Vague Real Estate Terms
Through the years humorous articles have been written poking fun at comments in real estate ads. We all know that "close to public transportation" should be interpreted as "built over the LRT subway". But the following are vague real estate terms that can get real estate salespeople into trouble. The age of consumerism has become the age of litigation, and the following terms should be avoided or used judiciously.
New Roof
The term "roof" is misleading in that it implies the roof covering plus the roof sheathing, rafters or trusses. The word "new" is rather nebulous as well. "Shingles replaced in 1990" is a more accurate description.
Updated Wiring
Does updated wiring mean the size of the service has been increased or additional circuits have been added? Does it mean that the older knob tube wiring has been torn out (which is usually not necessary)? Sometimes it means that the old outlets have been replaced with modern-looking ones, however the wiring has not been changed at all. Some older homes in Edmonton or even older farm houses have wiring connections and cable that just are not safe today!
A better approach may be to comment on the adequacy of the incoming service and more importantly the adequacy of the distribution network. Both of these however, are very difficult to assess without a solid understanding of electricity. We all know that you cannot determine the size of an electrical service by reading the sticker on the main box in the basement. It may be best to leave this one alone.
Thermal Windows
There is really no such thing. The R value (resistance to heat transfer) of a typical wall in a modern house is approximately R12 to R20. The R value of a single glazed window is R1. What about a double glazed window? R2! The window manufacturers call this a 100% improvement! The real benefit of double glazing is that it increases the surface temperature of the inside pane of glass so that condensation does not form on the windows in the winter time.
If the second pane of glass is a separate storm window, there will be a separate frame for the storm. This creates a second barrier to air infiltration and in some cases, it is a better arrangement than a double glazed window in a single frame.
Upgraded Plumbing
Are we talking about new bathroom fixtures or new copper pipes? If we are talking about new pipes, are we talking about all new pipes within the house or just the accessible ones in the unfinished portion of the basement? When we say "all copper plumbing" do we mean the waste piping as well? From the mid 1950's to the late 1960's, waste plumbing could have also been copper.
In the vast majority of houses where old galvanized supply plumbing has been replaced with modern copper, the line coming in from the street has not been replaced. Back in the days when galvanized plumbing was installed, the line coming in from the street was not galvanized steel. Instead it was lead. Recent newspaper articles and television programs have people all in a knot about the lead in houses. This is not to suggest that this is a problem, however, terms such as upgraded plumbing may make purchasers believe that the supply line coming in from the street has been changed as well.
Totally Renovated
One person's idea of a total renovation is quite different than another's. If a house has eight year old shingles on the roof at the time of the renovation, there would be no need to replace the shingles unless the renovation includes changes to the roof line. The term "totally renovated" leads some purchasers to believe that every part of the house that shows wear has been replaced. Therefore, they expect new shingles and are disappointed to find that the roof is "older" even though it does not require replacement.
There are many more expressions that cause confusion. With the degree of professionalism on the rise in the real estate community, there is no place for ambiguity.
INSPECTION TERMINOLOGY
A
AMPERE (AMP): A unit measure of electricity.
APERATURE: The opening in pipes.
ASBESTOS: A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.
AWNING WINDOWS A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and up.
B
BASEBOARD: Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet.
BASEBOARD HEAT: A heating system with the heating unit located along the perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would be. It can be either an electric or hot water system.
BREAKER BOX: A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the electrical current in the home.
BUILDING CODE: Minimum local or state regulations established to protect public health and safety. They apply to building design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy and use.
BUCKLING: The bending of a building material as a result of wear and tear or contact with a substance such as water.
C
CASEMENT WINDOWS: A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.
CAULKING: Material used to fill joints that may exist between floors and fixtures; around windows and doors, shower stalls and bathtubs, etc.
CIRCUIT BREAKER: The safety valves for electrical systems. It interrupts an electric circuit when an unusual condition arises such as lightning and malfunctioning appliances. Unlike a fuse, it can be reset.
CLASS B DOOR: A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1 1/2hour rating.
CPVC: Plastic water piping.
CRAWL SPACE: Shallow space between the underside of the first floor of a house and the ground.
CUTOFF VALVES: Valves used to shut water off, generally located under sinks or behind bathtub and shower access panels. They cutoff hot and/or cold water at the source without cutting all water off throughout the house.
D
DAMPER: An air valve that regulates the flow of air inside the flue of a furnace or fireplace.
DISPOSER: A device that grinds food sufficiently to enter drains for disposal without clogging.
DORMER: A converted attic with windows projecting through a sloping roof.
DOUBLEHUNG WINDOW: A window with sashes that slide vertically and allow opening from the top and bottom.
DRYWALL: A gypsum board material used for walls or ceilings.
DUCTWORK: A system of distribution channels used to transmit heated or cooled air from a central system (HVAC) throughout a home.
E
EAVES: The section of the roof that overhangs the walls of a house.
EXHAUST FAN: Extracts air or excess heat from the interior of a home.
F
FLASHING: Sheet metal used at wall and roof junctions and around chimneys to prevent water entry.
FLUE: An enclosed chamber in a fireplace that directs flames, smoke and other gases to the outside air.
FOOTINGS: Concrete set in the soil (foundation bed) that support the foundation of the house.
FORCED AIR FURNACE: A unit that transfers heat from fuel and circulates heat throughout the ducts of a house.
FOUNDATION: The part of the structure upon which all other construction is built.
FUSE BOX: A metal box that contains the fuses that regulate electric current in a house.
G
GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTER (GFI): A safety device that interrupts surges of electricity in appliances and other electrical components found in a home.
GUTTER/DOWNSPOUT: Channel of various materials including plastic and copper supported at the eaves to direct water away from the foundation of a home through downspouts.
H
HEARTH: The fireproof surface of a fireplace, usually 18 inches wide.
HEAT EXCHANGER: A device used to transfer heat in a furnace.
HEAT PUMP: A reverse cycle refrigeration unit that both heats and cools.
HOT WATER HEATING SYSTEM: This system heats water to boiling in a water heater, and a circulator pumps it through a system of pipes.
HVAC: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.
I
INSULATION: Material used to resist the loss of heat energy. Materials such as fiber glass, mineral wool, cellulose and foam are placed in the walls, ceilings, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation may be blown or installed in batt sections.
J
JOISTS: Horizontal timbers, beams or bars supporting a floor.
L
LATHING: Strips of wood or other material used as a base for the installation of plaster.
LEAD: A material used in pipes and paint of many older homes. We now know that lead is hazardous to health. The local environmental protection agency should be consulted for guidelines on handling, removal and applicable laws.
M
MASONRY: Construction using materials such as tile, brick, cement, stone or similar materials.
MEMBER: Wood or steel elements that make up the framing and foundation of a structure such as 2 X 4 strips of lumber cut to various lengths.
MORTAR: A bonding material used in the construction of brick or stone structures.
MOULDING: Strips of wood or the material used to cover joints between floors and walls, and walls and ceilings.
P
PARAPET WALL: A low wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge or terrace constructed for protection, to control water resulting from rain or artificial flooding or to insulate against the sun's rays.
PARQUET FLOORS: A floor that is laid in rectangular or square patterns often made of prefinished wood or wood veneer squares.
POINTING UP: The removal of deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacement with new mortar.
POLYBUTYLENE: Water piping used for interior piping and the main waterline to the street. Problems with this pipe have curtailed its use.
PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION: An inspection performed by a specially trained inspector to provide a comprehensive report on the condition of a house. This report is usually written and is often used in home sale negotiations.
R
RVALUE: A measurement of the ability of insulation to slow the transfer of heat or cold. The higher the Rvalue, the greater the insulation power.
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM: An electrical heating system that distributes heat through cables installed usually in baseboard panels.
RADON: A colorless, odorless gas that is emitted from soils, rocks and water as a result of radioactive decay in certain areas of the country. Radon is known to cause cancer. Homes should be tested for radon. The local environmental agency should be consulted on its handling, removal and any applicable laws.
RAFTER: The structural member or beam that supports the roof. It spans from the exterior wall to the ridge board of the peak of the roof.
REGISTERS: Help to regulate the flow of air.
RETAINING WALL: A vertical structure used to restrict the movement of soil or water.
S
SASH: Framework that holds the glass in a window or a door.
SETTLING: The lowering of elevation of a house or pavement due to weight or shrinkage.
SHINGLE: Sheets of waterproof material used to cover the roofs of homes and other surfaces.
SIDING: Finish material such as wood, vinyl and aluminum used on outside walls.
SILL: The lowest piece upon which a window or exterior door rests, usually slanted downward slightly to provide for rain water runoff.
SLAB: A concrete foundation or floor of a home. Houses built on slab usually do not have basements.
SOFFIT: The underside part of a roof that extends beyond the outside walls of a structure.
SOLAR HEAT: Heat created from the gathering of solar energy from the sun. It can be passive or active. A positive system takes advantage of winter sunlight through windows on the south side of a home. An active system heats through the collection of solar energy through solar collectors.
SUMP PUMP: An electric pump, usually installed in the basement to prevent water from entering the basement area. It empties water from a "well or pit" where it is collected and pumps it to the outside of a home.
T
THERMOSTAT: Helps to control temperatures within the home. Thermostats automatically turn heating or air conditioning on or off as necessary to maintain a desired temperature.
THRESHOLD: A strip of metal, wood, marble or other material placed at the base of a door.
U
UREA FORMALDEHYDE FOAM INSULATION: A type of foamedin-place insulation that releases formaldehyde gas. It was banned by the Consumer Public Safety Commission in 1982 from use in residences and schools. Holding that the risks had not been proven, a US Federal Court lifted the ban in 1983. Not Common but can be found in some homes.
W
WEATHER -STRIPPING: Made of various materials used to reduce the escape of heat or air conditioning from a home. It is usually installed around windows and doors.
WINDOW WELL: The open subsurface space that provides light through a basement window.
Z
ZONE: A system that allows different temperatures in various parts of a structure
