Builder

Allowances: In a home’s specifications, the builder provides allowable cost amounts for various items, such as cabinets, flooring, fixtures, landscaping, etc. If a client chooses items that cost more than the allowance, the difference is paid for by the client. If the client chooses items that cost less, a credit is issued.
Breaker panel: The electrical box composed of circuit breakers that distributes electric power entering the home to each plug and switch.
Builder's risk insurance: Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction, including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for the client's protection. Be sure to ask for proof that the builder is properly insured.
Building codes: Local and state ordinances that specify how a home may be constructed or modified.
Casing: The casing is the wood trim molding installed around a door or window opening.
Cast stone: Manmade material that resembles natural stone.
Certificate of Occupancy: After a home has passed all of the required inspections and all fees have been paid, a certificate is issued by the county building department.
Chord: A bottom chord is the lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss. A top chord is the upper or top member of a truss.
CO: An abbreviated term for Certificate of Occupancy.
Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC and R's): Standards set by a subdivision and the protections the developer creates that define how a property may be used.
Construction agreement: The contractual agreement between the buyers and the builder that specifies the rights, obligations and duties of each party.
Construction specifications: These are part of the construction agreement and describe in detail all of the elements that will be part of the home.
Distributed audio system: A sound system that allows homeowners to play and adjust audio throughout the home.
Draw: In a contract with a fixed payment schedule, this specifies when the builder will bill at different stages of the building process.
Electrical rough: After the plumber and heating contractors complete their first phase of work, the electrical contractor completes the electrical rough, which typically includes installation of all electrical wires and outlet, switch and fixture boxes.
Electrical trim: When the home is almost complete, the electrician installs all of the remaining electrical components and does all the work necessary to prepare the home for the municipal electrical final inspection.
Flatwork: Refers to concrete floors, driveways, basements and sidewalks.
Footer: The concrete-reinforced supporting base or groundwork of the home.
Framer: This carpenter contractor installs the lumber and completes all work related to the wood structure of the home.
Framing: Lumber used for the structural components of a building, such as studs, joists and rafters. French drains: Also known as underdrains, these are installed below the surface of the ground to aid movement of ground water outside the home.
Hardware: Installed by the trim carpenter, this term describes all of the metal-based fittings that go into the home before completion, including doorknobs, towel bars, etc.
Heat rough: After the stairs (if any) and interior walls are built, the heating contractor installs all ductwork and flue pipes, and, in some cases, the furnace and fireplaces are installed at this stage of construction.
Heat trim: When the home is almost complete, the heating contractor installs all of the remaining heat