Glossary

Glossary of 7847 Property Development Terms

F

Fabric Wall - Wallpaper or other fabric used to cover or finish off an existing wall.

Facade - One of the exterior faces (walls) of a building.

Face Brick - Brick made especially for exterior use with special consideration of color, texture and size, and used as a facing on a building.

Face Glazing - A system having a triangular bead of compound applied with a putty knife, after bedding, setting, and clipping the glazing infill in place on a rabetted sash.

Face Nail - To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or beam.

Face Nailing - To nail perpendicular to the initial surface or to the junction of the pieces joined. Also termed face nailing.

Face Plate - A basic cover plate usually with a polished finish and designed to cover over a less attractive material.

Faced Concrete - To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete porch, step(s), or patio, normally the face is broom finished.

Faceplate - A basic cover plate usually with a polished finish and designed to cover over a less attractive material.

Faceplate Armoured - A metal plate which is fastened into the strike at the door jamb to provide a protection for the lock and keeper mechanisms.

Facerplate - A basic cover plate usually with a polished finish and designed to cover over a less attractive material.

Facing - A covering applied to the outer surface of a building.

Facing Brick - The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.

Factor Cement - The number of bags or cubic feet of cement per cubic yard of concrete, see Cement Content.

Factor Of Bulking - Ratio of the volume of moist sand to the volume of the sand when dry.

Factory Built Fireplace - A pre-built firebox assembly that includes a heat exchanger, air movement equipment, and the flue assembly. Also called a Zero Clearance Fireplace.

Failed Valuation Survey (FVS) - When the lender turns down your mortgage application after reading the surveyor's valuation report.

Failure Brittle -

• Failure in material which generally has a very limited plastic range
• Material subject to sudden failure without warning.

Failure Of Adhesives - Failure of an adhesive joint when the plane of separation is at the adhesive-adherend interface.

Failure Of Cohesion - Internal splitting of a compound resulting from over-stressing of the compound.

Fair Market Value (FMV) - The price that a buyer is willing to pay and the price that a seller is willing to sell for, also the going value of similar properties of equal amenities in the same general area.

Fake Ceiling - A ceiling that is suspended below an existing ceiling and is connected to that overhead structural member of surface,

Falance - A form of terracotta and usually white in colour with a glazed finish. Falance is used as cladding for walls.

Fan - An air moving device comprising a wheel or blade, and housing or office plate.

Fan Light - A semi-circular or semi-elliptical window with a horizontal sill.

Farad - The SI unit of capacitance, such that one coulomb of charge causes a potential difference of one volt.

Fascia - In residential construction, a flat board, band, or face, used sometimes by itself but usually in combination with moldings, often located at the outer face of the cornice. Any cover board or framed metal assembly at the edge or eaves of a flat, sloping, or overhanging roof, which is placed in a vertical position to protect the edge of the roof assembly.

Fascia Board - A finish member around the face of eaves and roof projections.

Fasteners Insulation - Any of several specialized mechanical fasteners designed to hold insulation down to a steel or a nailable deck.

Fateners - A general term covering a wide variety of screws and nails, which may be used for mechanically securing various components of a building.

Faucet Bath - A valve used to draw hot or cold water into a bathtub.

Faucet Kitchen - A fixture found in the kitchen that is used for drawing potable water.

Fawcet - A device that dispenses hot and cold water, mounted above a sink.

Fawcet Shower - A valve used to draw hot or cold water into a shower.

Fawcet Sink - A device that dispenses hot and cold water, mounted above a sink.

Fawcet Washroom - A device that dispenses hot and cold water, mounted above a sink.

Fawcet Water - A device that dispenses hot and cold water, mounted above a sink.

Featherboard - Pieces of wood with fingers used to hold material against a fence and or down against the table on power tools such as a table saw.

Fee Administration - An administration fee often charged for not taking a building and contents insurance policy, or some other product offered by the lender in conjunction with a mortgage.

Fee Affidavit Swear - A fee charged when a mortgage lender is required to swear an affidavit (written legal statement) to a solicitor in connection with mortgage arrears.

Fee Architectural - The amount of money charged by an architect for professional services such as programming, design, preparation of contract documents, and administration of the construction of a building or facility.

Fee For Arrangement - A fee charged for setting up a loan.

Felt - A very general term used to describe composition of roofing ply sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers unsaturated, impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and coated with asphalt.

Felt Asphalt - An asphalt saturated felt or an asphalt coated felt.

Felt Asphalt Saturated - A building and roofing felt sheet impregnated with a bituminous waterproofing material.

Felt Roof - Layer of weatherproofing between the Sarking and Tile, Slate or other roofing materials of a roof.

Felt Saturated - A felt which is impregnated with tar or asphalt.

Felt Tar - Paper Installed under the roof shingles. Normally 15 lb. or 30 lb.

Female - Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.

Fence Auger - A rotating drill with a screw thread used to drill deep, straight, and narrow holes for the installation of fence posts.

Fence Bamboo - Giant tropical woody grasses with hollow stems that are used for making fences.

Fence Barbed - Wire that is twisted with barbs or sharp points forming a barrier or fence.

Fence Chain Link - A fence made of a wire mesh fabric.

Fence Tool - A straight guide on a tool such as a table saw or router table to keep the material a set parallel distance from the blade or cutter.

Fencing - borderline construction that forms a dividing line area between to areas that is made up of fencing materials.

Fenestration - Any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall or skylight unit on the exterior of a building.

Ferrous - Refers to objects made of or partially made of iron, such as ferrous pipe.

Ferrule - Metal tubes used to keep roof gutters open. Long nails (ferrule spikes) are driven through these tubes and hold the gutters in place along the fascia of the property.

Feu - To be given the right in land subject to conditions or the holding of land subject to conditions. Relates to property in Scotland.

Feu Duty - A payment to the feudal superior (now largely obsolete). Relates to property in Scotland.

Feudal - The title to property in Scotland is generally feudal. This means that ownership can be for an indefinite period.

FHA Strap - Metal straps that are used to repair a bearing wall cut-out, and to tie together wall corners, splices, and bearing headers. Also, they are used to hang stairs and landings to bearing headers.

Fiber Board Cement - A prefabricated concrete building sheet that is compressed and bonded.

Fiber Cement - A threadlike structure added to cement to stiffen and strengthen it.

Fiberboard Medium Density (MDF) - Medium density fiberboard, very stable underlay for counter tops etc. to be covered with laminate.

Fibre Insulation - Fibre insulation in loose form and used to insulate loft/attics and existing walls when framing members are not exposed.

Fibreboard - Weak, lightweight board used as insulation and in ceilings.

Fiddleback - Describes wood, usually maple or mahogany but can be any wood, with Curl or Tiger grain material with fine grain used in the manufacture of violins, hence the name.

Field Disposal - An area containing a series of one or more trenches lined with coarse aggregate and conveying the effluent from the septic tank through vitrified clay pipe or perforated, non-metallic pipe, laid in such a manner that the flow will be distributed with reasonable uniformity into natural soil.

Field Measure - To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs, shower doors, etc.) in the property itself instead of using the blueprints.

Field Tile - Open joint drain tiles laid to distribute septic tank effluent over an absorption area or to provide subsoil drainage in wet areas.

Fieldstone - A stone used in its natural shape.

File Aluminium - Addresses the problem that ordinary files pose when used on soft aluminum, which is clogging. The scalloped-tooth pattern cuts cleanly and leaves a fine finish.

File Bastard - A course file for rough shaping of metal or wood.

File Curved Tooth - Widely used in auto-body work and on aluminium and sheet metal, it features deeply cut, curved teeth for fast cutting and reduced clogging of soft material.

File Detailing - Basically a half-round combination file, this tool is handy for working small flats, rounds and hollows. Ends are tapered for work in confined spaces.

File Four In Hand - If you only own one file, this should be it. Has both round and flat surfaces and each side of the file has a double-cut and rasp-cut end.

File Half Round - Bastard-cut file that is double cut for fast stock removal and one face is round for working concave shapes. Classified as a machinist’s file, it’s also useful for fine trimming in wood.

File Knife - Used by tool and die makers, it is excellent for tight, acute angles.

File Mill - The most common single-cut file. Used for sharpening circular saw blades, draw-filing, lathe work and anywhere else a smooth finish is required.

File Round - Standard file for cleaning up or enlarging holes and shaping tight internal curves. Works on metal or wood.

File Spiral Cut Chain Saw - Featuring a special spiral-cut pattern, this file cuts faster than standard, round chain saw files.

File Square - When needing to make a round hole square, this is the tool. The long, tapered profile makes it useful for cleaning up right-angle shapes such as slots and keyways.

File Super Shear -

File Warding - Designed for shaping and trimming notches in locks and keys. Double cut on the faces and single cut on the edges. The tapered profile makes it useful in situations where an ordinary file won't fit.

Fileter Diatomaceous Earth - Pool filter using DE as filtering medium, one designed to filter water through a thin layer of filter aid such as diatomaceous earth or volcanic ash, diatomite filters may be of the Pressure or Vacuum type.

Fill Type Insulation - Loose insulating material which is applied by hand or blown into wall spaces mechanically.

Filler - A substance that is used the fill pores and irregularities on the surface of material to decrease the porosity before applying a finishing coat.

Filler Material Backing - Filler metal in the form of a ring, strip or consumable insert, fused in a single welded joint.

Filler Material Backing - Filler metal in the form of a ring, strip or consumable insert, fused in a single welded joint.

Filler Wood - A heavily pigmented preparation used for fining and leveling off the pores in open-pored woods.

Fillet Bead - Caulking or sealant placed in such a manner that it forms an angle between the materials being caulked.

Filter Carbon - Air filter using activated carbon as air cleansing agent.

Filter Cartridge - A swimming pool filter which operates through a disposable cartridge, these are of two general types. the surface or area type where the suspended matter is removed at the surface and the depth type in which the interstices vary from large to small in depth.

Filters Air - Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are coated with adhesive liquid to which the particles of lint and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common filters are of the throwaway or disposable type.

Finalising The Mortgage - You will need to finalise your mortgage after finding the property of your choice. Once you have found the property you can then commence with the lender's survey and your own survey if required.

Fine Aggregate - One of the four ingredients of concrete, usually sand, which will pass the #4 sieve and will be retained on the #200 sieve.

Fineness Wagner - The fineness of materials such as portland cement expressed as total surface area in centimeters per gram as determined by the Wagner turbidimeter apparatus and procre.

Finger Joint - A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber or moulding. Often used in jambs and casings and are normally painted (instead of stained).

Finial - A decorative device used to finish off a building element with a decorative flourish. Usually seen on railings.

Finish - In hardware, metal fastenings on cabinets which are usually exposed such as hinges and locks.

Finish Broom - A finish applied to an uncured concrete surface, to provide skid or slip resistance, made by dragging a broom across the freshly placed concrete surface.

Finish Burned - Wood finish in which hard portion of grain stands out in relief, produced by using blowtorch and stiff bristled brush.

Finish Cabinet - Protective coatings to provide protection and decorative appearance for exposed portions of wood cabinets.

Finish Cabinet Transplant - Protective clear or tinted coating to provide protection and decorative appearance for exposed portions of wood cabinets which allows grain of wood to be seen through coating.

Finish Carpentry - The hanging of all interior doors, installation of door molding, base molding, chair rail, built in shelves, etc.

Finish Carpentry -

• The finish woodwork installation such as base, casing, doors, stairs, paneling<.li>
• All woodwork installed after plastering or drywall.

Finish Coat - The last coat applied in plastering intended as a base for further decorating or as a final decorative surface. Finish coat usually consists of calcified gypsum, lime and sometimes an aggregate. Some may require the addition of lime or sand on the job. The three basic methods of applying it are trowel, flat and spray.

Finish Grade - Any surface which has been cut to or built to the elevation indicated for that point. Surface elevation of lawn, driveway or other improved surfaces after completion of grading operations.

Finish Interior - Material used to cover the interior framed areas of walls and ceilings.

Finish Wall - The final planing, sanding, staining, varnishing, waxing, or painting of a wall.

Finishes Baking - Baking at elevated temperatures improves certain types of coatings used on metal articles, such as automobiles and refrigerators; baking may be done in an oven, under infrared lamps or by induction heating according to the demands of shape, space and other requirements; the article that is coated must, of course, be able to withstand the temperature required for the proper baking of the finish.

Fire Alarm Cable - A specific electrical system cable which carries electric current to a warning horn or bell for use in the event of a fire or other catastrophe.

Fire Bisque - The process of kiln firing ceramic ware prior to glazing.

Fire Block - Short horizontal members sometimes nailed between studs, usually about halfway up a wall, see also Fire Stop.

Fire Brick - Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures. Used in a fireplace and boiler.

Fire Brick -

• Brick that has been tested for fire-resistance and then graded for specific construction uses.
• Brick whose composition and characteristics make it suitable to use for masonry fireplace fire boxes and fire chambers.

Fire Door - A solid internal or external door designed to hold back a fire for a given period of time.

Fire Rated - Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour. Drywall used in the garage and party walls are to be fire rated, 5/8", Type X.

Fire Resistance Rating - The time in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria.

Fire Resistive - A designation applied, in the absence of a specific ruling by the authority having jurisdiction, to materials for construction not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires; materials that will withstand such fires without serious impairment of their usefulness for at least 1 hour.

Fire Resistive Or Fire Rated - Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour.

Fire Retardant Chemical - A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.

Fire Stop - A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs. Work performed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in the walls and ceiling (behind the drywall). Includes stuffing wire holes in the top and bottom plates with insulation, and installing blocks of wood between the wall studs at the drop soffit line. This is integral to passing a Rough Frame inspection, see also Fire Block.

Fire Wall - Any wall built for the purpose of restricting or preventing the spread of fire in a building. Such walls of solid masonry or concrete generally sub-divide a building from the foundations to two or more feet above the plane of the roof.

Fireplace - An open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built or a gas or electric fire can be installed.

Fireplace Chase Flashing Pan - A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. Its purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.

Fireplace Factory Built - A pre-built firebox assembly that includes a heat exchanger, air movement equipment, and the flue assembly. Also called a Zero Clearance Fireplace.

Fireplace Zero Clearance - A pre-built firebox assembly that includes a heat exchanger, air movement equipment, and the flue assembly. Also called a Factory Built Fireplace.

Fireproofing Beam - Fire-resistant materials that cover a horizontal structural member, to insure structural integrity in the event of a fire.

Firewall Brick - A masonry wall constructed to prevent or retard the spread of fire.

Firmer Chisel - Designed for heavy-duty work such as timber framing. The heavy blade can keep the chisels from flexing under heavy work loads or from mallet blows. Ideal for cutting and fitting joints in hardwoods, paring and fitting.

First Time Buyer - A person who does not already own property and they are about to buy property for the first time.

First Time Buyer (FTB) - Someone entering the buyers market for the very first time.

Fish Scale Shingles - A shingle having straight sides and rounded bottoms.

Fish Tape - A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit.

Fish Wire - Material used to advance wire through a conduit.

Fishplate - A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line. Sometimes called a gang nail plate.

Fitting Brass - Threaded pipe connector made of brass, used to join two pieces of pipe together.

Fitting Cable - Couplings, elbows, tees or unions used to form a junction or connect cable lines together.

Fitting Overflow And Waste - A bathtub drain fitting which provides both the outlet for the bathtub drain and an overflow to drain excess water from the tub.

Fitting Waste And Overflow - A bathtub drain fitting which provides both the outlet for the bathtub drain and an overflow to drain excess water from the tub.

Fittings And Fixtures - this refers to all the items in the house such as shelves, radiators, light bulbs, light shades and the like. Fixtures are generally those which are screwed or nailed down, glued on, or have in some other way been made a part of the fabric of the house. Fittings are those things which can easily be removed.

Fix Quick - An expedient often inadequate solution to a problem.

Fix Quick - An expedient often inadequate solution to a problem, a Band Aid Approach.

Fixed Appliance - An appliance which is fastened or otherwise secured at a specific location.

Fixed Assets - These are physical assets such as plant & machinery, land and buildings (both leasehold and freehold) which are owned and used by a company in its business operations. Also serves as a guide to the assets backing a company's liabilities and debts when taken in conjunction with fixed investments.

Fixed Ladder - A ladder which is permanently attached to a building.

Fixed Price - A price that is fixed and not negotiable.

Fixed Price Contract - A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials Contract.

Fixed Price Sale - A sale of a property at a fixed price set by the seller where there are no negotiations and the price to buy the property is set.

Fixed Rate Loan - A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain interest rate for a stated period. The rate payable will not change during this period regardless of changes in the lender's standard variable rate.

Fixed Rate Mortgage - A mortgage loan where the interest rate is set and established at its origination and maintains that rate for the term of the mortgage.

Fixed Rate Mortgages - Fixed rate mortgages guarantee a specific rate of interest for a set length of time. Most commonly, this is for between one and five years, though it can be as long as ten or even fifteen years. As a rule, the longer the fixed period, the higher the starting rate of interest. A lender will not want to commit to lending you money at a really low interest rate for ten years when there is a fair chance that during that period the general level of interest rates may rise above the rate at which they are lending you money. The lowest interest rates are often found with deals that are fixed for two to three years.

Fixture Carrier - A mounting frame built into a wall to support a plumbing fixture.

Fixture Fittings And Contents - Form filled out by the seller to show items either included or excluded in the sale. (Forms part of the contract with the buyer).

Fixture Light - A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, housing, and connection to the power circuit.

Fixture Plumbing - A receptacle or device from which water is dispensed and/or drained, such as a bath, toilet, or faucet.

Fixtures And Fittings - this refers to all the items in the house such as shelves, radiators, light bulbs, light shades and the like. Fixtures are generally those which are screwed or nailed down, glued on, or have in some other way been made a part of the fabric of the house. Fittings are those things which can easily be removed.

Fixtures Battery - Any group of two or more similar adjacent plumbing fixtures which discharge into a common horizontal waste or soil branch.

Fixtures Fittings And Contents Form - A document which details which items a seller will leave behind for you.

Fixtures Pipe Clamp - Long reaching fixtures attached to a pipe, that, once positioned, are tightened by turning a handle. Only pipe length limits capacity. Ideal for joining boards to make wider panels.

Flag Stone - Flat stones, from 1 to 4 inches thick, used for rustic walks, steps, floors, and the like.

Flagging - Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).

Flagpole Mounted Wall - A pole to raise or display a flag, mounted or attached to a wall.

Flags - Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).

Flagstone - Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).

Flake - A scale-like particle. To lose bond from a surface in small thin pieces. Sometimes a paint film flakes.

Flake Board - A manufactured wood panel made out of 1" 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing, also called OSB or Wafer Board.

Flakeboard - A manufactured wood panel made out of 1" 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing, also called OSB or Wafer Board.

Flaking - A scale-like particle. To lose bond from a surface in small thin pieces. Sometimes a paint film flakes.

Flame Carbonising - An oxygen fuel gas flame.

Flame Retention Burner - An oil burner designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface, generally the most efficient type of flame for residential use.

Flange Wall - A ridge on a wall that prevents movement. A supporting rim on a wall for attachments.

Flash Point - The critical temperature at which a material will ignite.

Flashing - Lead, sheet metal or other materials used in roof and wall construction to protect a building against water entering through roofs or walls.

Flashing Base -

• A waterproof membrane that is attached to a roof and bent up the side of a chimney.
• A waterproof membrane that is attached at a joint between any vertical member and a roof.

Flashing Cap -

• The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing
• An inverted L shaped metal strip built into a wall to overlap base flashing and make a roof or wall watertight.

Flashing Counter - Sheet metal or other material that is used at the roofline around chimneys to prevent the invasion of water into the building.

Flashing Dormer - Sheet metal used to reinforce and weatherproof the joints and angles on a dormer.

Flashing Pan - A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe, its purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.

Flashing Step - Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane. 6" X 6" galvanized metal bent at a 90 degree angle, and installed beneath siding and over the top of shingles. Each piece overlaps the one beneath it the entire length of the sloping roof (step by step).

Flashing Thru Wall - Flashing extended completely through a masonry wall. Designed and applied in combination with counter-flashings, to prevent water which may enter the wall above from proceeding downward in the wall or into the roof deck or roofing system.

Flashing Valley - Sheet metal that lays in the V area of a roof valley.

Flat - Living area within a building.

Flat Glass - A general term that describes float glass, sheet, glass, plate glass, and rolled glass

Flat Grain - Flat grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, i.e., the rings form an angle of less than 45° with the surface of the piece.

Flat Mould - Thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of cabinet skins.

Flat Paint - An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lustreless finish.

Flat Plate Collector - A solar collection device in which sunlight is converted into heat on a plane surface without the aid of reflecting surfaces to concentrate the rays.

Flat Roof - A pitchless roof type most favourable in dry climates.

Flat Seam - A seam at the junction of sheet metal roof components that has been bent at the plane of the roof.

Flat Washer - A washer which goes under a bolt head or a nut to spread the load, prevent loosening, and protect the surface.

Flatwork - Common word for concrete floors, driveways, basements, and sidewalks.

Flaunching - Cement around the base of a chimney pot, usually contoured, which allows the run off of rain water.

Fleche - A very small wooden spire.

Fleet Averaging - By using a point system, builders can show compliance with energy building requirements by using average figures for all air conditioning units in the same sub division.

Flemish Bond - The pattern by which bricks are arranged into a wall. Flemish bond is the alternating between a course with a long side on view and a course with the short side on view.

Flemish Bond - A brick bond consisting of headers and stretchers alternating in every course, so laid as always to break joints, each header being placed in the middle of the stretchers in courses above and below.

Flemish Garden Bond - A brick bond where bricks are laid so that each course has a header to every 3 or 4 stretchers.

Flexible Metal Conduit - Conduit similar to armored cable in appearance but does not have the pre-inserted conductors.

Float Angle - A concrete or plastering finishing tool having a surface bent to form a right angle; used to finish re-entrant angles.

Float Bulk - A tool comprising a large, flat, rectangular piece of wood, aluminum, or magnesium usually 8 in. (20 cm) wide and 42 to 60 in. (100 to 150 cm) long, and a handle 4 to 16 ft. (1 to 5 m) in length used to smooth unformed surfaces of freshly placed concrete.

Float Glass - Glass formed on a bath of molten tin. The surface in contact with the tin is known as the tin surface or tin side. The top surface is known as the atmosphere surface or air side.

Floating - The next-to-last stage in concrete work, when you smooth off the job and bring water to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.

Floating Base Coat - The finishing act of spreading, compacting, and smoothing of the base coat plaster to a reasonably true plane.

Floating Wall - A non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor. It is constructed so that the bottom two horizontal plates can compress or pull apart if the concrete floor moves up or down. Normally built on basements and garage slabs.

Flood Level Ring - The top edge of a receptacle from which water overflows.

Floor Access - A raised floor platform with removable panels to provide access to the area below.

Floor Box - A metal electrical rough in box fed by conduits in or under the floor to provide for a floor outlet.

Floor Ledger Structural - The wooden perimeter frame lumber member that bolts onto the face of a foundation wall and supports the wood structural floor.

Floor Parquet - Wood flooring laid to form geometric patterns.

Floor Plan - A scale diagram of a room or building drawn as if seen from above.

Floor Plans Architectural - Floor plans drawn up and produced by an architect.

Floor Plate - The basic layout of building or addition, which includes placement of walls, windows and doors as well as dimensions.

Floor Recessed - Any floor constructed at a lower level than other floors, also known as a sunken floor.

Floor Structural - A framed lumber floor that is installed as a basement floor instead of concrete, this is done on very expansive soils.

Floor Tiles - Tiles used to lay as or on a floor.

Floorboards - A board in a floor.

Flooring Chisel - All-steel tool used primarily for ripping up old wood strip flooring. Used to notch house framing for installing cable and electrical boxes.

Flooring Strip - Wood flooring consisting of narrow, matched strips.

Floorplan - A scale diagram of a room or building drawn as if seen from above.

Floorplans Architectural - Floorplans drawn up and produced by an architect.

Flourescent - The conversion of electric power to visible light by using an electric charge to excite gaseous atoms in a glass tube. These atoms emit ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed by a phosphor coating on the walls of the lamp tube. The phosphor coating produces visible light.

Flourescent Lighting - The conversion of electric power to visible light by using an electric charge to excite gaseous atoms in a glass tube. These atoms emit ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed by a phosphor coating on the walls of the lamp tube. The phosphor coating produces visible light.

Flow Of Cash - The actual cash income after all cash outlays and reserves have been dcted from the gross income.

Flue - The hollow passage that carries smoke and heat to the outside from the fireplace or furnace.

Flue Chimney - A passage housed in a chimney through which smoke and gases are carried from a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or incinerator to the exterior.

Flue Collar - Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue pipe after the pipe passes out of the roof.

Flue Damper - An automatic door located in the flue that closes it off when the burner turns off; purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue from the still-warm furnace or boiler.

Flue Liner - A liner used inside a chimney to extract smoke or gases from a property.

Flue Lining - Fire clay or terra-cotta pipe, round or square, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in 2-foot lengths, used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the outside. Flue lining in chimneys runs from about a foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.

Fluorescent Lighting - A fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a phosphor coating on the inside. Gas inside the tube is ionized by electricity which causes the phosphor coating to glow. Normally with two pins that extend from each end.

Flush - When two adjoining surfaces are perfectly even with one another. See Proud and Shy.

Flush Glazing - The setting of a light of glass or panel into a four-sided sash or frame opening containing a recessed "U" shaped channel without removable stops on three sides of the sash or frame and one channel with a removable stop along the fourth side

Flush Valve - A device located at the bottom of the tank for flushing water closets and similar fixtures.

Flushometer Valve - A device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is closed by direct water pressures.

Flute Balanced - A small metal device used in gas appliances which allows air to be drawn in and also allowed to escape.

Fly Rafters - End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.

Flying Buttress - A detached pier supporting the weight of a wall.

Flying Freehold - A flying freehold occurs when part of a freehold property overhangs part of a different freehold property or land and is usually formed when a property is split into two or more freeholds.

FMV (Fair Market Value) - The price that a buyer is willing to pay and the price that a seller is willing to sell for. Also the going value of similar properties of equal amenities in the same general area.

Foam Concrete -

• A lightweight product consisting of portland cement, cement pozzolan, cement sand, lime pozzolan or lime sand pastes, or pastes containing blends of these ingredients and having a homogenous void or cell structure, attained with gas forming chemicals or foaming agents.
• For cellular concretes containing binder ingredients other than or in addition to portland cement, autoclave curing is usually employed.

Folded Seam - In sheet metal work, a joint between sheets of metal wherein the edges of the sheets are crimped together and folded flat.

Folding Door Accordion - A folding, hinged, or creased door with rollers which run along a track.

Foot Print - The basic layout of building or addition, which includes placement of walls, windows and doors as well as dimensions.

Footage Square - The estimated total area of a building calculated by measuring the outside dimensions of a building and multiplying by the number of stories.

Footer - Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed before and supports the foundation wall or monopost.

Footing - Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed before and supports the foundation wall or monopost.

Footing Wall - A continuous spread footing that supports a uniform load from a wall.

Footings - Wide pours of cement reinforced with re-bar (reinforcing bar) that support foundation walls, pillars, or posts. Footings are part of the foundation and are often poured before the foundation walls

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) - A property being sold by the owner without the assistance of an Estate Agent.

For Sale By Private Treaty - The sale of property by private treaty is the most common method employed by estate agents and involves preparing descriptive details of the property and quoting a definitive asking price. Details can then be viewed by potential buyers and viewings arranged.

Forced Air Heating - A common form of heating with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed through a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house.

Forced Convection - The transfer of heat by the flow of fluids (such as air or water) driven by fans, blowers or pumps.

Foreclosure - The process whereby a lender is forced to take back a property and to resell the property due to default on a loan.

Foreign Currency Mortgage - It is possible to get a mortgage for your house in the UK in a mortgage denominated in a foreign currency. It sometimes gives you the opportunity to borrow money at a lower rate of interest than is possible in the UK. You do this by choosing a currency whose country has lower interest rates than we have here. Lower interest rates should mean lower repayments of both capital and interest or a shorter mortgage term. The mortgage does not have to be in any single currency. There are lenders who will allow you to spread your mortgage across a range of different currencies. This could be seen as spreading the risk.

Forend - Part of a lock or latch case.

Form - A temporary frame to hold concrete until it fully hardens.

Formica -

• Sheet material manufactured of multiple layers of paper with top layer of plastic usually 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) thick with decorative finish.
• Laminate Plastic may be used in flat sheets or heat formed, bent, and adhered to single curved base material.
• Commonly referred to by the brand name of Formica.

Formwork Beam - The system of support for freshly placed concrete for a horizontal structural member.

Formwork Boxed Culvert - The temporary wooden structure which holds wet concrete in place for the final curing of a rectangular shaped, reinforced concrete drainage system.

Formwork Bulkhead - The temporary formwork that blocks fresh concrete from a section of forms or closes the end of a form at a construction joint.

Formwork Wall - The system of wood support for a freshly placed concrete wall left in place until the concrete has set.

Forstner Bit - These have a center spur and circular rims with cutting teeth that cut clean flat bottomed holes.

Foundation - The base of a house providing stability.

Foundation Soil - Pervious paving materials include pervious interlocking concrete paving blocks, concretegrid pavers, perforated brick pavers, and compacted gravel.

Foundation Ties - Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place during the concrete pour.

Foundation Walls - Foundation walls support the structure of a house. Typically, foundations walls are constructed of poured concrete, concrete block, cinder block, field stone, rubble stone, or brick.

Foundation Waterproofing - High-quality below-grade moisture protection. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. Normally looks like black tar.

Foundations - Lowest support of a structure.

Fountain Wash - A waist high sink which supplies a steady stream of water to cleanse the hands.

Four In Hand File - If you only own one file, this should be it. Has both round and flat surfaces and each side of the file has a double-cut and rasp-cut end.

Frame - Of wood construction.

Frame Balloon - A wooden building frame composed of closely spaced members (studs) which are continuous from the sill to the top plate of the roof line; also called Eastern Frame; compare Platform Frame.

Frame Braced - A truss system or its equivalent which resists lateral forces.

Frame Clamp - Uses corner blocks and long-threaded rods with sliding speed nuts to assemble square, rectangular and other oddly-shaped work pieces. Ideal for frames and objects with corners.

Frame Construction - A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.

Frame Eastern - A wooden building frame composed of closely spaced members which are continuous from the sill to the top plate of the roof line.

Frame Inspection - The act of inspecting the property's structural integrity and it's compliance to local municipal codes.

Frame Platform - A house frame in which the floor joists of one storey rest on the top plate of the wall below.

Frame Platform - A wooden building frame composed of closely spaced members which are continuous from the sill to the top plate of the roof line.

Frame Wall - Any wall made of wood framing and usually covered with drywall (also known as plasterboard, Gyprock or Gypsum Board) and/or plaster.

Frame Window - The stationary part of a window unit; window sash fits into the window frame.

Framer - The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber and erects the frame, flooring system, interior walls, backing, trusses, rafters, decking, installs all beams, stairs, soffits and all work related to the wood structure of the property. The framer builds the property according to the blueprints and must comply with local building codes and regulations.

Frames And Sash Casement - Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of the sash, which may be opened by means of hinges affixed to the vertical edges.

Framework - A structure for supporting or enclosing something else, especially a skeletal support used as the basis for something being constructed.

Framing - Lumber used for the structural members of a building, such as studs, joists, and rafters.

Framing Balloon - In carpentry, the lightest and most economical form of construction, in which the studding and corner plates are set up in continuous lengths from the first floor line or sill to the roof plate to which all floor joists are fastened.

Framing Braced - Construction technique using posts and cross-bracing for greater rigidity.

Framing Ceiling - Wood or metal pieces which form the rough framing of ceilings.

Framing Construction - A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.

Framing Hammer - For use by house framers. Features an extra-long handle, ripping claw and checkerboard face that reduces glancing blows and flying nails.

Framing Members - The various items used to erect framing in a property.

Framing Platform - A system of framing a building in which floor joists of each story rest on the top plates of the story below or on the foundation sill for the first story, and the bearing walls and partitions rest on the subfloor of each story, usually one story constitutes a platform.

Framing Rough - The wooden structural framework of a building including the framing of walls, floors, ceilings and roof joists.

Framing Stud - A building method that distributes structural loads to each of a series of relatively lightweight studs. Contrasts with post-and-beam.

Framing Wall - Building construction where exterior and other bearing walls are made of wood.

Framing Window - The construction of the stationary frame part of a window unit.

Framing Wood Types -

• Types Of Framing:
• Balloon Framing A method of wood frame construction in which the studs extend in one piece from the foundation wall to the top plate supporting the roof.
• Bridging A method used to resist twisting of joists and for stiffening floor construction by fitting either crossed pieces or solid blocks between the joists.
• Cap The upper half of the top plate in wood frame walls and partitions.
• Plank Framing A type of construction which employs flat vertical structural members with horizontal beams let into them and having an infilling of planks on edge.
• Post and Beam Framing A system of construction in which posts and beams support the loads and the infilling walls are non-load bearing.
• Western Framing (Platform Framing) A system of framing a building on which floor joists of each storey rest on the top plates of the storey below (or on the foundation sill for the first storey) and the bearing walls and partitions rest on the subfloor of each storey.

Freehold - A freehold interest in property means absolute ownership, although technically all land is held from the Crown.

Freeholder - The person or persons who own a property outright.

Freezer Blast - Low temperature evaporator which uses a fan to force air rapidly over the evaporator surface.

French Door - A tall window that reaches to the floor and opens like a door.

French Window - A glazed full length (usually double glazed) opening casement window.

Fret Saw - And adjustable frame can hold blades up to six inches, which allows you to use broken blades. Similar to a coping saw but with a deeper "throat" which allows it a deeper reach to cut further away from the edge of the work. Great for fine, detailed work.

Friction Kinetic - The friction between two surfaces that are moving tangentially in contact with each other, kinetic friction is always slightly less than static friction.

Frieze - In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.

Frog - An indent or depression on the topside of a brick which reduces weight and increases the strength of a brick. When bricklaying, always ensure the frog faces upwards.

Front Ratio - The proportion of a purchaser's income that lenders will allow for interest, taxes and insurance on a property which is used in the evaluation of a loan application.

Frost Control Automatic - Control which automatically cycles refrigerating system to remove frost formation on evaporator.

Frost Lid - Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit.

Frost Line - A depth sub-floor level that frost will penetrate.

Frostline - The depth of frost penetration in soil. This depth varies in different parts of the country. Footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement.

Fryer Kitchen - An appliance used for frying foods.

FSBO (For Sale By Owner) - A property being sold by the owner without the assistance of an Estate Agent.

FTB (First Time Buyer) - Someone entering the buyers market for the very first time.

Full Disclosure - This is a requirement whereby the seller of a given property is required to disclose all known defects in the property.

Full Status Mortgage - A full status mortgage is for people who wish to make a lender aware of any previous arrears or debt problems they may have had. If they do not make the lender aware of these facts and they are later discovered, his could lead to all sorts of problems and the borrower could even be forced to sell the house. If you have a bad credit record some lenders will regard lending you money a high-risk activity. Many will not lend you money at all and when you can get a loan, you will undoubtedly have to pay a higher rate of interest than you would otherwise.

Full Structural Survey - The fullest and most comprehensive of the options open to the property buyer. It involves an extensive investigation of the property and a thorough examination of all the major aspects and minor details that are visible. There is some flexibility as you can request the surveyor to concentrate on specific features of the property. It is most suitable for larger, older houses with more potential for problems and those more than 75 years old, property over three stories in height, buildings of unusual construction (such as thatched, timber etc.), or if you plan to extend, convert or renovate the property.

Full With Profit Endowment - This is the most expensive endowment plan with the highest guaranteed returns. This type of endowment guarantees an annual growth and also to pay off the full loan at maturity which is the cause of the added expense. It also has built in life cover. The future growth of your investment is assumed to be at a certain rate, which determines the level of your premiums. The portion of your premium that is being invested is pooled with the premiums of other investors. Annual bonuses are added to the maturity value each year and are dependent on the performance of the investment fund. There is a possibility that the bonuses will take the maturity value above the level required to pay back the loan. This would result in a tax-free cash surplus, which you can spend on whatever tickles you’re fancy.

Fully Adhered - A completely attached (adhered) roof membrane.

Fully Liable - A surveyor has a duty of care to you as a customer. They are legally bound to provide a certain level of service and are fully liable if they fail to perform their duties. If they fail to identify a fault with a property, which then results in you incurring a financial loss, then you have the right to either sue them in court or pursue a claim through an arbitration scheme. All surveyors are required to hold professional indemnity insurance that covers them against claims arising from the public due to their professional incompetence.

Fully Tempered Glass - Flat or bent glass that has been heat-treated to a high surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirements of ASTM C 1048, kind FT. Fully tempered glass, if broken, will fracture into many small pieces (dice) which are more or less cubical. Fully tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness when exposed to uniform static pressure loads

Fungal Attack - Attack on wood/timber in a property originating from fungus usually associated with excessive moisture/wetness invading a property and allowing a fungus to form and infiltrate the wood/timber.

Fungi - Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause mold, stain, and decay.

Fungi Lumber - Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause mold, stain, and decay.

Fungi Timber - Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause mold, stain, and decay.

Fungi Wood - Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause mold, stain, and decay.

Fungi Wood Damage - Disintegration of wood or other substance through the action of fungi,

Fungicide - A chemical that is poisonous to fungi.

Furnace - A heating system that uses the principle of thermal convection. When air is heated, it rises and as the air cools it settles. Ducts are installed to carry the hot air from the top of the furnace to the rooms. Other ducts, called cold air returns, return the cooler air back to the furnace.

Furniture Bamboo - Giant tropical woody grasses with hollow stems that are used for making furniture.

Furniture Door - Decorative fittings on a door such as handles and plates.

Furniture Hosting - A service wherein a company provides and sets up all the furniture and accessories in a property. Used by developers for furnished leases and also used for show homes for presentation purposes. You can have hosting done by monthly rental or you can purchase the furniture, accessories and services outright. Becoming very popular with property developers and leasing companies.

Furring - Small strips of wood or metal applied to a wall or other surfaces that act as fastening pieces for finishing materials to be attached.

Furring Beam - Strips of wood or metal fastened to a horizontal structural member to form an airspace, to give the appearance of greater thickness, or for the application of an interior finish such as plaster.

Furring Ceiling - Wood or metal strips applied to a ceiling or rafter to make the ceiling or rafter level, provide a nailing surface, or create an air space.

Furring Strips - Strips of wood, often 1 X 2 and used to shim out and provide a level fastening surface for a wall or ceiling.

Furring Wall - Strips of wood applied to make a wall surface level, form an air space, or provide fastening surfaces.

Further Advance - You can sometimes have the facility to borrow further funds once you have been paying your mortgage for a set period of time, especially with a flexible mortgage. A fee is charged by your lender to cover the cost of assessing the merits of your application.

Further Advance Legal Fee - A fee that is normally charged when you apply for a further advance of money on your mortgage. This covers the necessary administration to ensure that the lender's legal charge over the property is maintained when further money is lent.

Fuse - A device often found in older properties designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines. This protects against fire. See also circuit breakers.

FVS (Failed Valuation Survey) - When the lender turns down your mortgage application after reading the surveyor's valuation report.

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