Assessing the indoor air for pollutants, allergens, and contaminants that could affect the health and comfort of the home’s occupants.

Refers to the process of paying off a debt, such as a mortgage loan, through regular payments over a specific period of time.

An estimation of the value of a property, usually conducted by a professional appraiser.

A premium type of asphalt shingle used in home building for roofing.

A large, lump-sum payment made at the end of a loan term. It is typically associated with relatively short loan durations.

A short-term loan that provides immediate cash flow to individuals or businesses.

The application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer.

An unfinished area beneath a house, typically between the ground and the first floor. 

Used as foundations for buildings, providing a stable and level base upon which the rest of the structure is built.

Any issue, problem, or condition in a property that deviates from the expected or desired standard.

The timed investigation and research conducted by buyers and sellers to assess the property’s condition, legal status, and financial viability.

Refers to the act of providing relevant information about a property to potential buyers.

The ownership interest that a homeowner has in their property.

A financial arrangement where a third party holds funds and important documents on behalf of the parties involved until all conditions of the sale are met.

An essential part of the building’s ventilation system, particularly in structures with combustion appliances.

A property that is being sold directly by the owner without the assistance of a real estate agent or broker.

Electrical safety devices designed to protect people from electric shock hazards

A document outlining the estimate costs associated with obtaining a mortgage loan.

A crucial step in the process where a professional inspector assesses the condition of a property.

A mechanical system installed in buildings to provide thermal comfort and maintain indoor air quality.

Technology used to measure the difference in temperature not visible to the human eye.

Refers to the connection point between two or more pipes, fittings, or fixtures.

Underground piping that connects a property’s plumbing system to the main sewer line or septic system.

The process of shaping and leveling the land around a building site to ensure proper drainage and water management.

Lead is a soft, heavy, and malleable metal that was historically used in various aspects of home construction.

Exterior wall cladding that provides the appearance of traditional masonry construction while using thinner and lighter materials.

The reproduction and increase in the number of microorganisms such as mold, mildew, and bacteria.

A conductor within an electrical system that is intentionally connected to the earth or ground.

A deviation or change in direction of a pipe from its straight path.

Two types of foam commonly used in construction for insulation, sealing, and other applications.

The slope or incline of a pipe relative to the horizontal plane.

A decorative architectural element used in construction, particularly in interior finishing work around doorways and baseboards.

A colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

The process of addressing and resolving environmental issues or hazards on a property.

A type of roof vent installed at the peak, or ridge, of a sloped roof.

A downward dip or bend in the pipe that occurs due to gravity or improper installation.

An underground pipe system designed to carry wastewater and sewage away from buildings and homes to a treatment facility or disposal site.

Ventilation opening installed in the underside of the eaves or overhang of a building’s roof.

A vertical pipe or duct that extends from the drainage system of a building to the open air, typically through the roof.

A device that controls the flow of liquid, also known as a faucet.

A safety device used to release excessive pressure or temperature buildup within a closed system to prevent explosions or ruptures.

A grounding system that involves burying a grounding electrode within a concrete foundation or footing of a building.

A material used in construction to prevent the movement of water vapor through building materials.

A visual inspection of a property conducted by potential buyers typically after an offer has been accepted but before the final sale.