Word | Definition |
R factor or value | A measure of a materials resistance to the passage of heat. New homewalls are usually insulated with 4" of batt insulation with an R value of R-13, and a ceiling insulation of R-30. |
R Value | A measure of insulation. A measure of a materials resistance to the passage of heat. The higher the R value, the more insulating "power" it has. For example, typical new home's walls are usually insulated with 4" of batt insulation with an R value of R-13, and a ceiling insulation of R-30. |
R-value | A construction term that refers to the resistance of to heat loss. The higher the R-value, the slower the rate of heat loss.
|
Rabbet | A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank. |
Radial Saw | A circular saw which hangs from a horizontal arm or beam and slides back and forth. The arm pivots from side to side to allow for angle cuts and bevels. When sawing finish plywood, the good side should face up as the saw cuts on the down stroke. |
Radiant heating | A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling. Also electrically heated panels. |
Radiation | Energy transmitted from a heat source to the air around it. Radiators actually depend more on convection than radiation. |
Radon | A ground-generated radioactive gas that seeps into some homes through sump pumps, cracks in the foundation and other inlets. A leading cause of lung cancer , radon is found in mostly the northern half of the country.
|
Radon | A naturally-occurring, heavier than air, radioactive gas common in many parts of the country. Radon gas exposure is associated with lung cancer. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement venting and various forms of vapor barriers. |
Radon system | A ventilation system beneath the floor of a basement and/or structural wood floor and designed to fan exhaust radon gas to the outside of the home |
Rafter | Rafters form the slope of a pitched roof and are analogous to floor joists.
|
Rafter | Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. The rafters of a flat roof are sometimes called roof joists. |
Rafter, hip | A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle. |
Rafter, valley | A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle. The valley rafter is normally made of double 2-inch-thick members. |
Rail | Cross members of panel doors or of a sash. Also, a wall or open balustrade placed at the edge of a staircase, walkway bridge, or elevated surface to prevent people from falling off. Any relatively lightweight horizontal element, especially those found in fences (split rail). |
Railroad tie | Black, tar and preservative impregnated, 6" X 8" and 6'-8' long wooden timber that was used to hold railroad track in place. Normally used as a member of a retaining wall. |
Rake | Slope or slanted. |
Rake fascia | The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave. |
Rake siding | The practice of installing lap siding diagonally |
Rammed-earth construction | An alternative building process in which dirt is compacted into large structural frames to create walls.
|
Ranch | A single story, one level home |
Ranch style | Modern ranch-style homes, popularized in the 1950s, were championed by such architectural giants as Frank Lloyd Wright.
|
Rate lock | When interest rates are volatile, many borrowers want to "lock in" an interest rate and many lenders will oblige, setting a limit on the amount of time the guaranteed interest rate is in effect.
|
Rate lock | When interest rates are volatile, many borrowers want to "lock in" an interest rate and many lenders will oblige, setting a limit on the amount of time the guaranteed interest rate is in effect.
|
Rate-improvement mortgage | A loan with a clause that entitles a borrower to a one-time cut in the interest rate without going through refinancing.
|
Rate-improvement mortgage | A loan with a clause that entitles a borrower to a one-time cut in the interest rate without going through refinancing.
|
Ready mixed concrete | Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route to a job and delivered ready for placement. |
Real estate | Land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings, fences and other items attached to the structure.
|
Real estate | Land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings, fences and other items attached to the structure.
|
Real estate agent | A real estate agent has a state license to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most agents work for real estate brokers.
|
Real estate agent | A real estate agent has a state license to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most agents work for real estate brokers.
|
Real estate attorney | A lawyers who specializes in real estate transactions.
|
Real estate attorney | A lawyers who specializes in real estate transactions.
|
Real estate broker | A real estate agent who is licensed by the state to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most brokers also have agents working for them, and are entitled to a portion of their commissions.
|
Real estate broker | A real estate agent who is licensed by the state to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most brokers also have agents working for them, and are entitled to a portion of their commissions.
|
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) | The trusts are publicly traded companies that own, develop and operate commercial properties.
|
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) | The trusts are publicly traded companies that own, develop and operate commercial properties.
|
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) | A federal law designed to make sellers and buyers aware of settlement fees and other transaction-related costs. RESPA also outlaws kickbacks in the real estate business.
|
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) | A federal law designed to make sellers and buyers aware of settlement fees and other transaction-related costs. RESPA also outlaws kickbacks in the real estate business.
|
Real Property | Land and the improvements which are affixed to the land, such as buildings, etc.
|
Real Property | Land and the improvements which are affixed to the land, such as buildings, etc.
|
Realtist | A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
|
Realtist | A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
|
Realtor | A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
|
Realtor | A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
|
Rebar, reinforcing bar | Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers, and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete. Comes in various thickness' and strength grade. |
Receptacle | An electrical outlet. A typical household will have many 120 volt receptacles for plugging in lams and appliances and 240 volt receptacles for the range, clothes dryer, air conditioners, etc. |
Recission | The cancellation of a contract by law or consent by the parties involved.
|
Recission | The cancellation of a contract by law or consent by the parties involved.
|
Reconveyance | A document evidencing that a deed of trust affecting real property has been paid in full and that the lender and the trustee no longer have any interest in the reap property.
|
Reconveyance | A document evidencing that a deed of trust affecting real property has been paid in full and that the lender and the trustee no longer have any interest in the reap property.
|
Recordation | Filing for record with the office of the county recorder.
|
Recordation | Filing for record with the office of the county recorder.
|
Recorder | A public official responsible for keeping the records of all real estate transactions.
|
Recorder | A public official responsible for keeping the records of all real estate transactions.
|
Recording | The filing of a specific document to the appropriate government entity.
|
Recording | The filing of a specific document to the appropriate government entity.
|
Recording fee | A fee charged by real estate agents for conveying the sale of a piece of property into the public record.
|
Recording fee | A fee charged by real estate agents for conveying the sale of a piece of property into the public record.
|
Recording fee | A charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid to a city, county, or other appropriate branch of government. |
Redline, red lined prints | Blueprints that reflect changes and that are marked with red pencil. |
Redlining | The practice by a bank or insurance company to deny credit or insurance to people based on ethnic background or
|
Redlining | The practice by a bank or insurance company to deny credit or insurance to people based on ethnic background or
|
Reducer | A fitting with different size openings at either end and used to go from a larger to a smaller pipe. |
Refinancing | The process of replacing an older loan with a new mortgage that has better terms.
|
Refinancing | The process of replacing an older loan with a new mortgage that has better terms.
|
Reflective insulation | Sheet material with one or both faces covered with aluminum foil. |
Refrigerant | |
Refrigerant | A substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and pressure and can be used to transfer heat. Freon is an example and is used in air conditioning systems. |
Register | A grill placed over a heating duct or cold air return |
Reglaze | To replace a broken window. |
Regulation Z | The federal code issued under the Truth-in-Lending Act which requires that a borrower be advised in writing of all costs associated with the credit portion of a financial transaction.
|
Regulation Z | The federal code issued under the Truth-in-Lending Act which requires that a borrower be advised in writing of all costs associated with the credit portion of a financial transaction.
|
Rehabilitation mortgage | A mortgage that provides for the costs of repairing and improving a resale home or building.
|
Rehabilitation mortgage | A mortgage that provides for the costs of repairing and improving a resale home or building.
|
Relief valve | A device designed to open if it detects excess temperature or pressure. |
Relocation benefits | Benefits provided by employers for new workers and can include moving costs, reimbursement for temporary housing and transportation, real estate agent assistance and discounted loans.
|
Relocation benefits | Benefits provided by employers for new workers and can include moving costs, reimbursement for temporary housing and transportation, real estate agent assistance and discounted loans.
|
Relocation company | A firm that administers all aspects of moving in new employees to the community.
|
Relocation company | A firm that administers all aspects of moving in new employees to the community.
|
Remaining balance | The amount of unpaid principal on a home loan.
|
Remaining balance | The amount of unpaid principal on a home loan.
|
Remaining term | The original loan term minus the number of payments made.
|
Remaining term | The original loan term minus the number of payments made.
|
Remote | Remote electrical, gas, or water meter digital readouts that are installed near the front of the home in order for utility companies to easily read the home owners usage of the service. |
Rent loss insurance | A policy that covers any loss of rent or rental value in the event of fire or other damage that renders the property uninhabitable.
|
Rent loss insurance | A policy that covers any loss of rent or rental value in the event of fire or other damage that renders the property uninhabitable.
|
Rental Statement | A detailed signed statement covering the rental income of a property. The rent statement is usually given for pro-rata purposes with respect to monthly rental payments, security deposits, last month rents and so on.
|
Rental Statement | A detailed signed statement covering the rental income of a property. The rent statement is usually given for pro-rata purposes with respect to monthly rental payments, security deposits, last month rents and so on.
|
Renter's insurance | A policy that covers the replacement value of possessions.
|
Renter's insurance | A policy that covers the replacement value of possessions.
|
Repayment plan | When a borrower falls behind in mortgage payments, many lenders will negotiate a repayment plan rather than go to court.
|
Repayment plan | When a borrower falls behind in mortgage payments, many lenders will negotiate a repayment plan rather than go to court.
|
Replacement reserve fund | Money that is set aside from homeowners' assessments to replace common property, such as furniture in a planned development's community room.
|
Replacement reserve fund | Money that is set aside from homeowners' assessments to replace common property, such as furniture in a planned development's community room.
|
Repossession | When a house is repossessed, it is taken back by the lender holding the mortgage.
|
Repossession | When a house is repossessed, it is taken back by the lender holding the mortgage.
|
Request for notice | Recorded request by anyone desiring written notice of the recording of a notice of default under a trust deed.
|
Request for notice | Recorded request by anyone desiring written notice of the recording of a notice of default under a trust deed.
|
Request for Reconveyance | A written instruction by a beneficiary under a deed of trust acknowledging that the obligations in the deed of trust of trust have been met, and
directing that the lien on title to the property created by the deed of trust be removed.
|
Request for Reconveyance | A written instruction by a beneficiary under a deed of trust acknowledging that the obligations in the deed of trust of trust have been met, and
directing that the lien on title to the property created by the deed of trust be removed.
|
Resale value | The future value of a piece of property that can be affected by many factors, including the surrounding neighborhood, school scores, and economic and housing market conditions.
|
Resale value | The future value of a piece of property that can be affected by many factors, including the surrounding neighborhood, school scores, and economic and housing market conditions.
|
Rescission | The act of canceling the effect of a document.
|
Rescission | The act of canceling the effect of a document.
|
Reservation | A right reserved by the grantor when conveying property , or a right which had been previously reserved.
|
Reservation | A right reserved by the grantor when conveying property , or a right which had been previously reserved.
|
Reserve fund | All homeowners associations set aside a certain amount of money for major repairs or improvements.
|
Reserve fund | All homeowners associations set aside a certain amount of money for major repairs or improvements.
|
Resistance | The internal structure of wires even in the best conductors opposes the flow of electric current and converts some current into heat. This internal friction-like effect is called resistance and is measured in ohms. Resistance equals Voltage divided by Amperage. |
Restructured loan | A mortgage in which new terms are negotiated.
|
Restructured loan | A mortgage in which new terms are negotiated.
|
Retaining wall | A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion. |
Retentions | Amounts withheld from progress billings until final and satisfactory project completion. |
Return | In heating and cooling systems, a vent that returns cold air to be warmed. In a hot air furnace system, it is located near an inside wall. |
Return on investment | The amount of profit a property generates.
|
Return on investment | The amount of profit a property generates.
|
Reverse mortgage | A special type of loan available to equity-rich, older owners. Repayment is not necessary until the borrower sells the property or moves into a retirement community.
|
Reverse mortgage | A special type of loan available to equity-rich, older owners. Repayment is not necessary until the borrower sells the property or moves into a retirement community.
|
Ribbon (girt) | Normally a 1 X 4 board let into the studs horizontally to support the ceiling or second-floor joists. |
Rider | A supplement, addition or endorsement to a document.
|
Rider | A supplement, addition or endorsement to a document.
|
Ridge | The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces. |
Ridge board | A horizontal board that serves as the apex of the roof structure.
|
Ridge board | The board placed on the ridge of the roof onto which the upper ends of other rafters are fastened. |
Ridge shingles | Shingles used to cover the ridge board. |
Ridge vent | A vent located along the ridge board of the roof that allows moisture to escape.
|
Right of first refusal | An agreement by a property owner to give another person the right to buy or rent the property before it goes on the open
|
Right of first refusal | An agreement by a property owner to give another person the right to buy or rent the property before it goes on the open
|
Right of way | The right of another to cross over, under or through a parcel of land.
|
Right of way | The right of another to cross over, under or through a parcel of land.
|
Right to recission | A provision in the federal Truth-in-Lending Act that allows borrowers to cancel certain kinds of loans within three days of
|
Right to recission | A provision in the federal Truth-in-Lending Act that allows borrowers to cancel certain kinds of loans within three days of
|
Rim joist | A joist that runs around the perimeter of the floor joists and home. |
Rise | The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. Also the vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not to exceed 7 ½"). |
Riser | Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways. |
Riser and panel | The exterior vertical pipe (riser) and metal electric box (panel) the electrician provides and installs at the "Rough Electric" stage. |
Road base | An aggregate mixture of sand and stone. |
Rock 1, 2, 3 | When referring to drywall, this means to install drywall to the walls and ceilings (with nails and screws), and before taping is performed. |
Roll roofing | Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form. 36-inch wide rolls with and 108 square feet of material. Weights are generally 45 to 90 pounds per roll. |
Roll, rolling | To install the floor joists or trusses in their correct place. (To "roll the floor" means to install the floor joists). |
Roof jack | Sleeves that fit around the black plumbing waste vent pipes at, and are nailed to, the roof sheeting. |
Roof joist | The rafters of a flat roof. Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. |
Roof sheathing or sheeting | The wood panels or sheet material fastened to the roof rafters or trusses on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid. |
Roof System | General term referring to the waterproof covering, roof insulation, vapor barrier, if used and roof deck as an entity. |
Roof valley | The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet. |
Rough opening | The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window or door opening before drywall or siding is installed. |
Rough sill | The framing member at the bottom of a rough opening for a window. It is attached to the cripple studs below the rough opening. |
Rough-in | The installation of plumbing, electrical and other mechanical systems.
|
Roughing-in | The initial stage of a plumbing, electrical, heating, carpentry, and/or other project, when all components that won't be seen after the second finishing phase are assembled. See also Heat Rough, Plumbing Rough, and Electrical Rough. |
RPM | Revolutions per Minute. |
Run, roof | The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span. |
Run, stair | The horizontal distance of a stair tread from the nose to the riser. |
Rural Housing Service | A U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides financing to farmers and certain borrowers to purchase rural property when other funds are not available.
|
Rural Housing Service | A U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides financing to farmers and certain borrowers to purchase rural property when other funds are not available.
|
