Chapter 6: Construction and Development Part 1

Question 1

Foundation Walls

Answer 1

Generally composed of poured concrete, masonry (concrete) block, or sometimes brick.

Question 2

Slab-on-Grade Construction

Answer 2

Provides the floor of the dwelling and the support for the exterior and interior walls. This is available on level terrain.

Question 3

Wood Framing

Answer 3

Refers to the wooden skeleton of the home. This is lumber.

Question 4

Flooring

Answer 4

The top of the foundation wall is finished off with a course of solid masonry. On top of this rests the foundation sill plate.

Question 5

Sill Plate

Answer 5

The first wooden member of the house and used as the nailing surface for the floor system.

Question 6

Joists

Answer 6

Span the distance between the foundation walls and the girder and provide support for the subfloor.

Question 7

Girder

Answer 7

The main carrying beam is a steal beam or several wooden members fastened together that spans the distance from one side of the foundation to the other. The joist rests on this for support.

Question 8

Platform Construction

Answer 8

Or framing, because the framing of the structure rests on a subfloor platform. Platform framing is the most common type of framing used in residential construction.

Question 9

Rafters

Answer 9

The long wooden members that are fastened to the ends of the ceiling joists and form the gables of the roof. These are fastened to the ridge at the peak of the gable. Characteristics to look for in roof identification include the pitch.

Question 10

Pitch

Answer 10

The slope of the roof.

Question 11

Eaves

Answer 11

The lowest part of the roof, which project beyond the walls of the structure.

Question 12

Flashing

Answer 12

A metallic material that is used in certain areas of the roof and walls to prevent water from seeping into the structure.

Question 13

Sheathing

Answer 13

Once all framing members are in place, including the roof rafters, a plywood covering is placed over the exterior framing members.

Question 14

Voltage

Answer 14

The electrical pressure the pushes through the wires.

Question 15

Amperage

Answer 15

The amount of current or electricity flowing through the wire.

Question 16

Watts

Answer 16

Amperage required for different electrical usage is calculated in this.

Question 17

Fuse

Answer 17

A device that will melt and open the circuit causing electrical power to stop when overheating occurs.

Question 18

Circuit Breaker

Answer 18

They switch off the electrical power for a given circuit if the current increases beyond the capacity of the system.

Question 19

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Answer 19

Highly sensitive circuit breakers that sense extremely small current leakages across a circuit and are used to protect against electrocution hazard. Generally located where water may be present such as bathrooms, pools, kitchens, etc.

Question 20

New York State Human Rights Law

Answer 20

Article 15 of the Executive Law known as the New York Human Rights Law, provides that multifamily dwellings that were occupied after 1991 must allow accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Question 21

Percolation

Answer 21

The movement of water through soil.

Question 22

Blueprint

Answer 22

Building plan that is a detailed architectural rendering of the structure. These must be stamped by a licensed architect or engineer.

Question 23

Building specifications

Answer 23

Written narratives that explain the building plan.

Question 24

Exclusive Use Zoning

Answer 24

Property may be used only as designated for that specific zone.

Question 25

Cumulative Zoning

Answer 25

May permit higher-priority uses that are not designated for that zone.

Question 26

Spot Zoning

Answer 26

A specific property within a zoned area is rezoned to permit a use different from the zoning requirements for that zoned area. This is illegal in New York.

Question 27

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Answer 27

Programs that encourage a shift in growth away from agricultural, environmentally sensitive, or open space regions of a municipality to more appropriate areas.

Question 28

Eminent Domain

Answer 28

The right or power of this is the power of the government or its agencies to take private property for public use.

Question 29

Condemnation

Answer 29

The actual taking of property under the power of eminent domain.

Question 30

Regulatory Taking

Answer 30

The regulation of the use of private property constitutes a taking if it deprives the owner of all economically viable uses of the property and the property owner can no longer obtain a reasonable return on his investment.

Question 31

Police Power

Answer 31

A government’s right to decide and legislate matters related to real property for the public benefit. This does imply compensation unlike eminent domain.

Question 32

Building Codes

Answer 32

Require that a property owner obtain a building permit from the appropriate local government authority before constructing or renovating a commercial building or residential property. This provides another form of land use control to protect the public.

Question 33

Certificate of Occupancy

Answer 33

After a satisfactory final inspection, this is issued permitting occupation of the structure by tenants or the owner.

Question 34

Footing

Answer 34

The concrete base below the frost line that supports the foundation of the structure. This is the most important foundation building block.