Decks are one of the most popular outdoor living spaces for many homeowners. Many decks are open and uncovered or as this photo shows, decks can also be covered and enclosed.
Decks are typically found at the back of a house or they may wrap around the side of the house to take advantage of a view. Some decks include multiple levels and they may be detached from the house to hug a pool or trees around the perimeter of the yard. Decks that are attached to the house typically require a building permit.
Damp Proofing – Treatment of a surface or structure to resist the passage of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure.
Dead Level – Absolutely horizontal or zero slope.
Dead Level Roofing – A roofing system applied on a surface with a 0 to 2% incline.
Deck – The surface, installed over the supporting framing members, to which the roofing is applied.
Deed – A written, sealed document which transfers title to real estate from one party to another.
Default – Failure or neglect to fulfill an obligation or requirement. A borrower defaults on a loan if he fails to make payment, or otherwise fails to perform according to the terms of the note.
Delamination – Separation of envelope materials from the applied substrate due to movement or improperly applied materials.
Dentil Molding – Trim that gives architectural interest to a house, typically under the roof line.
Deposit – Money that is placed in trust to show good faith, usually delivered by the buyer to demonstrate an intent to purchase. See earnest money.
Deposit Receipt – Another term for a purchase contract or offer, since most purchase contracts include a good faith deposit of money with a third party which the buyer will forfeit if they renege on their offer without cause.
Detached – Term used to describe a house that is completely separate from the units surrounding it.
Dhurrie – Dhurrie rugs and carpets are flat woven items traditional to India, and made of cotton or silk. They are noted for soft colorations and varied patterns.
Dimension Stone – Dimension stone is natural stone or rock selected and fabricated, i.e. trimmed, cut, drilled, etc, to specific sizes or shapes. Selected for durability, the stone color, texture, pattern and surface finish are also considerations.
Dimensional Stability – The ability of flooring to retain its original dimensions during the service life of the product.
Direction Change – A change in the orientation of the principal dimension or of the support of adjoining units of the roofing system.
Disclosure – Statement of fact(s) concerns the condition of the property for sale and the surrounding area. In most states, the buyer is protected by disclosure laws requiring sellers to divulge certain information about the property, e.g. if the property is in a special studies zone.
Distressed Visual – A design term that describes an aged, timeworn look.
DIY (Do it Yourself) – DIY is an acronym for “do it yourself”,” referring to projects that can be installed without a professional. DIY levels are typically described as easy, to difficult, requiring varying ranges of tools and experience.
Door/Window Flange – A rib or rim on an object for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object.
Door/Window Jamb – The vertical sections of a door /window frame. The hinge jamb is the side where the hinges are installed, and the strike jamb is the side where the locking mechanism latches into the strike. The horizontal member that connects the two jambs is called the head.
Dormer – A framed window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a roof.
Downspouts – A vertical pipe used to carry water from the gutter to ground level.
Down Payment – The amount of payment required securing the purchase of a property. Lenders typically require a 20% down payment, although with mortgage insurance down payments of 5, 10, and 15% are common.
DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate) – Direct pressure laminate is the most typical fusing method used to manufacture residential laminate flooring. The surface, inner layers and backing layer are fused in a single press operation.
Drain Pan – Receptacle comprising a shallow container intended to catch and collect liquid from (1) a device containing liquid which is expected to be removed from the device or leak from the device, or (2) a wet article placed within the container.
Drainage Plane – The area within a wall or roof that is designed to carry water away from structure.
Drip Edge – A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the edges of a roof to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.
Dual Agency – A real estate transaction where one broker represents both the buyer and seller in a purchase. Although two different agents may be involved, both act on behalf of the same broker. In order to have dual agency representation, both parties must be made aware of and agree to the relationship.
Ductwork – The vents running through your home's ceilings and walls, to deliver heated/cooled air to each room.
