Louver - A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal slats and arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow, light, insects, or other living creatures.

Outrigger - An extension of a rafter beyond the wall line. Usually a smaller member nailed to a larger rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang.

Bedrock - A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.

Blocked (rafters) - Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid -span.

EER (energy efficiency ratio) - A measure of cooling efficiency computer by dividing a cooling unit's output in BTUs by its input in watts.

Incandescent lamp - A lamp employing an electrically charged metal filament that glows at white heat. A typical light bulb.

ú Septic permit - A health department authorization to build or modify a septic system.

Apron - A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill

Bundle - A package of shingles. Normally, there are 3 bundles per square and 27 shingles per bundle.

Due -on -sale - A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.

Heel cut - A notch cut in the end of a rafter to permit it to fit flat on a wall and on the top, doubled, exterior wall plate.

Kilowatt (kw) - One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit used in measuring electrical consumption. Also see watt.

Mortgagee - The lender who makes the mortgage loan.

Plumb - True vertical. Also see level.

Roof decking - Subsurface material on which roof shingles or built up roofing is applied. Some roof decking is made with one side finished to serve as both roof deck and finished ceiling.

Sill plate (mudsill) - Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall frame which rests on top a foundation, sometimes called mudsill. Also sole plate, bottom member of an interior wall frame.

Squeegie - Fine pea gravel used to grade a floor (normally before concrete is placed).

Stud shoe - A metal, structural bracket that reinforces a vertical stud. Used on an outside bearing wall where holes are drilled to accommodate a plumbing waste line.

Tee - A T-shaped plumbing fitting.

Water table - The location of the underground water, and the vertical distance from the surface of the earth to this underground water.

Window frame - The stationary part of a window unit; window sash fits into the window frame.