Real Estate Glossary

Real Estate Glossary
Our glossary is the largest dictionary of real estate and construction terms on the Internet with almost 10,000 definitions.



 


4" to 6" long wire, which is formed into the letter Z, which is used to tie the exterior and interior walls of a cavity wall together.

Flashing, shaped in the form of a Z, which is used along a horizontal edge between abutting vertical exterior wall panels. Any water that seeps into the joint is then directed outward by gravity to the outside of the wall.

Galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic, in the shape of a Z, which prevents water penetration when installed at horizontal joints.

A diagonal cross support in the shape of a Z is used for the main structure of this type of sturdy gate.

Metal tie used to unite masonry walls.

The lack of a need for a specified distance between a well-insulated heating unit or metal wood burning fireplace and a combustible surface.

The point in earthmoving where an imaginary line denotes a place where no cutting or filling is required.

Lot where a home is set to the lot boundary, which leaves very little space between the houses.

Loan with large down payment and the balance being paid in equal periodic payments over a short period of time, with no interest charged. Usually offered by an eager seller.

When there is no money left for the seller, from the sale of a property, after all outstanding expenses are paid.

Laid out in a zigzag pattern, with split rails intersecting and supporting each other and anchored with spikes at the joint, this type of fence is also referred to as a snake fence.

Often used for galvanizing or coating steel, this white metallic element with the atomic symbol Zn, atomic number 30 and atomic weight of 65.37, it inhibits corrosion and oxidation.

Protective undercoat for metal, a yellow primer and corrosion inhibitor.

White compound is both an ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as well as a paint pigment.

Compound used as a white pigment and a phosphor it is fluorescent white to yellow.

Protective undercoat for metal, a yellow primer and corrosion inhibitor.

Also known as sp wire or lamp cord, these small diameter stranded wires are covered with rubber insulation.

T-shaped vinyl strips used to form expansion joints in concrete slabs are inserted into the concrete immediately after finishing. Once the concrete is set, the top strip is peeled away to expose the concealed joint.

The calculation of the amount of light needed in a room done by dividing the room into zones and determining the needs of each particular area. The Illumination Engineering Society has advised the lighting requirements of each zone: the ceiling cavity, the room cavity and the floor cavity.

Geographic location with designated boundaries such as a district.

Heating and air conditioning systems that heat or cool various parts of a building with separate and adjustable controls.

Person, such as an elected official, who represents a zone.

Lights operated by electrical switches in a section (zone) of a room.

Rules and regulations controlling the use of land, which is broken down into districts and determines how private property is to be used or what construction is allowed. Zoning may be either commercial, residential, industrial or agricultural. Zoning also restricts height limitations, noise, parking, open space. Residential zoning may consist of single-family, two family or apartments.

Local government board, which is used to resolve zoning disputes.

Ordinances created by local government to cover real estate development, including structural and esthetic points. They usually define usage classifications from agricultural to industry and also building restrictions such as minimum and maximum square footage requirements and violations penalties and procedures.

Map that shows locality divided into districts and shows status and usage of each district and is kept current.

Regulations determined by each municipality to establish different zoning restrictions and classifications, for example building height, type of buildings, etc. Penalties are assessed for violation of zoning ordinances. In some instances, variations to zoning ordinances are allowed and are called variances.

Compilation of zoning requirements and any changes made to them.

A modification of the existing zoning law, which can be made in certain instances, for example to build a taller building than allowed or a different type of housing than that which is allowed.

Used as both an aggregate in the making of insulating concrete and as loose-fill insulation, it's a lightweight insulating material.

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Our glossary is the largest dictionary of real estate and construction terms on the Internet with almost 10,000 definitions.

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