Pre-Work: Initial preparation steps involving property owners to ensure compliance with county or federal guidelines before rebuilding begins.
Clear Lot: A property that has been cleared of debris and is ready for rebuilding or new construction.
Ineligible Debris: Debris that does not qualify for removal under certain assistance programs.
Debris Removal: The process of clearing debris such as driveways, trees, sidewalks, and walls from a property to prepare for construction.
Pre-Development Grant: Funding provided to assist with the initial stages of development, such as planning and design, before construction begins.
Builder’s Risk Insurance: A specialized insurance that covers buildings under construction against damage.
Course of Construction Insurance: Insurance that provides coverage for construction projects against various risks, often overlapping with builder's risk.
Concept and Design: The initial phase of construction where the building's design is conceived and detailed plans or blueprints are created.
TMK (Tax Map Key): A property identification system used to search for land parcels and property details.
Blueprints: Detailed architectural drawings that guide the construction process, showing dimensions, layouts, and materials to be used.
Foundation: The base structure of a building that provides stability, typically made of concrete, and must be completed before other construction can proceed.
Contractor: A professional or firm responsible for overseeing construction projects, managing workers, and ensuring that the project meets all specifications and building codes.
Owner-Builder Permit: A permit that allows property owners to act as their own contractor, assuming responsibility for the construction project.
Clearing and Excavating: The process of removing obstacles from the land and preparing it for construction by leveling or grading.
Foundation Inspection: An official review of the poured foundation to ensure it meets building standards and codes.
Framing: The construction of the skeletal structure of a building, which forms the framework upon which the rest of the construction will be built.
Roof Installation: The process of adding a roof to the structure, providing protection from the elements and completing the exterior shell.
Rough Electrical and Plumbing: The initial installation of electrical wiring and plumbing systems within the building, which is done before walls and ceilings are finished.
Heating and Cooling: The installation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to regulate the temperature and air quality inside the building.
Insulation: Material used within walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent heat loss or gain and improve energy efficiency.
Drywall: Panels used to create walls and ceilings inside the building, which are then painted or finished.
Interior Finishing: The final steps in construction, including painting, installing fixtures, cabinets, doors, and other interior features.
Final Inspections: The last set of inspections, including plumbing, electrical, and building, to ensure the construction complies with all regulations and is safe for occupancy.
Driveway Installation: The creation of a paved or gravel access route from the street to the building.
Building Permit: Official authorization required for construction, alterations, or demolition of buildings, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Sweat Equity: The contribution of labor by homeowners, particularly in programs like Habitat for Humanity, where participants help build their homes or those of others.
Fire Resilience Materials: Construction materials designed to withstand fire, which may qualify for FEMA reimbursement in some disaster recovery projects.
Upgraded Building Codes: New or revised building standards that must be followed during reconstruction to improve safety and resilience.
Trust Funds: Financial accounts set up to manage funds for specific purposes, such as rebuilding efforts after a disaster.
Deed: A legal document that represents ownership of property.
