The portion of building that is above ground level.

A written summary of all transactions that could affect the ownership of a piece of real estate, including deeds, leases, liens and wills.

A structure designed to receive a thrust, such as a the supporting structure at either end of an arch or bridge.

In masonry, any ingredient that is added to mortar to speed drying and solidifying. Compare retarding agent.

Indication that a party assents or agrees to a contract or approves of the work done under a contractor.

A removable or swinging panel that is usually flush with adjoining surfaces to provide access to concealed equipment or system components for inspection and maintenance.

see asbestos-containing material.

A scheduling term for the smallest work uinit within a project: the basic building block of a project.

Adapting an old or historical building for a new purpose.

(plural: addenda) Written information adding to, clarifying, or modifying the bid package. An addendum is generally issued by the owner to the contractor during the bidding process and is intended to become part of the contract.

An seperate bid that if accepted adds to the contract sum.

A coarse material, such as gravel, broken stone or sand, with which cement and water are mixed to form concrete. Crushed stone is usually designated as coarse aggregate and sand as fine aggregate.

The right to use the space above a piece of real estate.

A cavity or space in the walls, windows or other enclosed parts of a building between various structural members.

A compact, translucent, usually white form of gypsum that is often carved into lamps, vases and ornaments.

A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile orils and the oxidation caused by solar radiation. This produces a pattern of cracks resembling an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to the thermal expansion or contraction.

In the contract documents, an amount noted by the architector to be included in the contract sum for specific item (e.g., a stipulated sum for carpeting or hardware that will be selected at a later date).

Partial construction work performed within and existing structure: remodeling without a building addition.

An area within the boundaries of a project that is intended for recreational purposes, such as landscaped site area, a patio, a common area, a communal lounge, or a swimming pool.

An attachment for resistance to movement, such as overturning, sliding or uplift. Th most common anchorage for these movements are tie-downs(hold-downs) for overturning and uplift, and anchor bolts for sliding.