Anchor Bolt

An L or J-shaped bolt that projects from the foundation used to fasten exterior first floor walls to the foundation.

TJI Joist

High-strength engineered framing material formed into I-beams. These are made by rearranging wood fiber into a material that the manufacturer claims is uniform, strong, and guaranteed to be free from warping and defects. The use of TJI joists produces stronger, quieter floors. They also allow for great floor plan flexibility since these engineered beams are assembled to span greater distances than standard framing lumber.

Brick Soldier

A brick placed on end with the narrow surface visible. This may be found as a band between the first and second floor of a two-story home or just below the overhang of a roof.

Closing

The final act of a real estate purchase when the sale and/or loan documents are completed.

Change Order

Change Order. This is initiated by the homebuyer and is necessary to change, add or delete an item in the home.

Earnest Money
(both initial and additional)

Money given by the purchaser as a good faith assurance that they will close on the property. It could also be referred to as a deposit. Additional earnest money is normally paid for changes to the home at the time an E.C.O. is signed. Earnest money is not refundable, except for initial earnest money, if loan approval is not granted.

Elevation

The elevation is a detailed architectural drawing. It provides a flat view of any exterior side of a home or a view of a single wall in a room. An elevation shows no depth.

Finger Joint Stud

A type of stud that is engineered from shorter lengths of wood glued together at a fingerlike joint.

Flashing

Strips of thin metal installed on the home to prevent water penetration. These may be located at the intersection of the chimney and the roof or around windows. Flashing material is also used for valleys at roof intersections.

Flatwork

A reference made to any area of concrete such as a patio, sidewalk, driveway, or porch.

Home Owner Orientation

The buyer will review the home with a construction superintendent prior to closing. This orientation is intended to introduce the buyer to the specific features of the home and verify any minor changes.

Microlam

This is a term used for a structural beam made of wood. It consists of wood layered and glued together to form one continuous member of desired length. This type of beam is engineered and manufactured off-site.

Post-tension Foundation

A foundation that uses cables to reinforce the concrete. These cables are stressed shortly after the foundation is placed.

Purchaser's Acceptance Agreement (P.A.A.)

This is a document which will be prepared at the time of the Homeowner Orientation listing certain details, if any, remaining incomplete. Estate Craft Homes will attempt to complete all items shown on the Purchaser's Acceptance Agreement prior to closing. However, please note, closing is not dependent upon completion of those items.

Rafter

The incline roof support to which decking is nailed. These are designed to carry roof loads.

Rowlock Brick

A pattern of brick placed so the end of the brick is exposed. This is sometimes found around arched windows or used as windowsills.

S.E.E.R. Rating

S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and refers to the efficiency of the heating or cooling units in a home. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit.

Sole Plate

The bottom wood member of a wall. This is usually made of a 2" x 4" or a 2" x 6" material. Sole plates that contact the foundation are treated to resist moisture.

Stick Built

A type of construction that refers to framing a home one piece at a time as opposed to using modules. Modular home parts are manufactured and assembled and then delivered to the site for final assembly. Estate Craft Homes are stick built.

Vapor Barrier

A black plastic material placed under the concrete of a foundation to resist moisture.

Weep Holes

Voids between the bricks on the first row that contact the foundation. These voids in the vertical joints are in place to allow any condensation that may collect on the inside of a brick wall to escape. These weep holes may also be located above a window.

Zoned Air

Homes having two or more heating and cooling units that operate independently of each other. Different thermostats control the units. One part or zone of the home can be kept at a different temperature than the other.