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Glossary
bearing wall: A wall that runs perpendicular
to the direction of the fl oor joists and is
designed to support part of the load of the
structure.
benchmark: A permanent object used by
surveyors to establish a point of reference.
bidet: A device that looks something like a
toilet and is used for personal cleaning.
bifold door: A door made of two vertical
sections hinged so they will fold out of the
way when they are opened; often used for
closet doors.
block: A symbol or set of objects that has been
saved for later re-use.
border line: Very heavy line used to form a
boundary for an architectural drawing.
bow window: A set of windows placed to
form an arc that extends out from the wall
of a house.
box cornice: A cornice in which the space
between the end of a projecting rafter and
the wall is enclosed with a soffi t board.
box sill: The method of sill construction
used in platform framing; consists of a
2 × 6 mudsill and a header the same size
as the fl oor joists.
branch circuit: A circuit used to carry electricity
from the distribution panel throughout
the home.
branch main: Pipe that connects a fi xture to the
stack in a water and waste removal system.
brick: A fi red clay masonry product.
brick ledge: The portion of the foundation
wall on which the brick veneer rests.
brick mold: The trim that covers the space
between a door jamb and the door opening
in a masonry wall.
British thermal unit (Btu): A unit of
measurement for heat. One Btu is the
quantity of heat required to increase the
temperature of 1 pound of water 1°F.
brown coat: The second stucco layer in the
three-coat process; covers any lath not
covered by the scratch coat, adds strength to
the shell, trues up the surface, and provides
an appropriate surface for the fi nal coat.
building code: Written code that specifi es
requirements for construction methods
and materials for plumbing, electrical, and
general building construction.
attribute: Text information saved with a block
when the block is inserted into a drawing.
awning window: A window with sashes that
are hinged at the top and open outward, like
an awning.
B
backlight: A general, diffused light source
used to bring the object out of the background
in a rendered presentation drawing.
balcony: A narrow porch extending from an
upper fl oor of a residence.
balloon framing: Framing in which the wall
studs rest directly on the sill plate and each
fl oor “hangs” from the studs.
balsa: A softwood that is used for many
modeling purposes because it is easy to cut
and accepts a variety of fi nishes.
baluster: A vertical member of a stairway that
supports the handrail on open stairs.
band joist: A framing member resting on the
sill, placed perpendicular to the fl oor joists
and to which the fl oor joists are attached.
Another term for rim joist.
basement: A full-height area located fully or
partially below the ground level of the main
fl oor; used for utilities, storage, and additional
livable space.
basement plan: A combination foundation
and fl oor plan; includes the information
commonly shown on the foundation plan as
well as interior walls, stairs, windows, and
doors in the basement.
batter boards: A layout of 2 × 4 stakes with
1 × 6 horizontal boards nailed to the stakes,
located about 4′ outside of where the footing
will be; used to retain the location of the
foundation during excavation and construction.
bay window: A unit with a large center
window and a narrower window on each
side. The side windows are set at an angle
to the exterior wall, normally 45°, so that the
unit forms a “bay” with extra square footage
inside the house.
beam: A structural member that supports the
joists when the joists must span a long distance.
bearing: The direction from one object or
position to another.