Glossary of Architecture and Construction Terms

Below you will find a glossary of common and not so common terms used in architecture and construction industry. We hope you will find this glossary resource helpful when viewing our home plans and browseing through our web site.

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Family Studio - A designated area in the floor plan with multiple functions, ranging from ironing to gift wrapping, depending on the preferences of the homeowner. Sometimes combined with the utility room, the family studio is a place to take care of household tasks or work on hobbies. These rooms typically include cabinets, drawers, an island and ample counter space.

Fanlight - A semicircular or arched window over a door or window, often with muntins (dividers within a window pane) that radiate in the form of an open fan

Fascia - A finish board used at the ends of roof rafters and is part of the eave.

Fixed Windows - These windows cannot be opened

Floor Framing - A designated area in the floor plan with multiple functions, ranging from ironing to gift wrapping, depending on the preferences of the homeowner. Sometimes combined with the utility room, the family studio is a place to take care of household tasks or work on hobbies. These rooms typically include cabinets, drawers, an island and ample counter space

Footing - Trenches of poured concrete around the perimeter of the house and below each pier or column that supports and distributes the weight of the house to the ground. Two steel rods, known as rebar, run through the trench of the foundation

Foundation - Technically, the foundation is the part of a building that meets the ground, where all loads are transferred to the ground

French Country House Plans - The French Country or French Provincial home plan typically includes curved arches, soft lines, and stonework. French Country or Provincial home plans may feature brick, stone, or stucco exteriors and steep rooflines, sometimes with balconies. The French Country house plan is reminiscent of the rural French countryside. Our French Country and Provincial home plans vary from the simple to the extravagant, and use the style and history of the French countryside to create floor plans from the simple to the extravagant

Friezeboard - Trim work that follows the eve horizontally below the soffit on the wall