A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.

A type of structural support made of metal, which can be raised or lowered through a series of pins and a screw to meet the height required. Basically used as a replacement for an old supporting member in a building. See Mono-post.

Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a better finished appearance when a wall is not "wrapped" Generally, basement stairway walls have drywall only on the stair side. J Channel is used on the vertical edge of the last drywall sheet

A form of ownership in which the tenants own a property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the entire property.

A plastic gypsum mixture used to cover the joints and fasteners in gypsum wallboard installations.

A powder that is usually mixed with water and used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard finish. Often called "spackle" or drywall mud.

The location between the touching surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.

Wood or metal stud adjacent to the door jamb.

The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening. Includes studs as well as the frame and trim. One of the finished upright sides of a door or window frame.

A metal "U" shaped item used to support the end of a floor joist and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam. Metal shape formed for hanging on the main beam to provide support for the end of a joist.

Wooden 2 X 8's, 10's, or 12's that run parallel to one another and support a floor or ceiling, and supported in turn by larger beams, girders, or bearing walls. Small beam that supports part of the floor, ceiling or roof of a building.

Forming control joints in a concrete slab.

When the electric company and telephone company dig one trench and "drop" both of their service lines in.

A coarse fiber obtained from two East Indian tiliaceous plants.

Water pipe installed in a water meter pit (before the water meter is installed), or electric wire that is installed in the electric house panel meter socket before the meter is installed. This is sometimes illegal.

A meter-kilogram-second unit of work or energy.