Glossary branch
Definitions that lead somewhere useful.
Plain-language definitions tied to examples, related concepts, guides, and tools.
How should I use the glossary?
Use the glossary to resolve a term, then follow its links to the formula, guide, or planning tool where the term affects a decision.
A
Allowance
A visible quantity or cost added for a named uncertainty, such as cutting loss or incomplete product selection.
Definition, example, and related toolsAssembly
A defined combination of layers, components, and rules that turns geometry into a building element or quantity recipe.
Definition, example, and related toolsB
Baseline
A dated reference condition used for comparison, not a promise that a specific project will match it.
Definition, example, and related toolsBearing wall
A wall intended to transfer structural loads from elements above to supports below. Intent on a sketch is not structural verification.
Definition, example, and related toolsBuildable area
The parcel area remaining after verified setbacks, easements, hazards, access, and other applicable constraints are applied.
Definition, example, and related toolsC
Canonical unit
The single internal measurement unit used as the source of truth while the interface displays other units.
Definition, example, and related toolsCenterline
A reference line through the middle of a wall, route, or element, distinct from either finished face.
Definition, example, and related toolsCirculation
The connected paths people use to enter, move through, and leave spaces.
Definition, example, and related toolsClear opening
The unobstructed usable opening after the door, frame, hardware, and projections are considered.
Definition, example, and related toolsConditioned area
Area inside the thermal and air-control boundary that is intentionally heated or cooled under a defined method.
Definition, example, and related toolsContingency
A budget amount for defined project uncertainty, applied to a stated cost base rather than used to hide missing scope.
Definition, example, and related toolsD
Datum
A fixed reference point, line, or elevation from which other measurements are located.
Definition, example, and related toolsDemand load
An electrical design value derived by applying applicable rules to connected loads; it is not simply the sum of appliance labels.
Definition, example, and related toolsE
Egress
The system of paths and openings used to leave a building or space, subject to use-specific and locally adopted requirements.
Definition, example, and related toolsElevation
Either a height relative to a datum or an orthographic view of a building face; context should make the meaning explicit.
Definition, example, and related toolsEnclosure
The connected layers that separate indoor and outdoor conditions, including water, air, vapor, and thermal control decisions.
Definition, example, and related toolsEstimate coverage
A report of which intended categories are included, partial, omitted, or blocked by missing inputs.
Definition, example, and related toolsF
G
H
J
L
M
N
O
P
Perimeter
The total measured length around a closed boundary under a stated face or centerline convention.
Definition, example, and related toolsPitch
A roof-slope expression, often stated as vertical rise over a fixed horizontal run; usage can vary, so show the ratio explicitly.
Definition, example, and related toolsPlate
A horizontal framing member at the top or bottom of a framed wall; quantity and detailing depend on the assembly.
Definition, example, and related toolsR
R-value
A measure of thermal resistance under stated conditions; a product label is not the same as whole-assembly performance.
Definition, example, and related toolsRough opening
The framed opening prepared to receive a door, window, or other component, based on product instructions and installation requirements.
Definition, example, and related toolsRoute reachability
Whether an endpoint can be reached from a source through enabled connections in a modeled network.
Definition, example, and related toolsS
Setback
A required separation from a property line or other reference under applicable land-use rules; values must be verified for the parcel and project.
Definition, example, and related toolsSheathing
Panels or boards attached to framing as part of a wall, floor, or roof assembly, with structural and enclosure roles depending on design.
Definition, example, and related toolsSlope
Vertical change divided by horizontal distance, stated with an explicit direction and unit convention.
Definition, example, and related toolsSpan
The unsupported distance between defined supports for a structural element.
Definition, example, and related toolsStack
A primarily vertical service route or grouped set of vertically aligned elements, often used for plumbing or building circulation context.
Definition, example, and related toolsStud
A repeated vertical wall-framing member whose material, size, grade, spacing, and role come from a reviewed assembly or design.
Definition, example, and related toolsT
Takeoff
A traceable list of measured and counted project quantities tied to geometry and assembly assumptions.
Definition, example, and related toolsThermal bridge
A more conductive path through or around insulation that changes whole-assembly heat flow.
Definition, example, and related toolsTolerance
The permitted or expected variation from a nominal measurement, distinct from display rounding.
Definition, example, and related toolsTurning space
A modeled maneuvering area for a person or mobility device, selected according to user needs and applicable requirements.
Definition, example, and related toolsW
Waste factor
An explicit material-specific allowance for cuts, layout, breakage, and other named purchasing loss.
Definition, example, and related toolsWater-control layer
The materials and transitions intended to drain or block liquid water as part of the enclosure.
Definition, example, and related tools