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TermDefinition
- Back PrimingTo prime, or apply paint to, the back or exterior of a piece of woodwork. Back Priming helps to prevent wood grain from contracting or swelling.
- Backer RodOr "Foam Backer Rod". A flexible, cylindrical-shaped material used for chinking wide joints; for enhanced sealant/caulking performance.
- BackfillThe replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundation wall.
- BackingSupportive framing lumber was installed between studs and behind drywall for towel holders, cabinets, and railings.
- BackoutWork the framing contractor does after the mechanical subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their phase of work at the Rough (before insulation) stage to get the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally, the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others and completes all framing necessary to pass a Rough Frame Inspection.
- BacksplashThe upright surface, often made of tile, behind a kitchen counter, sink, or stove, that protects the wall from damage from splatter due to kitchen activities.
- Backup OfferA binding contract to purchase a property, made in acknowledgment of an existing offer, should the existing transaction ultimately not close. At any time, seller is limited to hold only one negotiated backup offer (with accepted terms, earnest money deposit, etc.)
- Balance SheetA financial statement that shows assets, liabilities, and net worth as of a specific date.
- BallastA transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.
- Balloon Framed WallFramed 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.
- Balloon MortgageA mortgage with periodic installments of principal and interest that do not fully amortize the loan. The balance of the mortgage is due in a lump sum at a specified date in the future, usually at the end of the specified loan term.
- Balloon PaymentA final lump sum payment that is due, often at the maturity date of a balloon mortgage.
- BalustersVertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as’pickets' or’spindles'.
- BalustradeThe rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.
- Bank-Owned PropertyA bank-owned property is acquired by a financial institution when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage. Given potential repairs needed, these properties can sell at a discounted price, often much lower than current home prices.
- BankruptcyA legal proceeding initiated when a person or business is unable to repay outstanding debts or obligations.
- Bankruptcy DischargedWhen a court grants a discharge order, it cancels the obligation to repay the discharged debt(s) included in the bankruptcy filing.
- Bankruptcy DismissedThe court order of dismissal, ending a bankruptcy case without the debt being discharged or eliminated, terminating the automatic stay and permitting collectors to resume collection efforts, including lawsuits, garnishments, foreclosure and asset seizures.
- BargeHorizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
- Barge BoardA decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.
- Base CabinetA cabinet that generally rests on the floor with a toe-kick and countertop.
- Base ShoeMolding along the point where the baseboard meets the floor.
- Shoe moldingMolding along the point where the baseboard meets the floor.
- BaseboardThe baseboard is a trim board around a room that connects between the wall and the floor.
- Basement Window InsertsThe window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck.
- BasinA type of sink, circular in shape, that has sloping or curving sides.
- Basis PointsA simplified units of measure that express percentages in finance, expressed in hundredths of a percentage point, often used in relation to interest rates.
- BPSA simplified units of measure that express percentages in finance, expressed in hundredths of a percentage point, often used in relation to interest rates.
- Bathtub JetIn a bathtub, one of several spouts that shoot water, air, or both into the tub at fast speeds to provide a massage effect.
- BattA section of fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness'. Sometimes "faced" (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or "unfaced" (without paper).
- BattenNarrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
- Bay WindowA three-window unit, the Bay window, usually contains one large middle panel and two smaller side panels. A bay window projects outward from the walls of the home.
- BeamA structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes called a "girder".
- BeamsWooden or steel structures are used as replacements when a wall is removed to support the weight of a home.
- Bearing Header(a) 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. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).
- Bearing PartitionA partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
- Bearing PointA point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation
- Bearing WallA wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
- BedrockA subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
- Before-tax IncomeIncome before taxes are deducted.