- An amount of money (usually 10% of the total price of a job) that a contractor must put on deposit with a governmental agency as an insurance policy that guarantees the contractors' proper and timely completion of a project or job.

3" or 4" perforated plastic pipe that goes around the perimeter (either inside or outside) of a foundation wall (before backfill) and collects and diverts ground water away from the foundation. Generally, it is "day lighted" into a sump pit inside the home, and a sump pump is sometimes inserted into the pit to discharge any accumulation of water.

As applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per hundred. The term now series as a measure of nail length and is abbreviated by the letter "d". Normally, 16d (16 "penny") nails are used for framing

States how a building element must perform as opposed to describing equipment, products or systems by name.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), are a group of man-made chemicals. These chemicals, which include PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE, are widely used to make products more resistant to stains, grease, and water. They are commonly found in nonstick cookware, waterproofed clothing, and stain-resistant sofas and carpets. PFAS are persistent in the environment, and exposure to these chemicals has been linked with adverse health effects. Studies on laboratory animals have shown developmental and reproductive, kidney and liver, and immunological effects. The most common findings from human epidemiology studies link PFAS to increased cholesterol levels, low infant birth rates, immunological problems, cancer, and thyroid hormone disruption. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

A provision in a contract that provides for a reduction in the amount otherwise payable under a contract to a contractor as a penalty for failure to meet deadlines or for failure of the project to meet contract specifications.

A metal box installed at various locations along utility easements that contain electrical, telephone, or cable television switches and connections.

Tests that a soil engineer performs on earth to determine the feasibility of installing a leech field type sewer system on a lot. A test to determine if the soil on a proposed building lot is capable of absorbing the liquid affluent from a septic system.

A lightweight material made from volcanic rock.

Suffix designating the size of nails, such as 6d (penny) nail, originally indicating the price, in English pence, per 100 nails. Does not designate a constant length or size, and will vary by type (e.g., common and box nails).

A chemical substance that persists in the environment, bioaccumulates through the food chain, and poses a risk of harming human health and the environment (adapted from the United Nations Environment Programme). https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

A highly toxic, long-lasting substance that can build up in the food chain to levels that are harmful to human and ecosystem health (EPA PBT Chemical Program). https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process as in:Zoning/Use permit - Authorization to use a property for a specific use e.g. a garage, a single family residence etc.Demolition permit - Authorization to tear down and remove an existing structure.Grading permit - Authorization to change the contour of the land.Septic permit - A health department authorization to build or modify a septic system.Building permit - Authorization to build or modify a structure.Electrical permit - A separate permit required for most electrical work.Plumbing permit - A separate permit required for new plumbing and larger modifications of existing plumbing systems.

A measure of the ease with which water penetrates a material.

A unit of measurement of Water Vapor Permenance (ASTM).

Chemicals used to soften plastics in many consumer products, including children’s toys, plastic containers, and personal care products. Phthalates can seep out of these products, and studies have shown that phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, which is the body’s system of regulating hormones. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

Thin, flat semiconductors that convert light energy into direct-current electricity.

A synthetic resin made by the reaction of a phenol with an aldehyde.

A class of acid organic compounds used in the manufacture of various resins, plastics, and wood preservatives.

A general term that describes the chemical substances used to destroy or control insect or plant pests. Many pesticides are manufactured and do not occur naturally in the environment. Others are natural toxins that are extracted from plants and animals. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources