Rafter- A structural wooden board extended from the ridge of a roof to the eaves, serving as support.

Rendering – An artist rendition of your home. An artist will use the construction documents to create a portrait of your project. There are several types of renderings: 3-D, 1-Point perspectives, 2-Point perspectives, or a Front Elevation. A rendering can be done using many different mediums and can be done using a computer or drawn by hand. If you are interested, please ask to see examples of our work.

Retainer – A percentage of the proposed costs and fees for a project that engages the professional services of the Designer and the firm’s staff who support the process to design your home or remodel.

Setbacks - A “setback” (front, sides and rear) is the allowable distance from the property line to any structure or site improvement, (See Building Envelope).

Sidelight- A narrow vertical window, usually flanking a door. Site Plan -A site plan is a bird’s eye view showing everything that will be on your property. This includes the footprint of any buildings (home, garage, decks or patios) and any other improvements such as driveway,walkways, fences, swimming pool, etc. on the property.

Site Survey - It provides definitive physical proof of property lines and sometimes shows contour lines that represent the shapes, slopes and elevations of the land. A Legal Description will also be included.

Spindle- A short decorative turned piece, such as a balluster or newel, often used around porches and railings.

Topographical Survey- A survey that includes the same information as the Lot Survey, but also shows the slope of the property with indicated contours. A topographical survey should also show the location, size, and type of trees.

Transom- A horizontal glass opening above a door or window.

Veranda- An open space attached to the exterior wall of a building, usually with a roof supported by columns, posts or brackets.

Volute- A spiral scroll-like ornament commonly found on Ionic or Composite capitals.

Wainscoting- A wood lining or paneling on the walls of a room, ususally at the lower end of a wall, especially when the upper part is a different finish.

Widow’s Walk- An observation platform, usually with a railing, built on the roof of a house, especially found on coastal houses for their great views.