- Biweekly Payment MortgageA mortgage with payments due every two weeks (instead of monthly). Read More
- BlanketFiberglass or rock-wool insulation that comes in a roll. Read More
- Blanket MortgageA mortgage that covers more than one parcel of real estate. Read More
- Blind Corner CabinetA blind corner cabinet is designed so that wall or base cabinets from a 90 degree intersecting wall can butt up against part of their face.(...) Read More
- Blind OfferWhen a potential buyer makes an offer on a property they haven’t seen, in an attempt to be first and have an offer accepted. Most common in a(...) Read More
- BlisteringBubbling that can form on a newly painted surface. Blistering is sometimes caused by excessive heat, early application of a second coat of paint(...) Read More
- Block OutTo install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example, foundation walls are sometimes(...) Read More
- BlockingSmall wood pieces to brace framing members, prevent wood members from twisting , or provide a support to adjacent structure. Read More
- Blow InsulationFiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed. Read More
- Blue StakeAnother phrase for Utility Notification. This is when a utility company (telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, sewer and water, etc.) comes to the(...) Read More
- BlueprintsThe architect- or engineer-produced two-dimensional technical drawings that provide specifications of materials and measurements to be used for(...) Read More
- BlushingOccurs on painted surfaces and is caused by the presence of moisture during drying. Blushing can occur with any type of paint but most notably(...) Read More
- Board FootA unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x 12" x 16'(...) Read More
- Bona fideIn good faith, without fraud. Read More
- BondA bond is an amount of money which secures a contractor’s license with a certified governmental agency. A bond can be used to pay unpaid bills(...) Read More
- BondingA bond is an amount of money which secures a contractor’s license with a certified governmental agency. A bond can be used to pay unpaid bills(...) Read More
- Borrower (Mortgagor)An individual who applies for and receives funds in the form of a loan and is obligated to repay the loan in full under the terms of the loan. Read More
- Bottom ChordThe lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss. Read More
- Bottom PlateThe horizontal members on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Read More
- Bow WindowSimilar to a bay window, a window unit composed of several window panels that form a bow shape projecting outward. Read More
- BraceAn inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to strengthen the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing(...) Read More
- Breaker PanelThe electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers. Read More
- Breakfast BarA breakfast bar can be created by placing a kitchen island or prep station against a framed knee wall and adding a second countertop at a higher(...) Read More
- Brick LedgePart of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest. Read More
- Brick LintelThe metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening. Read More
- Brick MoldTrim used around an exterior door jamb that siding butts to. Read More
- Brick TieA small, corrugated metal strip @ 1" x 6"x 8" long nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer(...) Read More
- Brick VeneerA vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction. Read More
- Bridge LoanA short-term loan used to’bridge' the period until long-term financing is secured or the asset is sold, allowing the borrower to meet current(...) Read More
- BridgingSmall wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists or rafters at mid-span for the purpose of bracing(...) Read More
- British Thermal UnitThe amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Read More
- BrokerOne who acts as an agent for another in negotiating sales or purchases in return for a fee or commission. Read More
- BrokerageA fee or commission paid to a broker. Read More
- Builder's Risk InsuranceInsurance coverage on a construction project during construction, including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for the(...) Read More
- Building Area (Gross)The total enclosed and unenclosed area of the building at all building floor levels measured between the normal outside face of any enclosing(...) Read More
- Building ClassificationsInvestment properties in the real estate market are divided into four classifications (A, B, C, and D) based on value (age, condition,(...) Read More
- Building CodeRegulations that set standards and requirements for the construction, maintenance and occupancy of buildings to provide for safety, health and(...) Read More
- Building InspectorA building inspector reviews plans and visits the construction site to ensure all regulations and codes are met. An inspector can also examine(...) Read More
- Building InsuranceInsurance covering the structure of the building. Read More
- Building PermitAuthorization granted by a government or other regulatory body obtained to legally allow a building construction or renovation project to commence. Read More