Home Renovation Terms: A Glossary for Remodeling

Whether you’re the one planning a remodel for your home or the person contracted to do the work for someone else, there are an abundance of terms that can help you navigate the process and communicate effectively with contractors, suppliers, homeowners, and other stakeholders. We've compiled a comprehensive glossary of essential home renovation terms. Understanding these terms will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure a smoother renovation experience.

Home Renovation Terms Glossary

A

• ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot, such as a guest house or granny flat.
• Alcove Tub: A bathtub installed in a three-walled enclosure.
• Allowance: A budgeted amount set aside for specific items or work not yet selected, such as fixtures, finishes, or appliances.
• Apprentice: A worker in training, typically under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson, learning the skills needed for a specific trade.
• Asbestos: A hazardous material once used for insulation and fireproofing, now known to cause serious health issues when disturbed.
• Awning: A secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building, typically made of canvas or acrylic, used to provide shade or shelter.

B

• Backsplash: A vertical extension of the kitchen counter, typically made of tile or stone, that protects the wall from splashes and spills.
• Baseboards: The trim that runs along the bottom of the walls, covering the joint between the wall and the floor.
• Bearing Wall: A wall that supports the weight of the building structure above it.
• Beam: A structural element that supports weight, usually horizontal and made of wood, steel, or concrete.
• Bid: A proposal by a contractor to complete a project for a specified price.
• Blueprints: Detailed architectural drawings that specify dimensions, materials, and construction techniques.
• Building Code: Regulations set by local government to ensure the safety, health, and general welfare of building occupants.
• Butcher Block: A type of countertop made from straight pieces of wood glued together into thick slabs.

C

• Caulk: A material used to seal joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping.
• Cathedral Ceiling: A high, pointed ceiling that follows the roof's pitch, creating an open, airy feel.
• Change Order: A document detailing adjustments to the original construction contract, often due to unforeseen issues or additional work requested by the homeowner.
• Contractor: A professional responsible for overseeing the entire renovation project, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Craftsman Design: A design style emphasizing hand-crafted woodwork, built-in cabinetry, and simple, functional layouts.
• Crown Molding: Decorative trim installed along the top edge of walls, cabinets, or columns, adding an elegant finish to rooms.
• Custom Edge: A specially designed countertop edge profile tailored to the homeowner's specifications, offering unique aesthetic appeal.

Check out "How to Choose the Perfect Countertop Edge Profile: From Eased to Waterfall Edges"

D

• Deconstruction: The careful dismantling of a building to salvage materials for reuse.
• Demolition: The process of tearing down walls or structures to prepare for new construction.
• Drywall: A construction material used to create walls and ceilings; also known as plasterboard or gypsum board.
• Ductwork: A system of ducts used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in a building.

E

• Eased Edge: A countertop edge with a slight, rounded edge for a soft, clean look.
• Egress: An exit or means of escape, especially significant for safety in basements and bedrooms.
• Engineered Stone: Man-made material composed of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive, often used for countertops due to its durability and variety of designs.
• Epoxy: A type of resin used as a durable and strong adhesive or coating, commonly applied to floors and countertops.
• Estimate: An approximation of the cost of a project, provided by contractors or builders based on the scope of work.

F

• Field Tile: The main tile used in a project, covering large areas such as floors or walls, as opposed to accent or border tiles.
• Fixtures: Permanent components of a home, such as lighting, sinks, and faucets, that are fixed in place.
• Flagstone: A flat stone slab used for paving, flooring, or walkways, known for its natural look and durability.
• Flex Room: A versatile space that can be used for multiple purposes, such as an office, guest room, or playroom.
• Footprint: The area covered by a building, including the size and shape of its base.
• Framing: The structural skeleton of a building, typically made from wood or metal, that supports walls and roofs.
• Fascia: A board that runs horizontally under a roof edge, covering the ends of the rafters.
• Freestanding Tub: A bathtub that stands alone and is not attached to walls, offering flexible placement and a statement piece for the bathroom.

G

• GC (General Contractor): A professional responsible for overseeing a renovation project, coordinating between clients and subcontractors, and ensuring work is completed according to plan.
• Grout: A mixture used to fill the gaps between tiles and provide a finished look.
• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A type of outlet designed to protect from electrical shock by breaking the circuit when there is a difference in the currents.

H

• Hardware: Metal fittings that are used in home construction and renovation, such as handles, knobs, hinges, and locks.
• HVAC: Acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, which regulate indoor climate and air quality.
• Hardwood: Timber from deciduous trees, used for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture due to its durability and attractive appearance.
• Honed Finish: A matte, non-reflective finish achieved by grinding the surface of stone, providing a smooth and velvety texture.

I

• Industrial Chic: A design style that combines modern elements with raw, unfinished industrial features such as exposed beams, metal fixtures, and reclaimed wood.
• Inspection: An official examination of the construction work to ensure it complies with building codes and regulations.
• Insulation: Material used to prevent heat transfer and improve energy efficiency in buildings, commonly measured by R-value.
• I-Beam: A steel beam with a cross-section that resembles the letter "I", used in construction for its strength and load-bearing capabilities.
• Interior Design: The art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Interior Demolition: The process of removing interior components of a building, such as walls, floors, and fixtures, while preserving the exterior structure.
• Industry Standard: Accepted norms and guidelines within the construction and renovation industry, ensuring quality and consistency in work.

J

• Joist: A horizontal structural component that supports the weight of a floor or ceiling.
• Jamb: The vertical side of a doorway or window frame.

L

• Laminate: A synthetic flooring product designed to mimic wood or stone, known for its durability and affordability.
• Landing: A flat area at the top or bottom of a staircase.
• Lintel: A horizontal support across the top of a door or window.
• Load-Bearing Wall: A wall that supports the weight of the building structure above it, essential for maintaining structural integrity.
• LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): A type of vinyl flooring that mimics the look of hardwood or stone, known for its durability and water resistance.

M

• Matte Finish: A non-glossy surface finish that diffuses light and reduces glare.
• Midcentury: A design style popular from the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and integration with nature.
• Miter Joint: A joint made by cutting two pieces of material at complementary angles to form a corner, commonly used in trim work.
• Mitered Edge: A countertop edge where two pieces are joined at a 45-degree angle to create a seamless look.
• Modern Farmhouse: A design style that combines modern elements with traditional farmhouse aesthetics, such as shiplap walls, barn doors, and rustic finishes.
• Mortar: A mixture used to bond building blocks such as bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units.
• Mudroom: A small room or entryway where outdoor clothes and footwear can be removed and stored, helping to keep the rest of the house clean.

N

• Natural Stone: A material sourced from nature, such as granite, marble, or slate, used for countertops, flooring, and other surfaces due to its durability and unique appearance.
• Nozzle: A device attached to the end of a hose or pipe to control the flow of water or other fluids.

O

• Open Concept: A floor plan that eliminates walls separating the main living areas, creating a more spacious and integrated living space.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB): An engineered wood particle board formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands in specific orientations.
• Organic Modern: A design style that combines modern aesthetics with natural elements, emphasizing simplicity, clean lines, and organic materials.

P

• Pencil Edge: A countertop edge with a slight, rounded edge that eliminates the disadvantages of sharp corners.
• Permit: A legal authorization required for significant renovation work, ensuring compliance with local building
• Plumbing Rough-In: The initial phase of plumbing work where water supply and waste lines are installed but not yet connected to fixtures.
• Punch List: A list of tasks and minor repairs that need completing before a renovation project can be considered finished.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A type of plastic used in various construction applications, including plumbing pipes and vinyl flooring.

Q

• Quartz: An engineered stone made from natural quartz and resin, offering durability, low maintenance, and a variety of design options.
• Quartzite: A natural stone that is harder than granite and often used for countertops due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

R

• R-Value: A measurement of insulation's effectiveness in preventing heat transfer; higher values indicate better insulation.
• Rafter: A structural component used as part of a roof construction, extending from the ridge or hip to the wall plate.
• Raw Edge: A natural, unpolished edge on a countertop, often used to highlight the material's organic qualities.
• Remnants: Leftover pieces of stone, quartz, or other materials, often sold at a discount and used for smaller projects or custom applications.
• Retrofit: Adding new technology or features to an existing structure to improve its performance, efficiency, or aesthetics.

S

• Scandinavian Style: A design aesthetic characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, often featuring light colors, natural materials, and clean lines.
• Scope of Work: A detailed outline of all tasks, materials, and timelines involved in a renovation project.
• Sealing: In the context of countertops and other surfaces, it is the process of applying a protective coating to a surface to prevent damage from moisture, stains, and everyday wear.

Check out our related blog: What is The Best Type of Wood for Kitchen Countertops?

• Shabby Chic: A design style that embraces a worn, vintage look, often featuring distressed furniture, soft colors, and an eclectic mix of new and old elements.
• Slab: A large, flat piece of stone or concrete used for countertops, flooring, or paving.
• Softwood: Timber from coniferous trees, typically softer and less dense than hardwood, used for various construction and carpentry applications.
• Spigot: A valve or faucet for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe or cask.
• Split Level: A type of home design where the floor levels are staggered, creating multiple levels of living space within a small vertical distance.
• Superintendent: The person responsible for overseeing the daily operations on a construction site, ensuring the project progresses on schedule and within budget.

T

• Terrazzo: A composite material made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass set in concrete and polished to a smooth finish, often used for flooring and countertops.
• Travertine: A type of natural stone formed by mineral deposits, often used for flooring, countertops, and backsplashes due to its unique texture and appearance.
• Trim: Decorative woodwork installed at the edges of walls, windows, and doors to enhance architectural detail and conceal joints.
• Tile: A durable material used for covering floors, walls, and countertops, available in various materials like ceramic, porcelain, and stone.

U

• Underlayment: A layer of material placed under flooring to provide a smooth surface and absorb sound and moisture.
• Undermount Sink: A type of sink installed below the countertop, creating a seamless look and making countertop cleaning easier.
• Utility Knife: A versatile cutting tool used for various construction and renovation tasks, such as trimming, scraping, and cutting materials.

V

• Vanity: A piece of bathroom furniture that typically combines a sink, countertop, and storage space, available in various styles and sizes.
• Veneer: A thin layer of wood or other material applied to the surface of a structure to give the appearance of solid wood or to enhance its appearance.

W

• Waterfall Edge: A countertop design where the material extends vertically down the sides of the cabinets, creating a continuous, flowing look.
• Weatherstripping: Material used to seal the gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts, improve energy efficiency, and reduce noise.

Y

• Yoke: A type of structural component that provides support and stability, often used in framing and roofing applications.

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Our experts in Bend, Oregon, are here to help you plan and execute the perfect renovation, tailored to your unique needs and style. Get in touch via our contact page, email or phone to start your project today with trusted professionals. Stop by our showroom in NE Bend, located off of High Desert Ln to browse top of the line products in the industry and surfaces you can only find from us!