Looking at renovating or have your plans well underway? A little confused as to what are the jargon means? Cowan building investigates the most commonly used jargon to explain what your builder/ architect is considering with your new renovation project.

 

From balusters to fanlights – understanding the design concepts without a solid background in building terminology can be confusing for the everyday homeowner. Particularly if you have been thrown a pile of possible plans for your renovation.

 

The best tip is to simply ask. Your builder or architect will be more than happy to explain any design concept that you do not understand and allow you to see the total picture without any embarrassment or complications. In the meantime, we have compiled a list of the most commonly used design lingo to help shed some light on the matter.

 

Alteration – The extending of a building, rebuilding, repairing, or enlarging the footprint.  

 

Amendment – Changes to the plans that the building consent was granted.

 

Architrave – The moulded timber that surrounds a window or door.

 

Asbestos – toxic fibre now banned in building practice in NZ however may be contained in hopes built before 2000.

 

Balloon Framing – a traditional heritage type of framing where long studs run from the bottom plate to the eaves of a building.

 

Baluster – support for railing at the edge of verandas or balconies.

 

Beams – Timber or steel load-bearing cross beams that support additional floors or roofs and the structure of a building. 

 

Building Code – The mandatory standards for all building work in NZ.

 

Building Consent – the consent issued by the authority to allow building work to begin within a certain council. Including approved plans and specifications. 

 

Building Consent Authority (BCA) – Regional, Territorial, or private body authorities that are registered by the Department of Building and Housing that undertake consents, inspections, and issuing the code of compliance certificates. 

 

Cladding – the weather-proof exterior of a building.

 

Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) – A certificate confirming the building work is compliant with the building consent. Issued by a BCA after the completion of the build.

 

Califont – a gas water heater.

Corbels – a piece of timber that is projecting (sometimes also stone) that supports a beam or shelf.

 

Cornice – ornamental timber moulding along a wall between the ceiling. 

 

Eaves – Roof that extends out over the outer walls of a building.

 

Fanlights – Small opening windows over larger windows.

 

Fascia – Guttering is normally attached to the fascia – the board that runs along the edge of the roof. 

 

Flashing – used on a joint between two materials and designed to catch water and prevent it from penetrating the interior of the building. 

 

Foundations – the below structure that supports a building from structural loads.

 

IGU – Insulating glass unit (double glazing etc).

 

Joists – framing that supports a floor or ceiling.

 

Leadlighting – decorative glass windows common in older homes.

 

Lintel – beams that support the wall above a door, fireplace, or window.

 

Modillion – ornamental block along the soffit at the eave.

 

Mouldings – A decorative shape from timber or plastic.

 

Newel Posts – the post at the end of a staircase that holds up the handrail.

 

Plaster – the mixture used to spread onto walls or gib to create a smooth surface.

 

Resource Consent – A consent issued by an authority to use the land that is not permitted under the council or a district plan. 

 

Sashes – frames that holds glass.

 

Scullery / Butler’s Pantry – a small room next to the kitchen that acts as a smaller kitchen.

 

Skillion Roof – a high-pitched roof that has no accessible roof space.

 

Soffit – the underside of eaves.

 

Wetback – water space fitted to the back of a fire to provide heated water.

 

Have any questions? You know who to ask!