- Habitable RoomsAny room used as, or with the intended use of sleeping, cooking, living, or eating; enclosed spaces such as toilets, landings, halls, lobbies,(...) Read More
- 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. Read More
- Half-Hipped RoofA roof with gables extending past the normal ridge of a hipped roof with the hipped roof planes on the lower section. Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- Hard MoneyUsually short-term loans designed for properties that do not cash flow, situations requiring quick closings, or borrowers or transactions that(...) Read More
- HardboardA dense fiberboard made by first reducing natural wood to fibers, and then pressing the fibers together. Hardboard is available in various sizes(...) Read More
- HardscapingElements that are made of stone, concrete, tile, or brick in landscaping. Paths, walkways, driveways, etc. are typically made of these materials(...) Read More
- HardwareAll of the "metal" fittings that go into the home when it is near completion. For example, door knobs, towel bars, handrail brackets, closet(...) Read More
- HardwoodHardwood comes from broad-leafed trees, such as oak, ash, maple, etc. This is different from softwood, which comes from coniferous trees. Read More
- HaunchAn extension, knee like protrusion of the foundation wall that a concrete porch or patio will rest upon for support. Read More
- Hazard InsuranceReal estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. The buyer often adds liability(...) Read More
- HeaderA beam that extends across a window, door, or stairway opening. Read More
- 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. Read More
- Heat MeterAn electrical municipal inspection of the electric meter breaker panel box. Read More
- Heat PumpA device that pumps outdoor heat into your home; they are more energy-efficient than standard resistance-electric heat. Read More
- Heat RoughWork performed by the Heating Contractor after the stairs and interior walls are built. This includes installing all duct work and flue pipes.(...) Read More
- 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,(...) Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air ConditioningHVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC includes elements like your home’s heating and cooling appliances(...) Read More
- 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. Read More
- HighlightsA light spot, area, or streak on a painted surface. Read More
- HipA roof with four sloping sides. The external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof. Read More
- 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. Read More
- HOA ApprovalA homeowners association (HOA) is an organization in some communities that enforces certain conditions on properties and residents, and approval(...) Read More
- 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. Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- Home InspectionA professional inspection of a home to determine the condition of the property. The inspection should include an evaluation of the plumbing,(...) Read More
- 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. Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- Homeowners AssociationAn organization of homeowners residing within a particular area whose principal purpose is to ensure the provision and maintenance of community(...) Read More
- Homeowners InsuranceHomeowners insurance is required by all lenders to protect their investment, and must be obtained before closing. In most cases, coverage must(...) Read More
- Homeowner’s WarrantyInsurance offered by a seller that covers certain home repairs and fixtures for a specified period of time. Read More
- Honey CombsThe appearance concrete makes when rocks in the concrete are visible and where there are void areas in the foundation wall, especially around(...) Read More
- Hose BibAn exterior water faucet (sill cock). Read More
- 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(...) Read More
- Hot WireThe wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle or other device-in contrast to a neutral, which carries electricity away again. Normally(...) Read More
- House HackingGenerating income from your home. There are different types of house hacks, but a common strategy is to buy a multifamily dwelling, live in one(...) Read More
- Housing and Urban DevelopmentHUD is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The department focuses mainly on increasing the rate of homeownership and access to(...) Read More