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TermDefinition
- Habitable RoomsAny room used as, or with the intended use of sleeping, cooking, living, or eating; enclosed spaces such as toilets, landings, halls, lobbies, utility rooms, etc. are excluded.
- Half HipA half hip roof has two gabled ends. Near the peak of the gable, there is a small hipped section that extends to the ridge.
- Hand ShowerA moveable showerhead that is connected to the water supply with a hose. Hand showers are an alternative to a fixed showerhead, especially in bathtub showers.
- HandymanA person who performs specialized work in small home repairs and improvements. A handyman is typically a sole proprietor, and may or may not be a licensed general contractor.
- Hard MoneyUsually short-term loans designed for properties that do not cash flow, situations requiring quick closings, or borrowers or transactions that cannot qualify for conventional financing.
- HardboardA dense fiberboard made by first reducing natural wood to fibers, and then pressing the fibers together. Hardboard is available in various sizes and thicknesses.
- HardscapingElements that are made of stone, concrete, tile, or brick in landscaping. Paths, walkways, driveways, etc. are typically made of these materials in hardscaping.
- HardwareAll of the "metal" fittings that go into the home when it is near completion. For example, door knobs, towel bars, handrail brackets, closet rods, house numbers, door closers, etc. The Interior Trim Carpenter installs the "hardware".
- HardwoodHardwood comes from broad-leafed trees, such as oak, ash, maple, etc. This is different from softwood, which comes from coniferous trees.
- HaunchAn extension, knee like protrusion of the foundation wall that a concrete porch or patio will rest upon for support.
- Hazard InsuranceReal estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. The buyer often adds liability insurance and extended coverage for personal property.
- HeaderA beam that extends across a window, door, or stairway opening.
- HearthThe floor area in front of a fireplace, or the actual floor of the fireplace. The hearth is usually constructed of brick, stone or cement.
- Heat MeterAn electrical municipal inspection of the electric meter breaker panel box.
- Heat PumpA device that pumps outdoor heat into your home; they are more energy-efficient than standard resistance-electric heat.
- Heat RoughWork performed by the Heating Contractor after the stairs and interior walls are built. This includes installing all duct work and flue pipes. Sometimes, the furnace and fireplaces are installed at this stage of construction.
- Heat TrimWork done by the Heating Contractor to get the home ready for the municipal Final Heat Inspection. This includes venting the hot water heater, installing all vent grills, registers, air conditioning services, turning on the furnace, installing thermostats, venting ranges and hoods, and all other heat related work.
- Heating LoadThe amount of heat energy that needs to be added to a space to in order to maintain an acceptable temperature. This is used in understanding how large a furnace needs to be to heat a home.
- Heel CutA notch cut in the end of a rafter to permit it to fit flat on a wall and on the top, doubled, exterior wall plate.
- HighlightsA light spot, area, or streak on a painted surface.
- HipA roof with four sloping sides. The external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof.
- Hip RoofA roof with four inclined size as opposed to only two on a gabled roof, so it slopes upward from all sides of the structure.
- HOA ApprovalA homeowners association (HOA) is an organization in some communities that enforces certain conditions on properties and residents, and approval is often required prior to before selecting a type of fence, redoing landscape or even choosing the finishes on your home.
- Holding OverWhere a lease term expires and the lessee remains in occupation (usually on a month-to-month basis) on the terms and conditions of the original lease.
- Home Equity Conversion MortgageA special type of mortgage developed and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that enables older home owners to convert the equity they have in their homes into cash, using a variety of payment options to address their specific financial needs.
- Reverse MortgageA special type of mortgage developed and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that enables older home owners to convert the equity they have in their homes into cash, using a variety of payment options to address their specific financial needs.
- HECMA special type of mortgage developed and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that enables older home owners to convert the equity they have in their homes into cash, using a variety of payment options to address their specific financial needs.
- Home Equity Line of CreditA type of revolving loan typically only available on a primary residence that enables a home owner to obtain multiple advances of the loan proceeds, up to an amount that represents a specified percentage of the borrower’s equity in the property.
- HELOCA type of revolving loan typically only available on a primary residence that enables a home owner to obtain multiple advances of the loan proceeds, up to an amount that represents a specified percentage of the borrower’s equity in the property.
- Home InspectionA professional inspection of a home to determine the condition of the property. The inspection should include an evaluation of the plumbing, heating and cooling systems, roof, wiring, foundation and pest infestation.
- Home Run (Electrical)The electrical cable that carries power from the main circuit breaker panel to the first electrical box, plug, or switch in the circuit.
- Homeowner Association LienA lien is a legal claim or hold on a piece of property. Among the types of liens out there, a HOA lien is a judgment lien that results from a court-ordered money judgment. An HOA will go to court over a homeowner member's delinquent dues and attempt to convince the court to issue a judgment. HOAs can record judgments that they obtain against homeowner members against those members' homes.
- HOA LienA lien is a legal claim or hold on a piece of property. Among the types of liens out there, a HOA lien is a judgment lien that results from a court-ordered money judgment. An HOA will go to court over a homeowner member's delinquent dues and attempt to convince the court to issue a judgment. HOAs can record judgments that they obtain against homeowner members against those members' homes.
- Homeowners AssociationAn organization of homeowners residing within a particular area whose principal purpose is to ensure the provision and maintenance of community facilities and services for the common benefit of the residents.
- HOAAn organization of homeowners residing within a particular area whose principal purpose is to ensure the provision and maintenance of community facilities and services for the common benefit of the residents.
- Homeowners InsuranceHomeowners insurance is required by all lenders to protect their investment, and must be obtained before closing. In most cases, coverage must be equal to the loan balance, or the value of the home. Note: Homeowners insurance does not typically cover any vacant or non-owner-occupied properties and these residences may require a specialized insurance policy for coverage to be effective.
- Honey CombsThe appearance concrete makes when rocks in the concrete are visible and where there are void areas in the foundation wall, especially around concrete foundation windows.
- Hose BibAn exterior water faucet (sill cock).
- Hot-Water HeatingRadiator heating system. Hot Water Heating, or Hydronic Heating, uses various types of fuel to heat water; the water is then distributed through pipes and radiators to provide heat throughout the home.
- Hot WireThe wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle or other device-in contrast to a neutral, which carries electricity away again. Normally the black wire.