A-Z Guide to Building a Home
A-Z Guide to Building A Home
At Hotondo Homes, we give you the freedom to choose from our many home layouts. If this is your first home build, it may be daunting trying to understand all the building jargon. So, if you can’t tell your balustrade from your eaves, we’re here to help.
Below is an A-Z guide to building a home, and will help you stay more informed as your Hotondo Homes builder explains the processes and procedures.
A is for Architrave
The moulded section covering the joint between a window or door frame and the wall lining. It is often made from pine or wood.
B is for Building Code of Australia
You can be sure that your Hotondo Homes builder complies with all requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
C is for Cladding
Cladding provides a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, but it can also be used to improve the appearance of buildings. We use James Hardie cladding as our preferred supplier.
D is for Double Glazed
Two panels of glass are used for windows or doors instead of one, separated by a small space. They are designed for energy efficiency and noise reduction.
E is for Eaves
The underside of your roof that attaches to and overhangs from the roof of a house. Eaves direct rainwater away from the walls and windows of a home, which means less cleaning.
F is for Fixtures
Amenities that cannot be removed unless demolished, such as bathroom suites, built-in-robes and kitchen stoves.
G is for Gable
The upper triangular section of a ridged roof.
H is for HVAC
An abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
I is for Interior Design Trends
Your home; your style. Check out the latest interior design trends for 2021 and beyond.
L is for Landing
A platform between flights of stairs that is used when stairs change direction, or the end of a flight of stairs.
M is for Mantle
The shelf above the fireplace.
N is for Niche
An alcove in a wall, which is often used in showers to store shampoo and body wash for convenient access, or a feature in a hallway.
O is for Occupation Certificate
Protects Australian homeowners by verifying that a building has been constructed in accordance to building codes.
P is for Patio
An outdoor area that adjoins a house and is used for outdoor entertaining, dining and lounging.
R is for Retaining Wall
A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.
S is for Setback
A planning regulation where it is determined how far from the front boundary a property can be built.
T is for Terrazzo
Mosaic marble mixed with cement to create a design that features chips of stone. Popular on kitchen benchtops.
U is for Undercoat
A coating applied before the top coat of a paint job. It is necessary to seal a surface and prevent colours and stains from bleeding through.
V is for Verandah
A verandah is an outdoor structure attached to a property with an enclosed roof to provide outdoor shelter.
W is for Water Closet
Another name for a toilet, written on house plans as WC.
Z is for Zoning
A governmental process which limits the use of a property. Our builders adhere to all municipal and local laws or regulations that dictate how property can be used.
Knowing exactly what our Hotondo Homes builders are talking about when building your home can save you a world of hassle and stress. If you’re ever unsure about any of the terminology used, don’t be afraid to ask and our friendly and professional builders who will be happy to explain.
Ready to build your dream home with Hotondo Homes? Contact us today to begin.
