The Ultimate Builder Glossary
The Ultimate Builder Glossary
Confused by construction lingo? You're not alone. This glossary breaks down the real terms used in building contracts, plans, inspections, and selections — with clear, jargon-free definitions. Whether you're reading an email from your builder, comparing tenders, or walking your site, these terms will help you understand exactly what's going on — and what to question before you sign anything.
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Construction Stages
Base Stage: The concrete slab or footings are poured. This includes formwork, reinforcement, and termite protection.
Frame Stage: Wall and roof frames are constructed. This includes timber or steel trusses and structural bracing. Surveyor approval is typically required before progressing.
Lock-Up Stage: External doors, windows, and roofing are installed, making the home weatherproof.
Fixing Stage: Internal elements such as plaster, cabinetry, skirting, internal doors, and waterproofing are installed.
Completion (Practical Completion): Final works are finished including painting, fit-off, cleaning, and preparation for handover.
PCI (Practical Completion Inspection): Your final walkthrough with the builder to identify any defects or incomplete work before handover.
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Siteworks, Slab and Engineering
Cut and Fill: The process of excavating (cutting) and redistributing (filling) soil to level your block before building begins.
Slab Classification: A rating based on soil reactivity (e.g. M, H1, H2) that determines the engineering and cost of your slab.
Waffle Pod Slab: A common concrete slab system using polystyrene pods and minimal excavation. Quicker and cheaper to build but less suited to reactive or steep sites.
Raft Slab: A traditional slab method poured directly on the ground with deeper edge beams and internal ribs. Often used for more reactive soil or sloping sites.
Re-establishment Survey: A licensed surveyor re-identifies your legal property boundaries before building starts or after demolition.
Site Scrape: A basic clearing of surface vegetation and topsoil prior to construction.
Double Handling: When machinery or material must be moved more than once — usually due to poor site access or sequencing. Increases cost.
Freeboard: The minimum vertical distance between your finished slab and the surrounding ground level — protects from water entry.
Slab Stepdown: A lower section of slab used in areas like garages, laundries or outdoor spaces to accommodate floor finishes or thresholds.
Foundations Data: Soil and engineering reports that guide slab design and site classification — part of the early design phase.
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Materials and Structural Components
Hebel: Lightweight aerated concrete panels used for external cladding. Offers sound and thermal insulation benefits, but requires specific install detail.
Brick Veneer: The most common Australian wall construction — a timber or steel frame with a single skin of external brick tied to it.
EPS Panel: Expanded Polystyrene panels used for lightweight cladding or insulation. Often rendered to mimic masonry.
Plasterboard: Internal lining sheets made of compressed gypsum. Used for walls and ceilings — commonly called gyprock.
Wall Wrap: A membrane applied behind cladding to resist moisture and improve insulation performance.
FC Sheeting (Fibre Cement): A strong, fire-resistant panel used for cladding or eaves — paintable and durable.
Render: A cement or acrylic coating applied to brick or blockwork for a smooth or textured finish. Usually painted over.
Stud: A vertical framing element used in walls. Typically spaced at 450mm or 600mm centres.
Nogging: A horizontal brace between studs in a wall frame — adds strength and helps prevent twisting.
Joist: A horizontal timber or steel beam that supports floors or ceilings.
Truss: A pre-manufactured triangular roof support frame. Stronger and more efficient than traditional rafters.
Bearer: A horizontal timber beam supporting floor joists — part of a subfloor system.
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber): An engineered timber beam made from thin wood layers. Used where strength is critical (e.g. over wide openings).
Cantilevered: A structural element that extends beyond its support — e.g. a deck or balcony with no post beneath.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Windows, Doors and Frame Components
Awning Window: A window hinged at the top that opens outward from the bottom. Allows for ventilation during light rain.
Sliding Window: Operates by sliding one pane horizontally behind another. Common in bedrooms and kitchens.
Stacker Door: A multi-panel sliding door system where several panels slide and stack behind a fixed panel to open up a large span.
Pivot Door: A front door that swings from a central pivot point rather than side hinges. Used in high-end or architectural facades.
Double Glazed: Two glass panes separated by an air or gas layer to improve thermal and acoustic insulation.
Flush Panel Door: A flat, smooth-faced internal door without moulding or profile — often standard in builder packages.
Sash: The part of the window that holds the glass and moves to open or close — found in sliding, awning, or double-hung windows.
Transom: A horizontal bar dividing sections of a window or door. Commonly used above entry doors or sidelights.
Mullion: A vertical element between window panes or between a window and a door. Often structural.
Reveal: The timber surround of a window or door frame — visible between the plaster and the frame itself.
Jamb: The vertical sidepiece of a door or window frame.
Sill: The bottom ledge of a window frame — usually sloped for water runoff.
Seal: A rubber or foam strip around a door or window frame that prevents air, dust, and water penetration.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Staircase and Balustrade Components
Stair Tread: The horizontal part of a staircase that you step on.
Riser: The vertical section between each stair tread — defines the stair height.
Stringer: The angled structural support that runs along the sides or underneath a staircase and holds the treads and risers in place.
Balustrade: A safety barrier installed along the edge of stairs, landings, or balconies. Includes posts, rails, and infill (e.g. glass or rods).
Handrail: The horizontal or sloping rail designed to be grasped by hand for support while using stairs.
Mitred End: A precise corner joint where two components meet at a 45-degree angle — used on benchtops, stair nosings, and feature trims.
Open Riser Stair: A staircase design where the vertical riser is omitted, allowing light or visual openness between treads.
Closed Riser Stair: A staircase with full vertical risers between each tread for a more enclosed look.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Plumbing, Wet Areas and Fixtures
Water Stop: A barrier, often metal, installed at the threshold of wet areas like showers to prevent water seeping into surrounding flooring.
Shower Niche: A recessed shelf built into the wall of a shower — used to hold shampoo, soap, and other items.
Hob: A small step or raised barrier at the entry to a shower or wet area, often used when a tiled floor fall isn't achievable.
Return Air: A duct that pulls air from inside the home back into the heating or cooling system for recirculation — part of ducted systems.
Hot Water Service (HWS): The system used to provide hot water throughout the house — may be electric, gas, solar or heat pump.
Instantaneous (Continuous Flow) System: A hot water unit that heats water only as it is needed, without storing it.
UM Sink (Undermount Sink): A sink installed beneath the benchtop, creating a seamless finish and easier surface cleaning.
Splashback: A surface behind kitchen or bathroom benches designed to protect the wall from water or cooking splashes — can be tiled, glass, or stone.
Tile Setdown: A lowered area in the slab to allow tiling to finish flush with adjacent surfaces — often used in wet areas.
Waterproofing Membrane: A protective layer applied under tiles in bathrooms and wet zones to prevent water leakage into the structure.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Electrical, Lighting and Technology Terms
GPO (General Power Outlet): A standard electrical socket or power point — double or single, depending on plan.
Two-Way Switch: A switch setup that allows you to control a light from two different locations — common in hallways or stairs.
Data Point: A wall outlet connected to your internet or internal network — usually run via Ethernet cabling.
TV Point: A coaxial connection to plug in your television — often paired with a power point and data point.
Downlight: A ceiling-recessed light that shines downward — common in living, hallway, and kitchen areas.
Pendant Light: A light fixture that hangs from the ceiling, often used above islands or dining tables.
Wall Sconce: A decorative light fixed to a wall rather than the ceiling — used in entries, stairwells, or living areas.
Dimmer Switch: A switch that allows you to control the brightness of lights — usually an upgrade.
Sensor Light: A light triggered by motion — commonly installed outdoors for security or pathway lighting.
Exhaust Fan: A fan used to remove steam and smells from bathrooms, toilets, and laundries — often installed in the ceiling.
Heat Lamp: A bathroom ceiling fixture with infrared globes that provide warmth — often combined with light and exhaust in a 3-in-1 unit.
NBN Conduit: A PVC pipe installed from the street to your garage or study for future fibre internet connection.
Smart Wiring: A system of integrated wiring that supports home automation, security, internet, lighting and entertainment features — often an upgrade.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Facades, Colours and External Finishes
Face Brick: Brick that remains visible on the outside of the home — not painted or rendered.
Render: A cement or acrylic coating applied over external walls (usually brick) to achieve a smooth or textured painted surface.
Bagged Finish: A rough, light skim-coat over brickwork, offering a rustic, patchy look — usually painted after application.
Masonry Paint: A durable exterior paint designed for brick, render, or cement finishes.
Cladding: Any non-brick material applied to external walls — can include Hebel, timber-look boards, FC sheet, or metal panels.
Accent Cladding: Feature materials used on the front façade (or occasionally side elevations) to add visual interest.
Skillion Roof: A roof design with a single sloping surface — often used for modern or minimalist homes.
Gable: A triangular section of wall between the edges of a sloped roof — often used for façade detail.
Boxed Eaves: Roof overhangs that are enclosed underneath with lining boards — clean and modern in appearance.
Roof Pitch: The angle of your roof. Some estates require a minimum pitch for design consistency.
Colourbond: A brand of pre-painted steel commonly used for roofing, gutters, fascia and fencing — available in a wide colour range.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Garage, Driveway and External Utility Terms
Panel Lift Door: A garage door made of horizontal panels that lift up and over your car — the most common builder inclusion.
Roller Door: A garage door that coils into a drum when opened — less expensive but usually not standard on modern homes.
Remote Control Motor: The automated system that allows you to open and close your garage door with a remote — often listed separately in tender documents.
Rear Roller Door: An optional second door at the rear of the garage that allows access to the backyard — useful for trailers, bins or extra parking.
Driveway Crossover: The section of driveway that crosses from your boundary to the street — requires council approval and must meet local specifications.
Coloured Concrete: Concrete mixed with pigment to provide a consistent surface colour — a common driveway option.
Exposed Aggregate: A decorative concrete finish where the top layer of cement is washed off to expose the pebbles beneath — considered an upgrade.
Tandem Garage: A long garage where one car parks in front of the other instead of side-by-side — common on narrow lots.
Hardstand: A durable surface area (gravel, concrete or pavers) used for parking or utility zones such as bins, air conditioners, or water tanks.
Metre Box: The metal box installed on your home’s exterior that houses electricity and gas meters — must remain accessible at all times.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Energy, Compliance and Environmental Terms
NatHERS: Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme — assesses the thermal efficiency of your home and assigns a star rating (e.g. 7-star minimum standard).
R-Value: A measure of how well insulation resists heat flow. Higher numbers = better insulation.
Low-E Glass: Glass with a low-emissivity coating that reduces heat transfer while maintaining visibility — improves energy efficiency.
Sarking: A foil or reflective sheet installed beneath roof tiles or metal roofing to enhance insulation and water resistance.
Anti-Ponding Board: A component used with sarking to prevent water from pooling behind parapets or roof edges.
Fixed Obscure Glazing: A non-openable window with frosted or patterned glass to provide privacy and meet overlooking regulations.
Overlooking: When a window or balcony has a direct view into a neighbouring private open space — controlled by planning rules.
Overshadowing: When a building casts excessive shade on a neighbour’s property, especially private open space or windows — considered during planning assessment.
Energy Rating Report: A compliance document required before a building permit, outlining insulation, window specs, orientation and shading performance.
Thermal Bridging: Heat flow through poorly insulated building elements — often addressed by proper design and construction detailing.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Handover, Warranty and Post-Build Terms
PCI (Practical Completion Inspection): A final walkthrough with your builder to identify any incomplete items or defects before you make final payment and receive the keys.
Settlement: The point where the final payment is made and keys are handed over — you legally take possession of the home.
Maintenance Period: A short-term warranty period (usually 3 months) after handover where the builder returns to fix non-structural defects reported in writing.
Structural Warranty: A statutory 6-year warranty (in Victoria) covering major structural issues like slab failure, roof movement, or wall cracking.
Non-Structural Defect: Cosmetic or minor functional issues — such as paint, cracked grout, or loose handles — covered for 2 years under warranty.
Defect List: A formal document listing all visible issues or incomplete works identified during PCI — used to ensure they are rectified before final handover.
Rectification: The act of correcting or fixing an issue identified as a defect under the contract or warranty.
Handover Pack: A set of documents you receive at settlement, including appliance manuals, warranties, compliance certificates, and contact details.
Commissioning: The process of testing and activating appliances (e.g. oven, HWS) to ensure they work — often needed to validate manufacturer warranties.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Contract & Financial Terms
Contract Price: The total agreed amount for the build, subject to changes based on upgrades, variations or unknowns.
Prime Cost (PC): A placeholder budget for items not yet chosen (e.g. tapware). You pay the difference if you go over.
Provisional Sum (PS): An estimate for incomplete items like excavation or retaining walls. Final cost may vary based on actuals.
Variation: A change to the original scope, price, or plans, requiring both parties to sign off.
Progress Payment: Stage-based payments tied to build milestones (e.g. slab, frame, lock-up).
Final Payment: The last payment made at completion and handover.
Allowance Only: A rough estimate used in place of confirmed selections — may not fully cover your chosen item.
Agreed (Liquidated) Damages: A set dollar amount paid to you by the builder if they exceed their contract time limit.
Promotion Credit: A deduction in your contract where a promotional inclusion is removed or upgraded.
Cooling-Off Period: A 5-day legal window (in Victoria) where you can cancel the contract unless you’ve waived this right or received prior legal advice.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Builder Email Translation & Industry Jargon
“We’re just waiting on frame stage invoice”
Translation: The frame is up and your second progress payment is now due.
“The job is booked into QA”
Translation: We’re doing a final quality check before you walk through. It’s close to PCI.
“We’ll be back after final fit-off”
Translation: Taps, lights, handles, and other visible items are being installed — handover is coming soon.
“We’re coordinating trades”
Translation: Something is delayed or waiting to be slotted in — it may affect your timeline.
“We’ve raised a variation”
Translation: Your plans or site have changed, and you’ll be charged extra unless you push back.
“We’ll walk you through at PCI”
Translation: If you’ve noticed issues, we’re not changing anything yet. It’ll be discussed later — maybe.
“Standard inclusion”
Translation: This is the most basic option — any change will likely cost more.
“As per plan”
Translation: If it’s not shown on your drawings, we don’t have to include it — even if it was discussed.
“Site dependent”
Translation: There may be extra charges we can’t confirm until we start building.
“Allowance only”
Translation: This is a placeholder budget — if your choice costs more, you’ll be paying the difference.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Looking for land in an Estate instead?
This guide covers land in knock down rebuild — but if you're purchasing within an estate:
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
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