Home Extension
Glossary

Home Extension Glossary

Navigating a home extension project can often
feel like learning a new language. To make
things easier, we’ve compiled a glossary of
terms commonly used in the home extension
and construction industry.
Navigating a home extension project can often feel like learning a new language. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a glossary of terms commonly used in the home extension and construction industry.

Dictionary

Dive into our glossary below. Explore alphabetically, sort by popularity, or
simply use the search function for quick insights.
Term Definition
Architectural Plans The drawings that showcase the design of the building.
Blueprint A detailed plan of a building at a particular scale.
Budget An estimation of the costs associated with a project.
Building Control A function of the local authority to enforce building regulations and maintain safety standards.
Building Regulations The standards for design and construction applied to most types of buildings in the UK.
Carpenter A professional who constructs and repairs wooden structures in buildings.
Construction Loan A short-term loan used to finance the cost of building a home or an addition.
Contractor The individual or company in charge of the actual construction work.
Drywall A type of board used to make interior walls and ceilings.
Elevation A flat representation of one façade of a building.
Extension An addition or expansion to the existing structure of a building.
Finish The final layer of a product or the surface of a construction element.
First Fix All the necessary tasks completed during an independent project extension before the plasterboard is affixed to the walls and ceilings. This typically involves structural work, wall construction, door and window installations, and initial electrical and plumbing installations.
Foundations The element of a structure which connects it to the ground and transfers loads from the structure to the ground.
HVAC Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Insulation Material used to reduce heat loss or gain by providing a barrier between areas that are significantly different in temperature.
Joiner A specialist who creates intricate wooden installations like doors, windows, and stairs.
Load-Bearing Wall A wall that supports the weight of the house.
Planning Application A request to a local authority for permission to carry out construction or alterations on a property.
Planning Permission The approval needed from the local authority to proceed with a home extension or renovation.
Project Manager The person who oversees the project and ensures everything runs smoothly.
Quote A formal statement of promise by a potential supplier to provide the goods or services required for a particular price.
Renovation The process of improving a damaged or outdated structure.
Retrofit The addition of new technology or features to older systems.
Second Fix The stage of a project that happens after the plasterboard is installed, usually involving the finishing touches. These tasks can include painting, installing fixtures and fittings, connecting plumbing and electrical systems, and fitting doors.
Site Plan A detailed diagram that shows the layout of a building or group of buildings.
Soil Test A test to determine the suitability of the soil for a construction project.
Specifications Detailed and specific requirements or descriptions of the materials, components, finishes, and construction methods that are to be used in the project. These specifications outline the quality standards, dimensions, performance criteria, and other essential details necessary to guide the construction and ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
Structural Engineer A professional who ensures that the design of a structure is strong enough to withstand stress and pressure.
Sub-contractor An individual or business hired to perform specific tasks within a larger project.
Surveyor A professional who assesses a property and its environment.
Tender Pack A set of documents outlining the specifics of a building project to be given to a potential builder for the purpose of obtaining a quote.
Utilities Basic services necessary for a property to function such as water, electricity, and sewage disposal.
Zoning The division of land into zones where various uses are permitted.