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.

The connection of metal components and conductive materials within a structure to ensure they share the same electrical potential.

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

An individual who has obtained a broker’s license, which typically requires additional education and experience beyond that of a real estate agent.

A popular type of insulation used in attics, made primarily from recycled paper products treated with fire-retardant chemicals for safety.

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

The minimum safe distance required between a fireplace and nearby combustible materials like wood framing, drywall, or trim.

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

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

A crawl space sealed with a durable vapor barrier covering the ground, walls, and sometimes the ceiling to block moisture, mold, and pests.

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

A device designed to reduce excess moisture in the air by drawing humid air in, removing the water through condensation, and releasing drier air back.

The system and features designed to manage and direct water away from the property to prevent water damage, flooding, and moisture-related issues.

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

A type of synthetic stucco used in home construction that consists of multiple layers, including foam insulation, a base coat, and a finishing coat.

Refers to sealing off areas like crawl spaces or attics with vapor barriers, insulation, to control moisture and improve energy efficiency.

A system designed to improve indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency.

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.

A durable, low-maintenance exterior cladding material made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers.

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

A vent installed in the gable end of an attic that allows for the circulation of air in the attic, helping to reduce moisture temperature.

Electrical safety devices designed to protect people from electric shock hazards

A safety feature in an electrical system that provides a direct path for electrical current to flow safely into the earth in case of a fault or surge.

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

Refers to a wire or conductor that carries current from the power source to the electrical device or load.

Refers to the amount of moisture in the air, typically measured as a percentage.

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.

Mold in a household is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm, and poorly ventilated areas, often appearing as black, green, or white patches.

A loan specifically used to purchase real estate, where the property itself serves as collateral for the loan.

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.

Openings or devices installed on the roof of a house to allow for proper ventilation of the attic or upper spaces.

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 placed beneath the surface layer of floors or roofs to provide additional protection, support, and insulation.

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.

A layer installed on the exterior walls of a home to prevent water from penetrating the building’s structure.