A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp. An electrical device to provide the starting voltage and operating current for fluorescent, mercury, and other electric discharge lamps.

The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundation wall. Earth filled in around a foundation wall to replace earth removed for construction of the foundation.

A short piece of gypsum board adhesively laminated behind the joints between each framing member to reinforce the joint.

Billings for work performed or costs incurred by one party that, in accordance with the agreement, should have been performed or incurred by the party to whom billed. Owners bill back charges to general contractors, and general contractors’ bill back charges to subcontractors. Examples of back charges include charges for cleanup work or to repair something damaged by another subcontractor, such as a tub chip or broken window.

Pieces of wood nailed at the ceiling-sidewall corner to provide fastening for ends of plaster base or gypsum panels.

Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their phase of work at the Rough (before insulation) stage to get the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally, the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others and completes all framing necessary to pass a Rough Frame Inspection.

A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than weak drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall. Carpet backingholds the pile fabric in place.

The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.

The volume of soil in situ in cubic yards.

- Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as 'pickets' or 'spindles'.

Framed walls (generally over 10' tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.

Method of framing outside walls in which studs extend the full length or height of the wall.

A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor.

The absense of environmental barriers, permitting free access and circulation by the handicapped.

A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.

- Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

Open-web, flat truss structural member used to support floor or roof structure. Web section is made from bar or rod stock, and chords are usually fabricated from "T" or angle sections.