A sanitary sewer pipe, from a building to the sewer main.

A vertical cross-section showing the different horizons (layers) of the Earth’s surface.

Heating by use and control of the energy of the sun.

The plate on which the studs rest. Usually a two by four, laid horizontally at floor level.

Individual ownership of a business as opposed to a partnership or corporation.

(1) Financially able to meet one’s current debts. (2) A liquid used to dissolve a substance, usually to remove it.

A synonym for depreciated costs. Used in fire insurance evaluation. Depreciation due to use up to the time of a fire.

The planning of interior space of a building to meet the needs of the user. Involves a layout and construction drawings. There are companies which specialize in space design, from construction to color coordination. Need not be architects.

See: Heater.

The spread (distance) between load-bearing members, such as walls or girders.

(1) The triangular space between the exterior curve of an arch and the enclosing right angle above it. (2) The triangular space beneath the string of a stair. (3) The space between the top framing of a window to the bottom framing of a window above it.

A step, such as in a circular staircase, which is triangular in shape.

A wall which fills the spandrel space of an arch.

Copying the houses of Spain and Mexico, a home with a courtyard, tiled roof, and usually constructed of adobe or stucco.

See: Speculative Building.

Lien assessed against real property by a public authority to pay costs of public improvements (sidewalks, sewers, street lights, etc.), which directly benefits the assessed property.

Benefits to the remaining property after a partial taking by eminent domain.

A repayment plan by a lender based on an adverse change in the borrower’s financial situation. It may provide for a temporary reduction or suspension of payments. A borrower may qualify if he/she has recently experienced a reduction in income or an increase in living expenses. The borrower must furnish information to the lender to show the ability to meet the requirements of the new payment plan.

A limited partner. See also: Limited Partnership.

See: Power of Attorney (2).

A building which, by its design, cannot be used for other than the original purpose intended, without extensive remodeling, such as a hospital or church. Also called a single purpose property.