A
A/C- An abbreviation for air conditioner or air
conditioning.
A/C
Condenser- The outside fan unit of the 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.
A/C
Disconnect- The main electrical ON-OFF switch
near the A/C Condenser.
Aerator- The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It
mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
Aggregate- A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of
concrete.
Air
space - The area between insulation facing and
interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1"
air gap.
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.
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 , or masonry floor or wall.
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 of property.
Apron- A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill
Architect
- One who has completed a course of study in
building and design, and is licensed by the state as
an architect. One who draws up plans.
Area
wells- Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls
installed around a basement window to hold back the
earth
Assessment
- A tax levied on a property, or a value placed
on the worth of a property.
Assumption
- Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for
an existing loan instead of getting a new loan.
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.
Attic
Ventilators- In houses, screened openings provided
to ventilate an attic space.