The party bringing a civil action against a defendant.

Lumber 2″ to 4″ in thickness, 8″ or more in width.

A subdivision of five or more individually owned lots with one or more other parcels owned in common or with reciprocal rights in one or more other parcels. The lots are generally small, being the exact size of the improvements, or slightly larger.

A board of a city, county, or similar local government, which must approve proposed building projects. Often must be confirmed by a higher board, such as a council.

All drawings necessary to a construction project, including the subcontractors’ drawings. See also: Specifications.

Gypsum heated to form a fine white powder which, when wet, will dry hard.

A map dividing a parcel of land into lots, as in a subdivision.

A book which contains the plat maps for a given area.

See: Wall Plates.

A common type of wood frame construction whereby each floor is built separately and supports (is a platform for) the next floor above. (See: Balloon Frame Construction; Post and Beam Frame Construction).

The depositing (bailment) of goods (personal property) with a creditor as security for a debt.

A loan partially secured by the buyer or third party depositing funds into a savings account as collateral security for the loan. A portion of the monthly payment is drawn from the account over the first years of the loan.

A method of substituting a pledged asset, such as a CD, for a cash down payment. A buyer can then borrow one hundred percent of the purchase price. In the event of default the lender may convert the pledged asset to cash, which would reduce the loan to value ratio.

The party to whom goods are pledged.

The party delivering goods in pledge (pledging).

(1) An area of ground for a specific use, such as a cemetery plot. (2) Ground on which an improvement is to be built.

A plan of the location of improvements on a parcel of land. Also called a plot map. Don’t confuse with plat.

See: Assemblage.

The increase in value created by joining smaller adjacent properties into one large parcel, under a single ownership.

(1) To provide plumbing. (2) A weight used on a line (plumb line) to determine the exact right angle to the ground or a floor.

The pipes, fixtures, etc., necessary for the flow of water to a building, and flow of sanitary waste from a building.