The Most Common Renovation Terms to Know

 Aug/14/2020      419

Learn commonly used renovation terms to better understand your home contractor

If you are having trouble understanding your home contractor, you are not alone. There are certain terms you might not be familiar with that are making it difficult to manage your home improvement project. Below is a list of commonly used remodeling terms that can help you better manage your contractor and your project.

Building Inspector

The building inspector is the person who is responsible for providing building permits. They are employed by the city’s building inspector office to review blueprints and job progress to ensure that the remodel meets city building codes and ordinances.

Blueprints

If you are working with an architect or designer, they will create a technical drawing that shows the plan for the remodel. The blueprints will demonstrate how the project will be built including materials, fasteners and dimensions.

House Footprint

A home footprint is the overall dimension of the house. That includes attached garages, porches and decks. Changing your home footprint means adjusting the dimensions, typically through an addition.

Demolition

You might see an extra charge for demolition. Whether you are undergoing a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you are probably looking at some demolition, which includes knocking out and removing old materials. If you are remodeling your kitchen, they might need to demolish your kitchen counter or cabinets to put in new ones.

Design Build

A company that provides both the design work and the remodeling or construction work.

General Contractor

The general contractor is responsible for overseeing the remodeling project and his team who is doing the actual construction and demolition work. They will be your main contact on the project, and the person you direct communication to.

Footings

The concrete under your home’s foundation that provides support for the structure. The footing is rebar-reinforced.

Gut a room

If you are completely remodeling your home, your rooms might get gutted. To gut a room means to remove everything except for framing, subflooring and what is inside the walls.

HVAC

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. If you are looking to install a central air conditioning or heating, you will deal with an HVAC contractor.

Mechanicals

The mechanicals make up the systems that power the home. That can include electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and ventilation.

Move a Wall

If you are looking to create an open floorplan or increase the size of a room, you may need to tare a wall down and move it to a new location. This is referred to as moving a wall.

Pull a Permit

Most cities require permits for certain home improvement projects. Pulling a permit means to get a building permit from the local building department. This requires a building inspector to review the blueprints and make sure the home remodel is up to city codes.

Subcontractor

Your general contractor will hire a subcontractor who specializes in certain home improvement projects like plumbing or electrical.

Tradespeople

Another word for subcontractor, is a tradesperson. They specialize in a trade or skill like roofing or electrical work.

Now that you know home remodeling terms, hire your home contractor using HomeContractors101.com now!