Buying a home is a big commitment. Before you start house hunting or house building, it is important to understand the definitions and components of certain parts of a house. Here are a few terms you should be familiar with:
- Foundation – The foundation is what supports the house. Concrete blocks, steel beams, gravel, posts, and footings are all parts of the foundation. The foundation is usually dependent on the type of soil and surrounding environment. Making sure the home has a good foundation is essential. A poor foundation can cause the home to become unstable and result in cracking and other forms of structural breakdown.
- Framing – The framing of the home refers to the walls. There are interior and exterior walls. The exterior walls provide protection against water and other environmental factors. Sturdy walls help to support windows, doors, and parts of the foundation. The walls also serve as the covering for all of the electrical, wiring, ducts, and plumbing throughout the home.
- Studs – Studs are a component of the framing. Solid pieces of pine, spruce, or hemlock are just a few examples. They are cut into pieces to put together the walls.
- Rafters – Rafters are another part of the framing which consists of the lumber pieces set on an edge and on a slope to frame the roof.
- Insulation – An energy-efficient home will have good insulation. Insulation can be found between the studs and rafters in most houses and is usually in the form of fiberglass, cellulose, or foam.
- HVAC – HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It also refers to the ductwork throughout the home.
These are just a few terms you will want to understand before you look for or build your dream home. They are some of the most important parts of the home and can be very costly if they need to be repaired or replaced.
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