Glossary of Terms A-E

Bank Set – A set of plans including but not limited tocontaining enough information to take to the bank for  the site plan, floorplans with basic dimensions and room sizes, and elevation(s)loan approval.

Balluster- A short pillar or other upright element that, in series, supports a handrail. See ballustrade.

Ballustrade- A series of balusters connected by a top rail or hand rail, as on staircases, balconies, or porches.

Barrel Vault- A semi-circular-arched ceiling or roof. Bid Set- A set of plans containing all drawings and engineering. This set contains enough information for the builder to begin getting bids from his subcontractors and in turn give you a bid for the cost of construction.

Building Envelope- The actual amount of space on a lot that is buildable. It is determined by subtracting the building lines, setbacks any easements. It can also be effected by the Flood Zone

Cantilever- A beam or other structure projecting from a wall supporting and extension to a building.

Casing- The visible molding/framework around an opening (door or window).

Change Orders - Changes made by the Client, after a certain point in the production process, where drawings which have already been created must be modified before our work or that of any outside consultant can continue.

Coffer- A decorative feature formed by recessed panels (coffered ceilings).

Colonade- A line of columns used to support and entablature or roof.

Cornice- A projection along the top of a wall.

Cupola- A small domelike structure on top of a roof or tower.

Deed Restrictions - Restrictions placed within a deed that control the use of the property. Restrictions travel with the deed, and cannot generally be removed by new owners.

Dentils- A series of small, square blocks, as seen on cornices & moldings.

Detail Sheet –A page of sections and drawings defining how to construct certain types of walls, exterior details, or interior details of your home.

Easements - An easement is a right given to another person or entity to trespass upon land that person or entity does not own. Easements are used for roads, or given to utility companies for the right to bury cables or access utility lines. Landlocked home owners sometimes pay for an easement to cross the land of another to reach their home.

Eave- The edge of a roof projecting beyond the walls.

Electrical Blockup – A basic electrical plan showing the placement and types of electrical outlets, lights, switches, telephone outlets, fans, etc.

Elevations- Drawings which reflect each exterior side of the home, ie. Front, Left, Right & Rear Elevations. These are the views that you would see if you were looking at that particular side of the home from a distance, but would reflect no depth perception.

Elevation Certificates – A certificate created by an engineer defining the elevation above or below sea level at which a piece of property lies. This is used to determine how high above sea level the project must be built to be out of the floodplain.

Energy Codes – Energy codes help ensure that designers and builders will construct new buildings or retrofit existing ones to an improved level of energy efficiency. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), is the most commonly used residential energy code by states. The International Residential Code (IRC) is also used by some states.