Building Terms We May Use In Our Reports

anything permanently attached to a house and regarded as part of the real property, such as cabinets and cupboards.

waterproof material that prevents moisture from penetrating a house through the walls or roof. 

a smoke duct or chimney

a rectangular masonry section which is usually made wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports.

the soil or strata which supports the lowest part of a building- i.e. the footing.

a building where both the inside and outside walls are brick

the triangular wall that sits between the sloping ends of a gable roof

a roof having two slopes only with a gable at each end.

mortar used to fill the joints and cavities found between pieces of masonry or ceramics.

the external angle formed on a roof where two inclined surfaces meet.

a roof with its ends inclined as well as its side.

a vertical member that forms the side of a window or door frame.

timbers that provide the main structural support for a ceiling or floor

a horizontal structural member that supports the load over a door, window or other opening.

a wall that supports weight from a floor or ceiling above it.

A defect of significant magnitude where rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility or further deterioration of the property.

A low wall rising from the bottom of a roof slope.

Means the following physical actions undertaken by the consultant: opening and shutting of doors, windows and draws; operation of taps; water testing of shower recesses; and the tapping of tiles and wall plaster.

A vertical projection on a wall or the brick support for an arch or bearer.

a wall board made of plaster  and covered both sides with a stiff paper.