Glossary of terms
Definitions for every term you are likely to encounter throughout your renovation, from structural framing to contractual obligations.
How to use this glossary
- Search by a term, or by a word in its definition, to jump straight to what you need
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129 terms
3D render
Drawing types
A computer-generated image showing what the finished project will look like.
Architrave
Finishes
The decorative timber moulding that covers the gap between a door or window frame and the wall.
AS 3740
Water management
The Australian Standard for waterproofing of wet areas in buildings. It dictates exactly where and how high the membrane must go, and is the reference standard for waterproofing compliance certificates.
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level)
Planning and legal
A rating that determines the level of fire-resistant materials required for your site based on proximity to vegetation.
BASIX
Planning and legal
A certificate ensuring the building meets energy, water, and thermal efficiency standards. Required for all new NSW dwellings regardless of cost, and for alterations and additions valued at $50,000 or more, or a pool or spa over 40,000 litres.
Bearer
Structural
Large horizontal beams underneath the house that support the floor joists.
Bond breaker
Water management
A flexible tape or sealant applied to wall-floor junctions before the membrane to allow for building movement without cracking the waterproofing.
Brickie
Trade slang
A bricklayer.
Building envelope
Constraints
The theoretical 3D box within which a house can be built, defined by height limits and setbacks.
Bulkhead
Finishes
A dropped section of ceiling, often used to hide air-conditioning ducts or to cap kitchen cabinet tops.
By-law
Strata
A rule registered on the title of a strata scheme. Strata by-laws govern what owners can and cannot do. A special or common property rights by-law is required before most structural renovations can proceed. The term and approval process vary by state.
Cantilever
Design elements
A beam or structure supported at one end only (e.g. a floating balcony or projecting roof).
Carcass
Cabinetry
The internal box or body of a cabinet (usually white moisture-resistant melamine). The door and hardware are added after.
Cat6a cable
Data and comms
High-speed data cabling used for hardwired internet and smart home systems. Cat6a supports speeds up to 10Gbps and is the current recommended standard for new installations.
CC (Construction Certificate)
Planning and legal
Technical approval (following a DA) ensuring your plans meet the Building Code of Australia. Issued after your DA is approved. Note: CDC combines planning and building consent in one step.
CDC (Complying Development Certificate)
Planning and legal
A fast-tracked, tick-a-box approval that combines planning and building consent. Assessed by a private certifier; typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Unique to NSWCertificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
Electrical
A mandatory document issued by your licensed electrician after completing electrical work. The name differs by state: a Certificate of Electrical Safety in Victoria and a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work in New South Wales, with equivalents elsewhere. Often required before final sign-off.
Chasing
Electrical
Cutting a groove into a brick or concrete wall to hide electrical conduits or pipes.
Chippie
Trade slang
A carpenter.
Cladding
Finishes
The exterior 'skin' of the building (e.g. weatherboard, brick veneer, or metal panels).
Class 2 building
Planning and legal
A building classification under the National Construction Code (NCC) for apartment buildings containing two or more dwellings. Renovating a Class 2 building triggers additional requirements: fire stopping at penetrations, acoustic compliance, and strata approval processes that do not apply to freestanding houses (which are typically Class 1a).
Clerestory window
Design elements
High-level windows placed above eye level, usually near the roofline, to bring in light without sacrificing wall space.
Common property
Strata
The parts of a strata building shared by all owners: structure, external walls, roof, foyers, driveways, and shared services. You generally cannot alter common property without owners corporation approval.
Contingency
Contractual
A budget reserve, typically 10 to 15 per cent of the contract value, set aside for unforeseen costs. Renovations of older buildings or complex sites carry higher risk and warrant a larger contingency.
Cornice
Finishes
An ornamental moulding where the wall meets the ceiling. Alternatives include 'square set' (no moulding) and 'shadow line' (a recessed gap).
Cost-plus contract
Contractual
A contract where the owner pays the actual cost of labour and materials plus a fixed fee or percentage margin. Provides flexibility for uncertain scopes but carries higher financial risk than a fixed-price contract.
DA (Development Application)
Planning and legal
Merit-based approval from council for projects that impact the local area (aesthetics, privacy). Assessed by your local council; typically takes 3–6 months.
DBI (Domestic Building Insurance)
Planning and legal
Victoria's mandatory home warranty insurance for residential building contracts over $20,000 (from 1 July 2026). From that date Victoria moved to a first-resort scheme administered by the Building and Plumbing Commission, so you can claim without the builder first becoming insolvent, dying, or disappearing. Builders must obtain cover before accepting a deposit.
Unique to VICDCP (Development Control Plan)
Planning and legal
A council-specific planning document that sits below the LEP. DCPs set detailed controls for setbacks, materials, landscaping, heritage guidelines, and building character. Your certifier or council planner will assess your proposal against both the LEP and the DCP.
Defects liability period
Contractual
A period after practical completion (usually 13–26 weeks under contract) during which the builder must return to fix minor defects. Separate from statutory warranty rights under state legislation.
Dilapidation report
Planning and legal
A photographic and written record of the existing condition of a neighbouring property (cracks, settlement, surface finishes) taken by an independent building inspector before works begin. It is the objective baseline used to resolve disputes about whether renovation works caused damage to a neighbour's property.
Diverter
Fixtures
The valve inside the wall that switches water flow between the shower head and the hand-held or bath spout.
Downlight (fixed vs gimbal)
Lighting
Fixed downlights point straight down; gimbal downlights can be tilted (ideal for artwork or task lighting).
Drop-in sink
Benchtops
A sink with a lip that sits on top of the benchtop.
Elevations
Drawing types
Flat, side-on views of the exterior of the building (north, south, east, west).
EOT (Extension of Time)
Planning and legal
A formal contractual notice from the builder claiming additional time is needed due to an event outside their control (e.g. inclement weather, material shortages). Must be issued in writing within the timeframe specified in the contract.
Fall
Water management
The slope of the floor toward the drain. AS 3740 requires a minimum fall of 1:80 in the shower area, or 1:100 where there is a hob or step-down, and a fall of 1:80 to 1:50 across the rest of the wet-area floor to the waste.
Fascia
Finishes
The horizontal board fixed to the ends of the rafters at the roofline, to which gutters are attached. Fascias are visible from the street and form part of the building's external character. Usually timber or aluminium.
FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment)
On-site stages
The collective term for all the moveable and fixed items that go into a renovated space. An FF&E Schedule documents every item, its SKU, lead time, and supplier.
Filler piece
Cabinetry
A small strip of matching material used to close a gap between a cabinet and an adjacent wall.
Finger pull
Cabinetry
A handle-less design where a bevelled edge is cut into the top of the door or drawer to pull it open.
Fit-off
On-site stages
The final stage where taps, light switches, GPOs, appliances, and fixtures are installed and connected.
Flashing
Finishes
A thin strip of metal or membrane installed at junctions and penetrations (such as where a roof meets a wall, or around a skylight) to direct water away from the building and prevent ingress.
Flood test
Water management
A test of the waterproofing membrane, where the floor is plugged and filled with 2 to 3cm of water and left to stand to check for leaks. Carried out after the membrane has cured and before tiling. Mandatory in many strata schemes.
Floor plan
Drawing types
A scaled horizontal cut through the building (usually at 1.2m above floor level) showing walls, doors, windows, and room layouts.
Footing
Structural
A concrete base that transfers the structural load from columns, walls, or the slab down to stable ground. Distinct from a slab: footings sit below grade and are sized by a structural engineer to suit the soil conditions.
FSR (Floor Space Ratio)
Planning and legal
The ratio of the total floor area of the building to the total area of the land. A key control on how much building mass is allowed on a site.
General resolution
Strata
A vote at a general meeting requiring a simple majority (over 50% in favour). Required for minor renovations in most states.
GPO (General Purpose Outlet)
Electrical
The technical name for a standard wall power point.
HBCF Insurance
Planning and legal
Mandatory consumer protection insurance for residential building projects over a threshold value. Known as HBCF in NSW ($20,000+). Protects you if the builder becomes insolvent or cannot complete the work.
Unique to NSWHeritage overlay
Planning and legal
A planning control that applies to land or buildings of recognised heritage significance. Heritage overlays restrict changes to the exterior, materials, and sometimes the interior. Works within a heritage overlay typically require a DA regardless of scale.
Hold point
On-site stages
A mandatory inspection stage where work must pause until a certifier, inspector, or engineer attends site and provides written sign-off before the next stage can proceed. Common hold points include the frame inspection, waterproofing membrane, and pre-pour concrete.
HWI (Home Warranty Insurance)
Planning and legal
The common umbrella term for the mandatory last-resort consumer protection insurance that builders must take out before accepting a deposit on eligible residential work. Covers you if the builder dies, disappears, becomes insolvent, or fails to complete or rectify defective work. Known by different names in each state: HBCF in NSW, DBI in VIC, QBCC Home Warranty in QLD. Thresholds and cover periods vary, confirm the rules in your state before signing a contract.
iCIRT (Equifax iCIRT)
Trade slang
An independent rating from Equifax that assesses a builder's or tradesperson's financial stability, credit history, and compliance record. Ratings range from one to five stars. A three-star or higher rating indicates the business has passed Equifax's risk assessment. Available at icirt.com.au.
IP (Ingress Protection) rating
Electrical
A two-digit code (e.g. IP44, IP65) that rates how well an electrical fitting is sealed against solids and liquids. The first digit covers protection against solids (dust, fingers); the second covers liquids. In wet areas and outdoor installations, the second digit is the critical one: 4 = splashing from any direction, 5 = water jets, 7 = temporary immersion. Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000) set minimum IP ratings for fittings in bathroom zones and outdoor locations.
Island bath
Fixtures
A bath that sits on a tiled hob or plinth, rather than being built into a wall.
Joist
Structural
Smaller horizontal beams (floor or ceiling) that support the floorboards or plasterboard.
Kickboard
Cabinetry
The recessed area at the bottom of the cabinet that allows you to stand close to the bench without stubbing your toes.
LED driver
Lighting
A small device that regulates power to LED lights. Usually hidden in the ceiling; must be accessible for future replacement.
LEP (Local Environmental Plan)
Planning and legal
Your council's local planning rulebook. Defines zoning, height limits, setbacks, heritage controls, and Floor Space Ratio (FSR) for your area.
Lintel
Structural
A horizontal beam (steel or timber) that carries the load over a window or door opening.
Lippage
Surfacing
The height difference between the edges of two adjacent tiles. AS 3958.1 permits up to 2mm generally, 1.5mm for rectified/ground-face tiles, and only 1mm where the grout joint is 3mm or less. Lippage above the applicable limit is a defect and a trip hazard, and must be rectified.
Liquidated damages
Contractual
A pre-agreed daily or weekly sum (specified in the contract) that the builder pays to the owner for each day the project runs past the agreed completion date. Must be a genuine pre-estimate of loss, not a penalty clause.
Lock-up
On-site stages
The milestone when external windows and doors are installed, and the building can be physically secured.
Long service levy
Planning and legal
A statutory levy payable to the relevant state authority on most residential building projects over a threshold value ($250,000 in NSW). The rate is a small percentage of the cost of works (0.25 per cent in NSW since 1 January 2023). It is usually paid by the builder but passed on in the contract price. Confirm with your builder that it has been included.
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)
Structural
An engineered timber beam made from thin layers of wood glued under heat and pressure. Stronger and more consistent than solid timber; used as lintels and beams.
Mitred edge
Benchtops
When the top and side of a stone bench are cut at 45 degrees and joined to look like one thick block.
NatHERS
Planning and legal
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. A star-rating system (0–10 stars) used across Australia to estimate how much energy a house needs for heating and cooling.
NBN (National Broadband Network)
Data and comms
Australia's national wholesale broadband network. The NBN connection point in your home (the NTD or modem) should be located centrally to minimise cable run lengths.
NCC (National Construction Code)
Planning and legal
The National Construction Code (formerly known as the Building Code of Australia, or BCA) sets the minimum technical standards for the design and construction of buildings across Australia. Your principal certifier and structural engineer will reference it throughout the project.
Nib wall
Surfacing
A short, non-full-height wall used to create a shower enclosure or to separate the vanity from the shower.
Nogging
Structural
Short horizontal timber pieces fixed between wall studs to provide stiffness and a surface for fixing.
OC (Occupation Certificate)
Planning and legal
The final legal document that says the building is safe and lawful to occupy after construction. You cannot legally live in a new or renovated space without it. Occupation Certificate is the NSW term; other states use an Occupancy Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, or a final inspection certificate, and requirements vary.
Orientation
Design elements
The position of the house in relation to the sun. North-facing is the preferred orientation in Australia for maximising winter sun and minimising summer heat.
Overlooking
Constraints
When a new window or balcony allows a direct line of sight into a neighbour's private open space or bedroom.
Overshadow
Constraints
See Overshadowing — the shadow your new building casts on neighbouring properties, particularly affecting their windows and private open space.
Overshadowing
Constraints
The shadow your new building casts on neighbouring properties, particularly affecting their windows and private open space.
Owner builder
Planning and legal
A person who holds a state-issued permit to manage and carry out their own residential building work, acting as their own contractor. Owner builders have different insurance and statutory warranty obligations to licensed builders, and the rules vary by state.
Owners corporation (OC)
Strata
The legal body representing all lot owners in a strata scheme. Also called the 'body corporate' in some states. Responsible for managing and maintaining common property.
Parapet
Design elements
A low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony that conceals roof tiles or gutters from street view.
PC (Prime Cost) item
Contractual
An allowance in the contract for a specific item not yet chosen (e.g. '$1,000 for a front door handle set'). If you choose something that costs more, you pay the difference. Note: PC also stands for 'Principal Certifier' in a planning context.
PC (Principal Certifier)
Planning and legal
The licensed certifier (council or private) appointed to conduct mandatory critical stage inspections and issue your occupation certificate. Note: PC also stands for 'Prime Cost' in a contractual context.
Pendant
Lighting
A light fixture that hangs from the ceiling, often used over kitchen islands or dining tables.
Practical completion
Contractual
The stage where the house is reasonably fit for occupation, triggering the final payment. Minor defects may remain; major defects must be rectified before this stage is reached.
Pre-lodgement meeting
Planning and legal
An optional (and sometimes free) meeting with a council planner before submitting a development application. The purpose is to identify showstoppers early, confirm the correct approval pathway, and understand what supporting documents are required. Most councils offer them; many experienced certifiers recommend requesting one for any project near a planning boundary or in a heritage or sensitive zone.
Prelims (Preliminaries)
Contractual
A line item in the builder's quote covering site-establishment costs that are not part of the physical construction: scaffolding, temporary fencing, site toilet, skip bins, site insurance, project management, and council site-related fees. Prelims typically represent 10 to 20 per cent of the total contract value and should be itemised, not treated as a lump sum.
Progress claim
Contractual
A formal invoice submitted by the builder at a contract milestone, claiming payment for work completed to that stage. Progress claims must be responded to within the timeframe set by state security of payment legislation.
PS (Provisional Sum)
Contractual
An estimate for work that cannot be fully priced until it starts (e.g. excavation or rock removal). Higher risk than fixed-price items.
Puddle flange
Water management
A flat-rimmed fitting installed at the floor waste that ensures water tracking under the tiles is caught and drained.
QBCC Home Warranty Insurance
Planning and legal
Queensland's mandatory home warranty insurance administered by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Required for residential building work over $3,300. Covers defective or incomplete work if the builder becomes insolvent or cannot be found.
Unique to QLDRafter
Structural
Sloping timber or steel beams that form the framework of the roof.
RCD (Safety Switch)
Electrical
Residual Current Device. A life-saving device that cuts power instantly if an electrical fault is detected. Mandatory in new installations under Australian standards.
Reflected ceiling plan (RCP)
Drawing types
A drawing that shows the ceiling layout as if it were reflected down onto the floor plan. An RCP maps light fitting positions, fans, air-conditioning grilles, smoke detectors, and bulkhead locations.
Render
Finishes
A cement or acrylic coating applied to exterior (or interior) walls for a smooth finish.
Retention
Contractual
A percentage of the contract price (usually 2.5–5%) held back by the homeowner until the defects liability period ends. Acts as financial security against unresolved defects.
Rough-in
On-site stages
When pipes, cables, and ducts are installed inside wall cavities before they are covered by plaster or plasterboard.
S-trap / P-trap
Fixtures
The shape of the waste pipe (S-trap goes through the floor; P-trap goes through the wall).
Sarking
Finishes
A foil-faced membrane installed directly under roof cladding (tiles or metal sheeting). Sarking reflects radiant heat in summer, traps warmth in winter, and provides a secondary line of defence against wind-driven rain.
Schedule of finishes
Drawing types
A document accompanying the drawings that lists every material, colour, product, and finish specified for each room or surface. The schedule is the authoritative reference for builders and trades, and forms part of the contract.
Screed
Surfacing
A mix of sand and cement laid over the floor to create the fall before waterproofing and tiling. Unlike self-leveller, screed can be shaped to create a slope.
Sections
Drawing types
A vertical slice through the building showing internal heights, floor levels, and roof construction.
Self-leveller
Surfacing
A liquid compound that pours flat. Cannot be used to create a slope (fall) toward a drain.
SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy)
Planning and legal
State-level planning rules that sit above local council LEPs. CDCs are assessed against SEPP standards.
Set-out
Trade slang
The process of marking out positions on site (e.g. wall lines, tile layout) before work starts.
Setback
Constraints
The minimum distance a building must be positioned from a boundary (front, side, or rear).
Shaker style
Cabinetry
A cabinet door design featuring a recessed centre panel with a simple rectangular frame.
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)
Design elements
A rating between 0 and 1 that describes how much solar radiation passes through a window into the building. A high SHGC lets in more heat, which is desirable on north-facing winter-sun windows but undesirable on west-facing windows. Specified alongside U-Value in glazing schedules.
Site plan
Drawing types
A bird's-eye view of the entire property showing the house, boundaries, trees, setbacks, and neighbouring structures.
Skirting board
Finishes
A timber board fixed to the bottom of a wall to hide the gap between wall and floor.
Slab
Structural
A reinforced concrete floor that serves as the foundation and floor for the ground level.
Smoko
Trade slang
A break for morning tea or a cigarette.
Soffit
Finishes
The underside of an eave, overhang, or staircase. Soffits are typically lined with timber, FC sheet, or plasterboard, and may be ventilated to prevent moisture build-up in the roof cavity.
Soft-close
Cabinetry
Hinges and drawer runners that use a hydraulic mechanism to prevent doors and drawers from slamming.
Sparky
Trade slang
An electrician.
Special resolution
Strata
A vote at a general meeting where no more than 25% of votes cast are against the proposal. Required for major renovation approvals in most states. The exact resolution type required, and its threshold, varies by state. Confirm the requirement with your strata manager before committing to a design.
Stud
Structural
The vertical framing members in a wall (usually spaced at 450mm or 600mm).
Three-phase power
Electrical
A higher-capacity power supply (400V nominal, formerly 415V) compared to standard single-phase (230V). Allows for larger solar arrays, EV chargers, and heavy appliances.
Three-way switching
Lighting
Allows a single light (e.g. in a hallway) to be turned on and off from three different locations.
Top plate / bottom plate
Structural
The horizontal framing members at the top and bottom of a wall frame. The bottom plate sits on the slab or subfloor; the top plate carries the roof or ceiling load above. Both are visible during framing inspections.
Tradie
Trade slang
A tradesperson. The general term for any skilled construction worker.
U-Value
Design elements
A measure of how much heat passes through a window assembly (frame, glass, and spacer combined) per square metre per degree of temperature difference. The lower the U-Value, the better the thermal performance. Relevant for glazing specifications in energy-efficient renovations and for NatHERS compliance.
Undermount sink
Benchtops
A sink installed underneath the benchtop so the stone edge is visible.
Variation
Contractual
A formal written change to the original contract (adding or removing work) that affects the price or timeline. Must be signed by both parties before work commences.
VicSmart
Planning and legal
Victoria's fast-track planning permit pathway for straightforward, low-impact applications. Assessed by council against set criteria with a statutory 10-day turnaround, bypassing the standard advertising and referral process.
Unique to VICVoid
Design elements
An empty space or double-height opening between two floors.
Waterfall end
Benchtops
When the benchtop material continues vertically down the side of the cabinetry to the floor.
Waterstop angle
Water management
A metal or plastic angle installed at the shower entrance or bathroom door to prevent water from wicking into dry areas.
WELS rating
Fixtures
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards rating (1–6 stars). The higher the star rating, the more water-efficient the product. Your BASIX or NatHERS certificate may specify a minimum WELS rating for tapware.
Wet area sheeting
Surfacing
Moisture-resistant wall boards (e.g. Villaboard) that will not swell or rot if moisture penetrates the tiles.
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