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Building regulations permissions
Acoustic Insulation
Acoustic insulation is material and construction used to reduce the transmission of airborne or impact sound between rooms, floors or adjoining properties.
Guides & Advice
Edinburgh Building Terms & Architectural Glossary
Explore our A–Z Edinburgh building and architectural glossary, covering the terms, property types, construction methods and period features commonly encountered when renovating homes across the city. From structural alterations and building warrants to traditional tenements, architectural details and bespoke joinery, this guide is designed to help homeowners understand the language used throughout property renovations in Edinburgh.
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Joinery storage
Alcove Storage
Alcove storage is cabinetry or shelving fitted into a recess, often on one or both sides of a chimney breast.
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Building regulations permissions
Architect
An architect is a registered building-design professional who can develop a project brief, coordinate design information and guide a building project through...
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Building regulations permissions
Architectural Drawings
Architectural drawings are scaled plans, sections, elevations and details used to describe the design, layout and construction of a building project.
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Windows doors
Architectural Ironmongery
Architectural ironmongery means the functional metal fittings used on doors, windows and cabinetry, such as hinges, locks, latches and handles.
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Joinery storage
Architrave
Architrave is the trim fitted around a door or window opening to cover and finish the junction between frame and wall.
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Staircases
Baluster / Spindle
A baluster, commonly called a spindle, is one of the repeated vertical members that supports a handrail and helps form the guarding...
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Staircases
Balustrade
A balustrade is the protective barrier formed along the open side of a staircase, landing, balcony or raised edge, usually comprising a...
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Property types
Basement Flat
A basement flat is a home situated wholly or partly below the surrounding ground or street level, commonly found within Edinburgh’s Georgian...
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Bathrooms
Bathroom Extraction
Bathroom extraction is the complete ventilation arrangement used to remove moist air from a bathroom and discharge it appropriately outside.
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Bathrooms
Bathroom Installation
Bathroom installation is the coordinated fitting of sanitaryware, furniture, brassware and finishes within a prepared bathroom space.
Bathrooms
Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom renovation updates or reconfigures an existing bathroom and may include building work, plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, finishes and new sanitaryware.
Bathrooms
Bathroom Tiling
Bathroom tiling is the installation of wall or floor tiles over a suitable prepared and, where required, waterproofed background.
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Windows doors
Bay Window
A bay window is a window arrangement that projects outward from the main line of a building, creating an angled or curved...
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Structural terms
Beam
A beam is a structural member that spans between supports and carries loads from a floor, roof, wall or other part of...
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Joinery storage
Bespoke Joinery
Bespoke joinery is woodwork designed and made to fit a particular property, space or use rather than selected as a standard-size product.
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Kitchens
Bespoke Kitchen
A bespoke kitchen is designed and made specifically for a particular room, household and set of functional requirements.
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Joinery storage
Bespoke Shelving
Bespoke shelving is shelving designed and made for a specific space, load and arrangement of items.
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Windows doors
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are a set of hinged door leaves that fold and slide to one side or both sides of an opening.
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External masonry
Boundary Wall
A boundary wall is a wall that defines or encloses the edge of a property, garden, courtyard or shared area.
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Edinburgh specific terms
Box Room
A box room is a small internal room traditionally used for storage or occasional sleeping accommodation and is a common feature of...
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Structural terms
Builders' Work
Builders' work is the general construction work required to support, accommodate or make good around specialist installations and other trades.
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Structural terms
Building Fabric
The building fabric is the physical envelope and construction that separates a building’s interior from the outside and adjoining spaces.
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Building regulations permissions
Building Standards
Building standards are the technical requirements governing the design and construction of buildings in Scotland, including matters such as structure, fire safety,...
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Building regulations permissions
Building Warrant
A building warrant is the formal approval required before carrying out many types of building, alteration, conversion or demolition work in Scotland.
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Building regulations permissions
Building Warrant Drawings
Building warrant drawings are the technical plans, sections and details submitted to demonstrate how proposed building work will comply with Scottish building...
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Joinery storage
Built-In Wardrobe
A built-in wardrobe is clothes storage fitted to the dimensions of a room, wall or recess and fixed in place.
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Property types
Bungalow
A bungalow is a house in which the principal living accommodation is arranged on a single storey, sometimes with additional rooms formed...
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Roofing
Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof has two roof planes that slope inward toward a central valley rather than outward from a central ridge.
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Windows doors
Casement Window
A casement window is a window whose opening leaf is hinged to its frame, usually at the side, top or bottom.
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Walls plaster
Cavity Wall
A cavity wall has two leaves separated by a space, or cavity, designed as part of the wall’s moisture and thermal performance.
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Period features
Ceiling Rose
A ceiling rose is a decorative feature fitted to a ceiling, commonly around a central light fitting.
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External masonry
Cement Pointing
Cement pointing is masonry jointing carried out with a mortar in which Portland cement provides most or all of the binder.
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Building regulations permissions
Change of Use
Change of use is a change in how land or a building is used that may require planning permission, a building warrant...
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Roofing
Chimney Pot
A chimney pot is the terminal, often ceramic or clay, fitted at the top of a chimney flue above the stack.
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Roofing
Chimney Stack
A chimney stack is the masonry or other structure that rises above a roof and contains one or more flues.
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External masonry
Cladding
Cladding is an outer layer fixed over a building’s wall structure to provide weather protection, insulation, appearance or a combination of these...
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Edinburgh specific terms
Common Repair
A common repair is work required to a shared part of a building, such as a tenement roof, stair or external wall,...
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Building regulations permissions
Completion Certificate
A completion certificate is the formal submission made when work covered by a Scottish building warrant is finished, confirming that the completed...
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Bathrooms
Concealed Cistern
A concealed cistern is a toilet flushing cistern hidden within a wall, service void or fitted furniture, leaving only the flush control...
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Walls plaster
Condensation
Condensation is water forming when moist air meets a surface cold enough for water vapour to turn into liquid.
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Building regulations permissions
Conservation Area
A conservation area is an area designated for its special architectural or historic interest, where planning decisions aim to preserve or enhance...
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Structural terms
Contract Administrator
A contract administrator is the person appointed to administer a building contract impartially in accordance with its stated procedures and terms.
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Converted Flat
A converted flat is an individual home created by subdividing a building that was originally constructed for another layout or use.
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External masonry
Coping Stone
A coping stone is a shaped stone placed along the top of an exposed wall or parapet to protect the masonry below...
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External masonry
Corbel
A corbel is a projecting block or bracket built out from a wall to support an element above or to form a...
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Period features
Cornicing
Cornicing is decorative moulding at the junction between a wall and ceiling. It may be made from plaster, timber or other materials.
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Period features
Coving
Coving is a curved or shaped moulding that softens the junction between an interior wall and ceiling.
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Roofing
Cowl
A chimney cowl is a fitting placed at a flue outlet to serve a specified purpose, such as limiting rain entry or...
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Edinburgh specific terms
Cupola
A cupola is a glazed roof structure designed to bring natural daylight into an interior space, commonly seen above stairs and communal...
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Period features
Dado Rail
A dado rail is a horizontal moulding fixed partway up an interior wall, traditionally dividing the lower wall from the area above.
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Walls plaster
Damp-Proof Course (DPC)
A damp-proof course, or DPC, is a barrier or layer near the base of a wall intended to limit moisture rising through...
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Period features
Decorative Plasterwork
Decorative plasterwork is moulded, cast or modelled plaster used to create architectural ornament such as cornices, ceiling roses and friezes.
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Building regulations permissions
Design Statement
A design statement is a document explaining the reasoning behind a proposal and how its layout, appearance, materials and context have informed...
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Property types
Detached House
A detached house is a standalone residential property that does not share a party wall with an adjoining house.
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Windows doors
Door Frame
A door frame is the fixed assembly around an opening that holds the door and receives its hinges, latch or lock.
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Windows doors
Door Lining
A door lining is the timber or other frame assembly fitted within a wall opening to receive an internal door, hinges and...
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Loft extensions
Dormer
A dormer is a roofed projection built out from a sloping roof, normally containing a window and creating additional headroom inside.
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Loft extensions
Dormer Cheek
A dormer cheek is one of the side walls of a dormer projecting from a sloping roof.
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Windows doors
Double Glazing
Double glazing uses two panes of glass separated by a sealed space within a glazing unit to reduce heat transfer compared with...
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Loft extensions
Double-Storey Extension
A double-storey extension adds accommodation across two levels of an existing house, usually creating new ground- and first-floor rooms.
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Walls plaster
Dry Lining
Dry lining is a method of lining walls or ceilings with plasterboard or similar boards instead of applying traditional wet plaster directly...
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Roofing
Eaves
The eaves are the lower edges of a roof where the roof meets or projects beyond the external wall.
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Property types
Edinburgh Colony House
An Edinburgh colony house is a distinctive form of 19th-century workers' housing arranged in terraces, typically with separate upper and lower homes...
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Property types
Edinburgh New Town Property
An Edinburgh New Town property is typically a Georgian or early 19th-century home forming part of the city's planned New Town, known...
Edinburgh specific terms
Edinburgh Press
An Edinburgh press is a traditional recessed cupboard or storage space commonly found beside a fireplace in Edinburgh tenement and period properties.
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External masonry
Edinburgh Sandstone
Edinburgh sandstone is the locally characteristic building stone used across much of the city, ranging in colour from warm buff and honey...
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Edinburgh specific terms
Edinburgh Stair
An Edinburgh stair is the communal staircase and entrance serving multiple flats within a traditional Edinburgh tenement building
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Floors
Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring is a wood floor product made from a real timber top layer bonded to a layered core.
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Building regulations permissions
Existing and Proposed Drawings
Existing and proposed drawings are paired architectural drawings showing a property before work and the intended design after the alterations are completed.
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Windows doors
External Door
An external door is a door between the inside of a building and the outdoors, designed as part of the entrance’s security...
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Bathrooms
Extractor Fan
An extractor fan is a powered fan that removes humid or stale air from a room through a duct or external outlet.
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Windows doors
Fanlight
A fanlight is a glazed opening above a door that brings light into an entrance or adjoining space.
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Period features
Fireplace Surround
A fireplace surround is the visible frame around a fireplace opening, often made from stone, marble, cast iron or timber.
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Structural terms
First Fix
First fix is the stage of construction when concealed structural elements, service routes and basic internal frameworks are installed before walls and...
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Joinery storage
Fitted Cabinetry
Fitted cabinetry is a set of cupboards, drawers or storage units made or installed to fit a particular room and fixed in...
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Kitchens
Fitted Kitchen
A fitted kitchen is a coordinated arrangement of cabinets, worktops and appliances installed and fixed to suit a room.
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Floors
Flagstone Floor
A flagstone floor is a floor made from large, relatively flat pieces of natural stone laid as paving slabs or flags.
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Roofing
Flashing
Flashing is a weatherproof layer or shaped material installed where a roof meets a wall, chimney, roof window or other interruption.
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Structural terms
Floor Joist
A floor joist is a horizontal structural member that supports floorboards, decking and the loads placed on a floor.
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Floors
Floor Levelling
Floor levelling is the process of correcting unevenness in a floor base so it can properly receive the intended finish.
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Floors
Floorboards
Floorboards are boards laid across floor joists or a supporting base to form a usable floor surface or the layer beneath another...
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Roofing
Flue
A flue is the passage through which smoke and combustion gases travel from a fire, stove or heating appliance to an outlet.
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Loft extensions
Foundations
Foundations are the parts of a building that transfer its loads safely into the ground.
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Windows doors
French Doors
French doors are a pair of hinged glazed doors that open from the centre, commonly connecting an interior room to a garden,...
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Period features
Frieze
A frieze is a horizontal decorative band, often near the top of a wall or as part of a fireplace or architectural...
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Property types
Full Property Renovation
A full property renovation in Edinburgh is a fully managed programme of building and refurbishment work that upgrades most or all of...
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Roofing
Gable
A gable is the upper section of an end wall beneath the slopes of a pitched roof, often forming a triangular shape.
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Property types
Georgian Flat
A Georgian flat is a home within a Georgian-period building, often retaining high ceilings, large sash and case windows and classical interior...
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Property types
Georgian Townhouse
A Georgian townhouse is a multi-storey urban house dating principally from the Georgian period, typically characterised by symmetrical proportions, stone construction and...
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Staircases
Handrail
A handrail is the graspable rail provided beside a staircase or ramp to give users support while moving between levels.
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External masonry
Harling
Harling is a traditional Scottish external wall finish in which a lime-based coating containing aggregate is cast or dashed onto masonry to...
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Floors
Herringbone Flooring
Herringbone flooring is a floor laid in a repeating zigzag pattern of rectangular pieces set at right angles to one another.
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Loft extensions
House Extension
A house extension adds new enclosed accommodation to an existing house, increasing its floor area and changing the relationship between the original...
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Building regulations permissions
Insulation
Insulation is material or construction used to reduce the transfer of heat, sound or electricity between spaces or through parts of a...
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Kitchens
Integrated Appliances
Integrated appliances are fitted within kitchen cabinetry and concealed fully or partly behind coordinated doors or panels.
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Windows doors
Internal Door
An internal door separates rooms or spaces within a building and may provide privacy, sound separation or a defined fire-resisting function.
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Walls plaster
Interstitial Condensation
Interstitial condensation is moisture forming within a wall, roof or floor build-up, rather than on the room-facing surface.
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Kitchens
Kitchen-Diner
A kitchen-diner combines cooking and dining space within the same room or connected open area.
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Loft extensions
Kitchen Extension
A kitchen extension adds or converts space to create a larger kitchen, often combining cooking, dining and living areas with improved garden...
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Kitchens
Kitchen Installation
Kitchen installation is the process of fitting kitchen cabinets, worktops, appliances and associated components into a prepared space.
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Kitchens
Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is a freestanding or fixed work unit positioned away from the surrounding walls, often providing preparation space, storage or...
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Kitchens
Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation updates or reworks an existing kitchen and may include layout changes, building work, services, finishes and new cabinetry.
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Kitchens
Kitchen Splashback
A kitchen splashback is a cleanable wall finish placed behind a worktop, sink or hob to protect the surface from water, grease...
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Kitchens
Kitchen Worktop
A kitchen worktop is the durable horizontal surface fitted over base cabinets for food preparation and everyday kitchen use.
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Knock-Through
A knock-through is the removal of all or part of an internal wall to connect two existing rooms, often to create a...
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Staircases
Landing
A landing is a level platform at the top, bottom or between flights of a staircase, providing access, rest space or a...
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Walls plaster
Lath and Plaster
Lath and plaster is a traditional wall or ceiling construction in which plaster is applied over narrow timber strips fixed to a...
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Roofing
Lead Flashing
Lead flashing is a formed strip or sheet of lead used to weatherproof a roof junction, such as the meeting point between...
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External masonry
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is a vapour-permeable mortar made with lime, aggregate and water, traditionally used to bed and point stone or brick masonry.
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Walls plaster
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is a traditional plaster made with lime as its binder, used on masonry and lath in many older buildings.
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Structural terms
Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal structural member above a door, window or other opening that supports the masonry or other load above...
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Building regulations permissions
Listed Building Consent
Listed building consent is the formal approval required in Scotland for alterations, extensions or demolition that would affect the character of a...
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Listed Property
A listed property is a building recognised for its special architectural or historic interest and included on Scotland’s statutory list of buildings...
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Structural terms
Load-Bearing Wall
A load-bearing wall is a wall that supports weight from the structure above, such as floors, roof elements or other parts of...
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Loft extensions
Loft Conversion/Attic Conversion
A loft or attic conversion turns space within an existing roof into usable accommodation, usually involving structural, access, insulation and fire-safety work.
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Bathrooms
Macerator
A macerator is a powered waste unit that breaks down toilet waste and pumps it through relatively small-diameter pipework to a suitable...
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Edinburgh specific terms
Main Door
A main door is a private street-level entrance serving an individual flat or home, a term commonly used in Edinburgh to distinguish...
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Property types
main-door flat
A main-door flat is a flat with its own private entrance directly from the street or outside, rather than being accessed through...
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Structural terms
Making Good
Making good is the repair and reinstatement of surfaces or finishes disturbed by building, installation or alteration work.
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Loft extensions
Mansard Conversion
A mansard conversion reshapes or replaces the roof with a steep lower slope and shallower upper slope to create substantial usable accommodation.
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Roofing
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof has a steep lower slope and a shallower upper slope, creating more usable space beneath the roof than a...
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External masonry
Masonry
Masonry is construction formed from individual units such as stone, brick or block, laid and bonded together, usually with mortar.
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Building regulations permissions
Measured Survey
A measured survey is the systematic recording of an existing building’s dimensions, levels, openings and significant features so accurate drawings can be...
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Building regulations permissions
Mechanical Extraction
Mechanical extraction is the powered removal of air from rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility spaces using fans and ductwork.
Joinery storage
Media Wall
What is a media wall? Explore bespoke TV walls, fitted storage, concealed cables and media wall installation for Edinburgh homes.
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Property types
Mews House
A mews house is a smaller property traditionally associated with the service lanes behind larger townhouses, often originating as stables, coach houses...
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Property types
Modern Flat
A modern flat is an apartment within a relatively recent residential development, generally constructed using modern building methods and standards rather than...
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Windows doors
Mortice Lock
A mortice lock is a lock fitted into a pocket cut within the edge of a door, with its bolt engaging a...
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New-Build Flat
A new-build flat is an apartment within a recently constructed residential development designed and built using contemporary construction methods.
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Property types
New-Build House
A new-build house is a recently constructed home built using contemporary construction methods and current building standards.
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Staircases
Newel Post
A newel post is a substantial upright post that anchors a staircase balustrade, commonly positioned at the foot, head, landing or change...
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Kitchens
Open-Plan Kitchen
An open-plan kitchen forms part of a larger shared living, dining or circulation space rather than being enclosed as a separate room.
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Structural terms
Open-Plan Layout
An open-plan layout combines functions such as cooking, dining and living within one connected space with few or no full-height dividing walls.
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Period features
Original Fireplace
An original fireplace is a fireplace or surviving fireplace component dating from the building’s earlier design or use, rather than a recent...
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Structural terms
Padstone
A padstone is a strong bearing block placed beneath the end of a beam to spread its concentrated load into the supporting...
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Windows doors
Panelled Door
A panelled door is a door built with a surrounding frame and one or more inset panels, commonly in timber.
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Kitchens
Pantry
A pantry is a dedicated cupboard, cabinet or small room used for storing food, ingredients and kitchen supplies.
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Roofing
Parapet
A parapet is a low wall that rises above the level of a roof, terrace or other edge.
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Floors
Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring is a decorative floor assembled from smaller pieces of wood in a repeating geometric pattern.
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Structural terms
Partition Wall
A partition wall divides one internal space from another. It may be built from studs, masonry or another system, and its structural...
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Walls plaster
Party Wall
A party wall is a wall shared by, or separating, adjoining properties, such as two flats or neighbouring houses.
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Edinburgh specific terms
Pend
A pend is a covered passage running through or beneath a building, commonly providing access from the street to a rear courtyard...
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Walls plaster
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is moisture entering a building through its external fabric, often because rainwater finds a route through a defect.
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Building regulations permissions
Permitted Development
Permitted development is development that can proceed without a planning application because planning permission is granted in advance by legislation, subject to...
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Period features
Picture Rail
A picture rail is a horizontal moulding positioned high on an interior wall from which pictures can be hung using hooks and...
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Building regulations permissions
Planning Application
A planning application is a formal submission to the planning authority seeking permission for proposed development or a change of use.
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Building regulations permissions
Planning Drawings
Planning drawings are the plans, elevations and supporting drawings prepared to describe a proposal for assessment by the planning authority.
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Building regulations permissions
Planning Permission
Planning permission is approval from the planning authority for development or a material change in the use of land or buildings where...
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Walls plaster
Plasterboard
Plasterboard is a manufactured board with a gypsum core, used to form internal walls and ceilings before jointing or plaster finishing.
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Walls plaster
Plastering
Plastering is the application or repair of a plaster finish to walls and ceilings to create a suitable surface for decoration.
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Joinery storage
Pocket Door
A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a cavity within an adjacent wall when open.
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External masonry
Pointing
Pointing is the finished mortar placed in the exposed joints between stones, bricks or blocks to protect the masonry and shed water.
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Joinery storage
Press Cupboard
A press cupboard is a built-in cupboard, often set into a wall recess or alcove, used for household storage.
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Property types
Property Refurbishment
Property refurbishment is the improvement and renewal of an existing property, typically focusing on condition, finishes, fittings and functionality while retaining much...
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Roofing
Rafter
A rafter is a sloping structural member that supports a pitched roof and carries roof loads toward the walls or other supports.
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Loft extensions
Rear Extension
A rear extension adds accommodation to the back of a property, often opening existing living spaces toward the garden.
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External masonry
Render
Render is a protective or decorative coating applied to an external wall, typically made from mineral mortar or a proprietary formulated system.
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External masonry
Repointing
Repointing is the repair process of removing defective mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with new compatible mortar.
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Structural terms
Rip-Out
Rip-out is an informal construction term for removing existing fittings, finishes or building elements before new work begins, often implying faster or...
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Staircases
Riser
A riser is the vertical or near-vertical face between two consecutive stair treads.
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Walls plaster
Rising Damp
Rising damp is moisture moving upward into a wall from the ground by capillary action, rather than water entering from rain or...
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Roofing
Roof Void
A roof void is the space beneath a roof covering and above the ceiling or upper occupied rooms, sometimes called a loft...
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Windows doors
Roof Window/Skylight
A roof window or skylight is a glazed opening in a roof that brings daylight into the space below; the terms may...
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Loft extensions
Rooflight Conversion
A rooflight conversion creates usable attic accommodation while generally retaining the existing roof shape and introducing roof windows or rooflights for daylight...
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Structural terms
RSJ
RSJ stands for rolled steel joist, a traditional term often used for a steel beam supporting a wall, floor or opening. The...
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Bathrooms
Sanitaryware
Sanitaryware is the collective term for bathroom fixtures such as toilets, basins, bidets and urinals, and is sometimes used more broadly to...
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Roofing
Sarking
Sarking is boarding or sheet material laid over roof rafters beneath the outer roof covering to form a supporting layer.
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Windows doors
Sash and Case Window
A sash and case window is a traditional timber window in which glazed sashes slide vertically within a surrounding timber frame or...
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Structural terms
Schedule of Works
A schedule of works is an organised description of the individual tasks and construction operations included within a building project.
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Roofing
Scots Slate
Scots slate is natural roofing slate historically quarried in Scotland and used on traditional Scottish roofs.
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Floors
Screed
Screed is a layer laid over a suitable base to create a level or shaped surface for the final floor finish.
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Walls plaster
Scrim Tape
Scrim tape is reinforcing mesh or paper tape applied over plasterboard joints or cracks before a finishing coat.
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Structural terms
Second Fix
Second fix is the stage when visible fittings, finishes and joinery are installed after the main structure, concealed services and wall finishes...
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Windows doors
Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is an additional glazed panel installed inside an existing window, leaving the original window in place.
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Property types
Semi-Detached House
A semi-detached house is one of a pair of adjoining homes that share a common party wall but have their own separate...
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Structural terms
SER Certificate
An SER certificate is a Scottish certificate confirming that the structural design covered by it complies with the applicable building standards, issued...
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Structural terms
Settlement
Settlement is downward movement of a building or part of it as the ground or supporting structure adjusts under load. It may...
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Kitchens
Shaker Kitchen
A Shaker kitchen uses restrained framed cabinet doors with a recessed centre panel, creating a simple style that can suit traditional or...
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Bathrooms
Shower Enclosure
A shower enclosure is the screened area around a shower, designed to contain water and provide access to the showering space.
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Loft extensions
Side Extension
A side extension adds enclosed space beside an existing house, using part of the land between the building and its boundary.
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Loft extensions
Side Return Extension
A side return extension fills the narrow external strip beside a rear projection, commonly enlarging a kitchen or ground-floor living space.
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Loft extensions
Single-Storey Extension
A single-storey extension adds accommodation on one level, commonly to the rear or side of an existing house.
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Walls plaster
Skim Coat
A skim coat is a thin finishing layer of plaster applied over a suitable prepared surface to create a smooth result ready...
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Joinery storage
Skirting Board
A skirting board is the trim fitted along the bottom of an interior wall where it meets the floor.
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Roofing
Slate Roof
A slate roof is a roof covered with overlapping natural slate pieces fixed to a supporting roof structure to shed rainwater.
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Windows doors
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors move horizontally along a track to open an internal or external doorway without a hinged swing.
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Structural terms
Snagging
Snagging is the process of identifying and correcting minor defects, incomplete items or finish issues near the end of a building project.
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Walls plaster
Solid Wall
A solid wall is a wall built without a designed cavity between inner and outer leaves, commonly using stone or brick masonry.
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Structural terms
Specification
A construction specification is a written document defining the required materials, products, workmanship, performance and standards for a building project.
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Windows doors
Stained Glass
Stained glass is coloured, painted or textured glass arranged to form a decorative glazed panel, often held together by lead cames.
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Staircases
Staircase
A staircase is the complete construction of steps, landings and supporting components that connects different levels within a building.
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Staircases
Staircase Renovation
Staircase renovation is the repair, improvement or alteration of an existing stair and its components while retaining some or all of the...
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Structural terms
Steel Beam
A steel beam is a structural member used to carry loads across an opening or between supports. Its size, position and bearings...
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External masonry
Stone Sill
A stone sill is the horizontal stone forming the base of a window or door opening, shaped to support the opening and...
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External masonry
Stonework
Stonework is the construction, repair or detailing of building elements made from natural stone, including walls, façades, steps, copes and architectural features.
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Staircases
String / Stringer
A stair string, or stringer, is the inclined structural member running beside or beneath a flight to support its treads and risers.
Structural terms
Strip-Out
Strip-out is the planned removal of selected internal finishes, fittings, services or non-structural elements to prepare a building for refurbishment or alteration.
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Structural terms
Structural Alteration
A structural alteration is a change to a building that affects its structural fabric or the way loads are supported, such as...
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Structural terms
Structural Calculations
Structural calculations are the engineering checks used to demonstrate that proposed structural elements can safely resist the loads and forces acting on...
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Structural terms
Structural Drawings
Structural drawings are technical drawings showing the arrangement, dimensions and construction of structural elements within a proposed building project.
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Structural terms
Structural Engineer
A structural engineer is a qualified engineering professional who assesses and designs the parts of a building that carry loads and provide...
Structural terms
Structural Opening
A structural opening is an opening formed within a load-bearing wall or other structural element, typically to create a doorway, connect rooms...
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Structural terms
Stud Partition
A stud partition is an internal wall built from a frame of timber or metal studs with board or other finishes fixed...
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Floors
Subfloor
A subfloor is the supporting layer beneath a finished floor surface, providing a base for boards, tiles or other floor finishes.
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Structural terms
Subsidence
Subsidence is the downward movement of ground beneath a building that can cause the structure above to move and crack.
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Building regulations permissions
Technical Drawings
Technical drawings are detailed construction documents showing how building elements are dimensioned, assembled, supported and coordinated.
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Structural terms
Temporary Support
Temporary support is the short-term propping or bracing used to carry or stabilise part of a building while permanent structural work is...
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Structural terms
Temporary Works
Temporary works are structures or measures installed for the construction process and removed, or no longer needed, once the permanent work can...
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Property types
Tenement
An Edinburgh tenement is a multi-storey residential building containing separate flats accessed from a shared stair, forming a major part of the...
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Tenement Back Green
A tenement back green is the communal outdoor area traditionally located behind a Scottish tenement and shared by the residents of the...
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Building regulations permissions
Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation is material designed to slow the flow of heat through a building element such as a roof, wall or floor.
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Floors
Timber Flooring
Timber flooring is a finished floor made from wood, including solid boards and engineered timber products.
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Joinery storage
Timber Panelling
Timber panelling is woodwork fitted across part or all of an interior wall, using boards, framed panels or applied mouldings.
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Windows doors
Timber Shutters
Timber shutters are hinged wooden panels fitted to a window reveal or frame to provide privacy and control light.
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Traditional Cottage
A traditional cottage is a small, generally low-rise house of traditional construction, often built from stone and characterised by a relatively simple...
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Staircases
Tread
A tread is the horizontal part of a stair step on which a person places their foot.
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Roofing
Trussed Rafters
Trussed rafters are prefabricated structural roof frames that combine sloping rafters and internal members into an engineered truss.
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Edinburgh specific terms
Under-Pavement Cellar
An under-pavement cellar is a small basement-level storage space extending beneath a pavement or external area, found alongside some historic Edinburgh townhouses...
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Floors
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a heating system installed beneath the finished floor that warms the room through the floor surface.
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Kitchens
Utility Room
A utility room is a practical service space used for laundry, cleaning equipment, storage and household appliances that do not need to...
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Roofing
Valley
A roof valley is the internal angle where two roof slopes meet and channel rainwater down toward the eaves or a gutter.
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Building regulations permissions
Ventilation
Ventilation is the controlled supply of fresh air and removal of stale, humid or polluted air from a building.
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Roofing
Verge
The verge is the sloping edge of a pitched roof at a gable, where the roof covering ends above the gable wall.
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Property types
Victorian Terraced House
A Victorian terraced house is a house dating from the Victorian period that forms part of a continuous row of adjoining properties.
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Property types
Victorian Villa
A Victorian villa is a detached or semi-detached house dating from the Victorian period, often characterised by substantial stone construction, generous rooms...
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Bathrooms
Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower is an open or partly screened showering area designed without a conventional enclosed shower door.
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Bathrooms
Wall-Hung Toilet
A wall-hung toilet is a toilet pan fixed clear of the floor to a concealed supporting frame, with the cistern usually hidden...
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Walls plaster
Wall Panelling
Wall panelling is a system of timber, sheet material or mouldings used to cover or divide sections of an interior wall.
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Bathrooms
Waterproofing / Tanking
Bathroom waterproofing or tanking is a continuous system applied beneath tiles and finishes to protect walls and floors from water penetration.
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Bathrooms
Wet Room
A wet room is a bathroom or shower area designed with a waterproofed floor and walls so water can drain directly from...
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Staircases
Winder Stair
A winder stair changes direction using tapered, wedge-shaped treads instead of a full rectangular landing.
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Windows doors
Window Reveal
A window reveal is the side, head or lower surface of the wall opening between the window frame and the room or...
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Joinery storage
Window Seat
A window seat is built-in seating positioned at or below a window, sometimes with storage underneath.
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Windows doors
Window Sill
A window sill is the horizontal surface at the base of a window opening, with exterior and interior sills serving different purposes.
No glossary terms are currently available in this category.