitched roof, usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit, and appropriate trim moldings.
Contractor
A company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities. In most states, the general contractor's license and some specialty contractor's licenses don't require of compliance with bonding, workmen's compensation and similar regulations. Some of the specialty contractor licenses involve extensive training, testing and/or insurance requirements. There are various types of contractors:
- General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision and overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the individual construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed to perform all specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for such tasks, e.g., electrical, plumbing, mechanical, masonry.
- Sub-contractor - a specialty contractor who works for a general contractor.
Cure
To allow concrete to dry slowly by keeping it moist to allow maximum strength.
Cut and Fill
Also known as excavation (cut – earth that is removed) and embankment (fill – earth that is brought in or added).
Dead Load
All the weight in a structure made up of unmovable materials.
Deed
Also known as a property deed is a legal document that transfers the ownership of real estate from a seller to a buyer. For a deed to be legal it must state the name of the buyer and the seller, describe the property that is being transferred, and include the signature of the party that is transferring the property.
Dormer
An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.
Down Drain
A device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility.
Downspout
A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater down from the roof's horizontal gutters.
Drawings
1. A term used to represent that portion of the contract documents that graphically illustrates the design, location and dimensions of the components and elements contained in a specific project
2. A line drawing.
Drywall (or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB), Sheet rock or Plasterboard)
Wall board or gypsum - A manufactured panel made from gypsum plaster and encased in a thin cardboard. Usually 1/2" thick and 4' x 8' or 4' x 12' in size. The panels are nailed or screwed onto the framing and the joints are taped and covered with a 'joint compound'. 'Green board' type drywall has a greater resistance to moisture than regular (white) plasterboard and is used in bathrooms and other "wet areas".
Easement
A formal contract which allows a party to use another party's property for a specific purpose. e.g., A sewer easement might allow one party to run a sewer line through a neighbor’s property.
Easement
The right to use land owned by another, such as a utility company's right-of-way.
Eaves
The horizontal exterior roof overhang.
Egress
A means of exiting a space. Normally a 4' X 4' window is the minimum size required.
Electrical Rough
Work performed by the electrical contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires, and outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed (before insulation).
Electrical Load Calculations
The electrical load is the calculation of how much power is required to run everything that consumes electricity in your home. When making significant electrical additions to a home, everything that will use electricity to run is calculated to find the electrical load.
Electrical Trim
Work performed by the electrical contractor when the project is nearing completion. The electrician installs all plugs, switches, light fixtures, smoke detectors, appliance "pig tails", bath ventilation fans, wires the furnace, and "makes up" the electric panel. The electrician does all work necessary to get ready for and to pass the electrical final inspection.
Elevation
The drawings of the front, sides, or rear face of a building.
Excavation
Cavity or pit produced by digging the earth in preparation for construction.
Expansion Joint
Fibrous material (@1/2" thick) installed in and around a concrete slab to permit it to move up and down (seasonally) along the non-moving foundation wall.
Energy Code Worksheet
This is done through ResCheck and it is an energy assessment report worksheet of the structure.
Fabrication
Work done on parts of a structure at the factory before delivery to the building site.
Facade
Face or front elevation of a building.
Facility or Site Analysis
A visual inspection of a building and on-site improvements for functional or physical deterioration; prepare optional Replacement Cost Estimate for making recommendations to improve functional and physical deficiencies to increase market value; AND/OR prepare a Reserve Study over five (5) years to increase Net Operating Income (NOI) for the facility.
Fence
A barrier separating or enclosing an area to mark a boundary.
Fire-Resistive or Fire Rated
Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour.
Fire Retardant Chemical
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.
Firestop
Tight closure material or blocking to prevent the spread of flame or hot gases within framing.
Flashing
Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.
Floating
The next-to-last stage in concrete work when you smooth off the job and bring water to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.
Floating Wall
A non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor. It is constructed so that the bottom two horizontal plates can compress or pull apart if the concrete floor moves up or down. Normally built on basements and garage slabs.
Form
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Footprint
The outline of a building's foundation; used for site planning.
Foundation
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, or below grade, including the footings.
Foundation Ties
Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place during the concrete pour.
Gable
The end, upper, triangular area of a home, beneath the roof.
Gambrel Roof
A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope steeper than the upper.
Girder
A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
Grade
Ground level, or the elevation at any given point. Also, the work of leveling dirt. Also, the designated quality of a manufactured piece of wood.
Grading Permit Application
A legal document for an application to obtain a grading permit to grade a site in preparation for construction. A grading permit is required if the total “cut and fill” quantity (added together) exceeds 100 cubic yards or if the site exceeds 1.0 acres.
Ground
Refers to electricity's habit of seeking the shortest route to earth. Neutral wires carry it there in all circuits. An additional grounding wire or the sheathing of the metal-clad cable or conduit protects against shock if the neutral leg is interrupted.
Ground fault
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, GFI)- an ultra-sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". It has a small reset button on the electrical outlet.
H V A C
An abbreviation for Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Header
• A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening.
• (b) A wood lintel.
• The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).
Heat Gain / Heat Loss
Heat loss, measured in kW or BTUs, reflects the total transfer of heat through the fabric of the building from the inside out. Heat loss is made up of the heat lost by conduction through the building envelope and infiltration. Heat Gain occurs in the summer time. Heat Gain is made up of. heat gained by conduction
While thermal energy refers to the total energy of all the molecules within the object, heat is the amount of energy flowing from one body to another spontaneously due to their temperature difference. Heat is a form of energy, but it is energy in transit. Heat is not a property of a system. However, the transfer of energy as heat occurs at the molecular level as a result of a temperature difference. When a temperature difference does exist heat flows spontaneously from the warmer system to the colder system, never the reverse.
Although heat loss and heat gain can happen through any part of the building’s envelope. The opposite of heat loss is heat gain, also referred to as solar gain. Heat gain occurs when warmth comes into the space via radiant heat as the sun shines through the glass.
Just as the human body has heat exchange processes with the environment, the building can be similarly considered as a defined unit and its heat exchange processes with the outdoor environment can be examined. Heat energy tends to distribute itself evenly until a perfectly diffused uniform thermal field is achieved. Heat tends to flow from higher temperatures to lower temperature zones by conduction, convection, and radiation. The rate of heat flow by any of these three forms is determined by the temperature difference between the two zones or areas considered. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the rate of heat flow.
I-beam
A steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter I. It is used for long spans as basement beams or over wide wall openings when wall and roof loads bear down on the opening.
IECC – International Energy Conservation Code
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a model code that regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings. REScheck is a program that makes it easy for builders, designers, and contractors to determine whether new homes, additions, and alterations meet the requirements of the IECC the Nevada state energy codes. REScheck works by performing a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of a building.
Inspection
A building inspection is an inspection performed by a building inspector, a person who is employed by either a city, township or county and is usually certified in one or more disciplines qualifying them to make professional judgment about whether a building meets building code requirements.
Joist
Structural member which directly supports floors or ceilings and is supported by bearing walls, beam, or girders.
Kilowatt (kw)
One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit used in measuring electrical consumption. Also see watt.
King stud
The vertical "2 X's" frame lumber (left and right) of a window or door opening and runs continuously from the bottom sole plate to the top plate.
Lateral
The underground trench and related services (i.e., electric, gas, telephone, sewer, and water lines) that will be buried within the trench.
Lattice
An open framework of crisscrossed wood or metal strips that form regular, patterned spaces.
Lien, Mechanic’s, or Material
The right to take and hold or sell an owner’s property to satisfy unpaid debts to a qualified contractor for labor, materials, equipment, or services to improve the property. (See Preliminary Lien Notice)
Lien Release
A written document from the contractor to the owner that releases the Lien, Mechanic’s or Material following its satisfaction.
Lien Waiver
1. A written document from a contractor, subcontractor, material supplier or other construction professional(s), having lien rights against an owner’s property, relinquishes all or part of those rights.
2. Lien waivers are generally used for processing progress payments to prime or main or subcontractors as follows: Conditional Lien Waiver, Unconditional Lien Waiver, and Final Lien Waiver.
Linear Feet
A linear foot is 12 inches as measured in a straight line.
Lintel
A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window.
Live Load
The total of all moving and variable loads that may be placed upon a building.
Load Bearing Wall
Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam or girder.
Loggia
A roofed open gallery, often on an upper level.
Lumens
Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of light falling on a surface of one square foot.
Load bearing wall
Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double horizontal top plate.
Load Calcs
This is usually done by the electrician but can be done by the homeowner. If needed a plans examiner can explain how to complete this form.
Masonry
Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other similar building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar to form a wall.
Mechanical
This refers to the heating, air conditioning and exhaust fans in the dwelling.
Millwork
Generally all building materials made of finished wood and manufactured in millwork plants. Includes all doors, window and door frames, blinds, mantels, panel work, stairway components (balusters, rail, etc.), moldings, and interior trim. Does not include flooring, ceiling, or siding.
NEC (National Electrical Code)
A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ from the NEC in some ways.
Neutral wire
Usually color-coded white, this carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel. Also see hot wire and ground.
Nonbearing wall
A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.
OC- On Center
The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next.
Owner-Builder
A term used to describe an Owner who takes on the responsibilities of the general contractor to build a specific project.
Owner Builder Affidavit of Exemption
A legal document from the Nevada State Contractors Board that is required per NRS 624.031 for an owner of a property who is building or improving a residential structure on the property for his own occupancy and not intended for sale or lease.
Owner/Builder Sub-Contractor Voucher
A legal document that the Owner/Builder completes and signs to state which of the following disciplines of work included in the Subcontractor Voucher they will perform; Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Temporary Power or Other.
Pedestal
A metal box installed at various locations along utility easements that contain electrical, telephone, or cable television switches and connections.
Pergola
Open, structural framework over an outdoor area, usually covered with climbing vines to form an arbor.
Permit
A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process as in:
• Zoning/Use permit - Authorization to use a property for a specific use e.g., a garage, a single-family residence etc.
• Demolition permit - Authorization to tear down and remove an existing structure.
• Grading permit - Authorization to change the contour of the land.
• Building permit - Authorization to build or modify a structure.
• Electrical permit - A separate permit required for most electrical work.
• Plumbing permit - A separate permit required for new plumbing and larger modifications of existing plumbing systems.
Photovoltaic
Also known as solar; Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. The photovoltaic effect is commercially utilized for electricity generation and as photosensors.
Pitch
The incline slope of a roof or the ratio of the total rise to the total width, i.e., a 6-foot rise and 24-foot width is a one-fourth pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in the inches of rise, per foot of horizontal run.
Plans
A construction plan shows what you intend to build and what it will look like when you complete it. There are a variety of names for construction plans: blueprints, drawings, working drawings, and house plans.
Plot plan
An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home on the lot. Includes all easements, property lines, setbacks, and legal descriptions of the home.
Plumbing Rough
Work performed by the plumbing contractor after the Rough Heat is installed. This work includes installing all plastic ABS drain and waste lines, copper water lines, bath tubs, shower pans, and gas piping to furnaces and fireplaces.
Plumbing Trim
Work performed by the plumbing contractor to get ready for a final plumbing inspection. Includes installing all toilets (water closets), hot water heaters, sinks, connecting all gas pipe to appliances, disposal, dishwasher, and all plumbing items.
Post Hole
A type of fence that is built with posts set in the earth to support the fence.
Property Line
Property line means the line along the ground surface, and its vertical extension, which separates the real property owned by one or more persons from that owned by another person.
Redline
A correction by the plan examiner on the plan in order to help facilitate the plan review and approval process. Also known as markups.
ResCheck©
Is a software program that is a tool made available through the U.S. Department of Energy, which also supervises the Energy Star® rating program for homes. REScheck works by performing a simple U-factor x Area (UA) calculation for each building assembly to determine the overall UA of a building. The UA that would result from a building conforming to the code requirements is compared against the UA for your building.
Retaining wall
A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.
Retrofit Form
A plumbing form that can be used in lieu of plans to replace all the water lines within a residence. The permit includes authorization and inspections for minor insulation, drywall, lath & stucco construction work associated with the Retrofit installation.
Scope of Work
A written document that details the work to be performed after a loss to a building due to damage caused by fire, water (flood), or impact (vehicle or tree).
Setback
Property setbacks tell you where you can and can’t build something. They are site specific.
Septic system
An onsite wastewater treatment system. It usually has a septic tank which promotes the biological digestion of the waste, and a drain field which is designed to let the leftover liquid soak into the ground. Septic systems and permits are usually sized by the number of bedrooms in a house.
Short circuit
A situation that occurs when hot and neutral wires come in contact with each other. Fuses and circuit breakers protect against fire that could result from a short.
Siding
The finished exterior covering of the outside walls of a frame building.
Site Plan
A site plan is a legal document that contains information showing existing and proposed buildings, access, landscaping, and setbacks between structures and property lines.
Situs
Situs is a word in Latin that basically means the site or location where something exists or originates.
Slab, concrete
Concrete pavement, i.e., driveways, garages, and basement floor.
Slope
An inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
Soils Report
Also known as a geotechnical soils report is the summary of a geotechnical investigation - an analysis of soil conditions at the site of a proposed building. Depending on site conditions, a soils report may identify expansive soils, high water tables, shifts in subsurface rock structures, as well as the soil’s response to earthquakes.
Solar Panel
See Photovoltaic
Stamp by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
All plans that will increase the footprint of a residence must be stamped with the approval by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) prior to submittal of plans for a building permit if there is a septic system located on the property (active or inactive).
Stop valve
A device installed in a water supply line, usually near a fixture, that permits an individual to shut off the water supply to one fixture without interrupting service to the rest of the system.
Structural Calculations
They are the math behind your building’s ability to stay upright. Engineers use them to determine the loads that a building must withstand and the properties of members that comprise its structure.
Terrace
A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes.
Truss Calculations
In the simplest of terms, this is the amount of force (temporary or transient) acting on a building. In this example, it’s the wind. A Truss is a triangulated system of members that are structured and connected in a way such that they only incur axial force.
Voltage
A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired with 110- and 220-volt lines. The 110-volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits. The 220-volt power is usually used for the kitchen range, hot water heater and dryer.
Wet Stamped
A dated stamp & initials included on every page of drawings or plans prepared by a professional or manually signed and dated by an owner/builder. A wet signature is any signature affixed to a hard copy with a pen or other writing device. While electronic signatures have become more common and accepted, some governments and private businesses still require parties to physically imprint their mark on a signed document, and some signers prefer it too.
Zoning
A governmental process and specification which limits the use of a property e.g. single-family use, high rise residential use, industrial use, etc. Zoning laws may limit where you can locate a structure. Also see building codes.