Building Trades Glossary

This glossary contains terms relevant to the professional building trades and are defined that way only. If a term can be defined in a context that is outside relevance to the construction industry, it will not be defined as such here.

Definitions of some of the terms are taken from the various trade code books and include the following among others:

In such cases, those definitions are assigned a credit citation is given as to what code/chapter it is from. Keep in mind cited code definitions may become outdated. You should always check the most recent code version. The definitions listed here are for a matter of your convenience and knowledge gain. Terms may include definitions from multiple trade codes where you can compare the similarities or differences to get a worldly view so you don’t have to take crap from the plumber.

Glossary term definitions may also come from other sources including the researched opinion and experience of the site administrator who has decades of experience in the building and construction trades as a licensed professional.

Some terms may have both a code definition and a common practical definition/explanation given as accepted and common knowledge among experienced tradesmen. In such cases the code definition is always given first.

Bear with me as I diligently and endlessly add terms, definitions, and media.