Takeoff and Estimating Glossary

Knowledge Hub of Construction Estimating & Takeoff

Girders

Girders are large structural members that carry loads from beams, joists, slabs, or other framing and pass those loads to columns, walls, piers, or foundations.

Wide Flange Beam

A wide flange beam is a structural steel member with broad, parallel flanges used to support loads in buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Panelboards

Panelboards are electrical distribution units that receive power and safely route it to circuits throughout a building.

Furrdowns

Furrdowns are lowered sections built below a ceiling or around a wall to cover ductwork, pipes, wiring, or other items that need to stay out of sight.

Bulkheads

Bulkheads are walls or partitions used to separate spaces, hide building services, or keep soil and water from moving into an area.

Mechanical Risers

A mechanical riser is a vertical shaft, duct, or dedicated building space that carries essential services such as HVAC piping, ventilation ducts, plumbing and other utilities between floors.

Damper Line

A damper line is a mechanical device attached to overhead power conductors to reduce wind-induced vibrations and prevent conductor fatigue and breakage.

Site Walls

Site walls, commonly known as retaining walls, are structural systems designed to hold back soil and resist lateral earth pressure where there is a difference in ground levels.

Equipment Pads

Equipment pads are solid, level bases used to support and protect heavy mechanical equipment from ground contact, shifting, moisture, and weather-related damage.

Crown Molding

Crown Molding is decorative trim installed where a wall meets the ceiling, adding a finished look to rooms, cabinets, and built-ins.

Exterior Casing

Exterior Casing is the trim installed around the outside edges of windows and doors to cover gaps and give the opening a finished look.

Slab Bolster

A slab bolster is a small support that holds rebar at the correct height inside a concrete slab before and during the pour.

Handhole

A handhole is a small access opening built into underground systems to allow inspection, maintenance, and routing of electrical conductors or irrigation lines.

Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are installed devices that supply, control, or drain water for everyday activities such as washing, bathing, sanitation, etc.

Plumbing Couplings

Plumbing couplings are fittings that join two pipes or pipe sections in order to create a secure connection without replacing the entire pipe run.

Plumbing Reducers

Plumbing reducers are fittings that connect pipes of different sizes, creating a smoother transition between smaller and larger pipes.

HVAC Register

Air outlets with adjustable louvers for directing airflow into a room.

Grilles

Grilles are vent covers used for air intake, exhaust, or supply applications.

Diffusers

Diffusers are air distribution outlets designed to promote even air mixing within a space.

Fan Coil Unit

A fan coil unit, or FCU, is a small HVAC unit that uses a fan and a heating or cooling coil to control the temperature of a room or space.

Air Handling Unit

An air handling unit is HVAC equipment that circulates and conditions air before sending it through a building.

Plenum

A plenum is an enclosed space within a building that is used to distribute air as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

Jamb

A jamb is the vertical side component of a door, window, or other opening that helps form the frame and supports the door or window assembly.

Bulb Tee

Bulb tee is a precast, prestressed concrete beam with a bulb-shaped bottom flange.

Ogee Molding

Ogee molding is a type of decorative molding or trim with a curved S-shaped profile.

Wood Plate

A wood plate is a horizontal framing member that provides a surface for attaching structural components.

Railing

Railing is a protective barrier that provides safety and support along stairs, balconies, decks, walkways and other elevated edges.

Wye

A wye is a pipe fitting that joins three pipes at a 45° angle, ensuring smooth flow in plumbing and drainage systems while reducing turbulence.

Girt

A girt is a horizontal structural member fixed between columns to support wall cladding, strengthen walls, and improve building stability.

Top Plate

The top plate is the horizontal framing member fixed atop wall studs, supporting roof rafters or floor framing while tying walls together.

Riser

A riser is a vertical pipe, duct, conduit, or shaft that carries plumbing, electrical, or HVAC services between floors in a building efficiently.

Band

A band is a narrow, continuous strip or section of material used to provide support, reinforcement, separation or a finished appearance in construction and design.

Stringer

A stringer is a sloped wood or steel support that holds stair treads and risers, or a horizontal timber supporting floor system.

Sleeper

A sleeper is a horizontal timber laid flat on a concrete slab or ground surface to support and anchor a wood floor system above it.

Air Vent

An air vent is a grille or opening built into a structure to move air in and out of a space, keeping interiors ventilated and livable.

Bottom Plate

A Bottom Plate is the horizontal framing member at the base of a wall. It sits on the floor or foundation, providing the wall frame with a starting point.

Tower

A tower is a tall and vertical structure built to serve a specific purpose, such as communication, observation, support, storage, or architectural design.

Parapet

A parapet is a low wall built along the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, or bridge that extends above the roofline or outer edge of a structure.

Fire Hydrant

A fire hydrant is a connection point to a water supply system that allows firefighters to access large volumes of water during emergencies.

Gable

A gable is the triangular section of a wall that’s typically found at the end of a building where two roof surfaces meet and rise to a peak.

Eave

An eave is the part of a roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building. It forms the roof's edge and helps shield the structure from the elements.

Window Sill

A window sill is the flat surface found at the bottom of a window. It can be located on the inside, outside, or both sides of a window opening.

Mortis

A mortise is a cut-out space made in a piece of wood or another material so that another piece can fit into it.

Truss

A truss is a rigid structure made by joining straight members at their ends to form triangles.

Joist

A joist is a horizontal structural member used to support a building or open spaces like floors, ceilings, or roofs.

Shelf

A flat, elevated surface where things are placed for storage, organization or display. Used in homes, offices, stores, and warehouses to maintain clutter-free spaces.

Lattice

A lattice is an open mesh structure of criss-crossed strips or slats. It is used in building construction and gardening as screening, supports, vents, and decorations.

Stucco

Stucco is a durable wall finish made from cement, sand, lime, and water, commonly used on exterior walls to create a textured and weather-resistant surface.

Facade

A facade refers to the outward-facing surface of a building.

Vestibule

A vestibule is a small area between the outside and the main part of a building. It serves as a transition space before entering the main room or hallway.

Mantle

A mantle is a shelf built above a fireplace that adds both function and style to a room. It’s most common usage is for displaying decorative items.

ABS Pipe

ABS pipe is a durable and lightweight plastic pipe, made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, that’s widely used to carry waste and vent gases in plumbing systems.

BNC Connector

A BNC connector is a common and easy-to-use fitting that connects coaxial cables to audio, video, and data signals.

Y-Strainer

A Y-Strainer is a Y-shaped tool that keeps dirt and other things out of liquids or gases that are flowing. It protects pumps, valves, and meters in water systems, industrial settings, and HVAC systems.

U-bend

A U-bend is a type of curved pipe shaped like a "U" that directs the movement of fluid within a system. It's mainly used in plumbing and HVAC systems.

I-Beam

An I-Beam is a structural steel member with an “I”-shaped cross-section, designed to efficiently carry heavy loads by maximizing strength while minimizing material use.

Jack Rafter

Jack Rafter is a shortened rafter that spans from a hip or valley rafter to a wall plate or ridge in roof framing.

H Beam

H Beam is a structural steel beam with an H-shaped cross-section, designed to support heavy loads in construction.

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Takeoff and Estimating Glossary

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