Read terms in context
A general definition helps you get oriented. The meaning in your contract or policy may be more specific, so read the surrounding wording too.
Home / Homeowner glossaryLess jargon.
Less jargon.
More understanding.
A friendly reference for the words you encounter in project bids, property conversations, insurance documents, and energy decisions.
Glossary
Homeowner Terms, Explained
The vocabulary that shows up in contractor bids, listing agreements, utility bills, and loan documents.
20 terms
Change Order
A written adjustment to an agreed project. It should describe the change and its effect on price and timing before the work proceeds.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A report comparing your home to similar recently sold homes nearby. The foundation of a smart listing price.
Contingency Budget
Money set aside for unexpected project costs, separate from the planned scope. The right amount depends on the work and uncertainty involved.
Curb Appeal
The first impression a home makes from the street. Consistently one of the highest-return areas to invest before selling.
Flashing
Material installed around roof joints, openings, and other transitions to direct water away from vulnerable areas.
GFCI Outlet
A ground-fault outlet that cuts power instantly when it detects a leak to ground. Required near water: kitchens, baths, garages, exteriors.
Grading
The slope of the ground around a property. It influences where rainwater flows and how landscaping connects to the house.
HELOC
Home Equity Line of Credit — a revolving line secured by your home, usually with a variable rate and a 5–10 year draw period.
Home Equity
Your home's current market value minus what you still owe on it. Grows through paydown and appreciation.
Homeowners Insurance Deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Wind/hail deductibles are often a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of energy. Utilities use it to measure electricity consumption; a 1-kilowatt device running for one hour uses 1 kWh.
Load-Bearing Wall
A wall that supports weight from the structure above. Have a qualified professional assess it before planning an opening or removal.
Native Plant
A plant that occurs naturally in a region. Match plant choices to your site’s sunlight, soil, moisture, and local growing conditions.
Net Metering
A utility policy that credits solar owners for excess power sent to the grid. Rules and credit rates vary by state and utility.
Permit
Municipal approval required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and many exterior projects. Unpermitted work can derail a sale.
Punch List
A list of incomplete work or corrections identified near the end of a project. Agree on who will handle each item and when.
R-Value
A measure of insulation's resistance to heat flow. Higher R-value means better insulation; attics typically need R-38 to R-60.
Scope of Work
The written description of what a project includes: tasks, materials, deliverables, and exclusions. Use it to compare contractor bids.
USDA Hardiness Zone
A map of average minimum winter temperatures used to determine which plants will survive in your area.
Weatherstripping
Material used around moving parts of doors and windows to reduce gaps and unwanted drafts.
Put it into practice
Make the fine print a little easier to read.
Ask for plain language
If a term affects the price, scope, or responsibility for work, ask the provider to explain it in writing before you agree.
Compare like with like
Check that competing quotes describe the same materials, scope, exclusions, and payment milestones. Similar labels can hide different assumptions.