Architectural Styles
This type of framing, usually seen in log cabin homes, is resistant to fire and aesthetically pleasing, but it typically quite expensive.
What is Post and Beam
John Hancock Tower, Trinity Church, Faneuil Hall
What is Boston?
This type of stairs features a square landing with two runs of treads and risers on adjacent sides
What is an "L" shaped stair
This is the actual dimension of a typical wall stud.
What is 1 1/2" x 5 1/2"?
The sun sets in this direction
What is west?
This architectural style is known for featuring large, wraparound porches, turrets, and ornate, brightly painted woodwork.
What is Victorian?
Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
What is Washington DC
This drafting tool can be used in place of a straightedge or parallel rule
What is a T square
While studs can be spaced at 12" or 24" o.c., most wall studs are spaced this far apart?
What is 16" o.c.
This is a requirement made by the town that limits how close you can build to the outside boundary of your site.
What is a setback?
This style of home, which also goes by the name "Arts and Crafts" or "Bungalow", typically features low pitched gable roofs, large front porches, and squat front columns.
What is a craftsman?
Willis Tower (formally Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place
What is Chicago
This style of house, popular in the 1970's, features a very steep roof and is usually found in cold climates
What is an A frame
This is the topmost point of framing in the house and is typically used to connect both sides of rafters
What is the ridge?
If you cannot meet the requirements of local building ordinances, you can apply for one of these.
What is a variance?
This style was made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright, and features strong geometry, horizontal banding, and an open, asymmetric floor plan
What is Prairie style?
Space Needle, Bullitt Center, Experience Music Project (Museum of Pop Culture)
What is Seattle?
This material, mostly used for commercial construction, comes in an "H" and "I" variety
What are steel beams
This is typically supported by lolly columns, and comprised of a series of (3) 2x12's.
What is the girder?
These areas are home to various forms of wildlife and contain soil that is unfit for construction
What are wetlands?
This "royal" style of home may feature a combination of stucco, brick, or stone, high pitched roofs, half timbering and multiple gables.
What is Tudor Style?
Walt Disney Concert Hall, Capital Records Building, Griffith Observatory
What is Los Angeles?
This value determines how resistive your insulation is to airflow
What is R value
This is a notch in the concrete foundation wall that is used to hold either side of your girder
What is a beam pocket?
These are the curved, dashed lines on a site or plot plan that connects areas of the same elevation.
What are contours?