863
Glossary
design temperature difference: The difference
between the inside design temperature (desired
indoor temperature) and the outside design
temperature (the average outdoor temperature
for a season).
diffuser: An outlet cover that is similar to a
register, but directs the air fl ow in a specifi c
direction.
dimension line: Thin line that shows the size
or location of an object or feature.
dimmer switch: A switch that allows the
amount of light from a light fi xture to be
adjusted to the desired brightness.
dioxins: A family of chemicals that are
environmental pollutants and are also among
the most carcinogenic (cancer-causing)
chemicals known.
discrimination: Treating someone unfairly,
either personally or professionally, based upon
the person’s age, race, religion, or gender.
display grid: A set of nonprinting visual
guidelines in the drawing area, much like
the lines on graph paper.
disposal fi eld: The area that receives liquid
sewage from the septic tank and allows it to
seep into the soil. Also called a drain fi eld or
leach fi eld.
distillation system: A water treatment system
in which water is heated to make steam, which
is then condensed to produce distilled water.
distribution box: A box that receives liquid
sewage from the septic tank and distributes
it evenly throughout the disposal fi eld.
distribution panel: The main distribution box
that receives the electricity from the external
power line and distributes it to various points
in the house through individual circuits. Also
called a service panel.
distribution system: The system of ducts or
pipes that delivers heated or cooled air or
water throughout a house.
door jamb: The frame that fi ts inside the rough
opening for a door.
door schedule: A list of all of the doors to be
installed in a building, including complete
specifi cations.
dormer: A projecting structure on a roof that
has walls, a front-facing window, and a roof.
creep: Horizontal movement of pavers in a
fl exible paving system.
cripple stud: A structural member, also called
a jack stud, that is not full length due to a
wall opening.
cross bridging: 1 × 3 boards with the ends cut
at an angle to fi t snugly against joists; used
to stiffen a fl oor and spread the load over a
broader area.
cross section: A building section that extends
all the way across a building. Also called a
full building section.
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX): A fl exible
plumbing pipe used in water supply piping.
cubic foot method: A method of building cost
estimation based on the volume of a proposed
house design.
curtain wall: A wall that does not support
much weight.
cutaway view: A view of a virtual model in
which some of the walls have been hidden
or clipped so that the interior is visible.
cutting-plane line: Heavy line used to show
where an object or structure is to be sectioned.
D
damper: A device that regulates the fl ow of
air and stops downdrafts of cold air when a
fi replace is not in operation.
daylight basement: Similar to a regular
basement except the slope of the land allows
the placement of windows on an exterior wall
to bring daylight into the area.
daylighting: Using windows and skylights to
provide natural sunlight for a home.
dead load: The static or fi xed weight of the
structure itself.
deck: An outdoor feature that is similar to a
patio but is typically above grade.
deed: A legal document that confers ownership
of property.
dehumidifying system: A system that removes
moisture vapor from the air to reduce the
relative humidity in the space.
design contingency: An amount of cost variation
that is included in a preliminary estimate to
account for design changes as the design is
fi nalized; usually 10% to 15%.