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Home Remodeling and Construction 101:
Glossary of Terms - B

By Allen Shapiro

Ball Cock (Float Valve)

A ball cock is the mechanism that controls the flow of water from the water supply line into a gravity-operated toilet tank. It is controlled by a float mechanism in the tank water. When the toilet is flushed, the float drops and opens the ball cock, allowing water to enter the tank. The float rises as the water level in the tank is restored, and shuts off the ball cock when the tank is completely filled.

Base Sheet

An impregnated, saturated, or coated felt placed as the first layer in some low-slope roof systems.

Batten

In a metal roof, a metal closure set over, or covering the joint between, adjacent metal panels.

Beam

A beam is a horizontal framing member, designed to carry a load from a set of joists or a roof and spanning an open space. Beam sizes are usually 6" x 6", 4" x 10", or larger. This structural element carries load primarily in bending (flexure). Beams generally carry vertical gravitational forces but can also be used to carry horizontal loads.

Bidet

A personal-hygiene plumbing fixture, similar in appearance to a toilet bowl, used for washing genitals and posterior areas of the body. It is often mounted on the floor next to a toilet and consists of a washing basin, a hot and cold faucet, and sprayer.

Bisque

Unglazed areas of vitreous china fixtures, such as inside the tank or on the bottom of the bowl foot, have a bisque finish.

Blind Nailing

A method of nailing that ensures that the nail heads are not visible on the surface of the finished material.

Blue Prints

Blue prints are a type of copying method, often used for architectural drawings. These are the plans, drawn to scale, used by builders, plumbing, electrical, and other contractors in construction. Blueprints include floor plans, elevations, a site plan, foundation plan and wall sections, plumbing, electrical and mechanical plans, and construction details. Blue prints are commonly used for the purpose of designing and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.

Bowl

Water-containing receptor that receives liquid and solid body waste; two general bowl classifications are round front and elongated.

Built-up Roof

A type of commercial, or "flat" roof finish, produced by applying alternate layers of roofing felt and hot asphalt or pitch. The top layer is given a hot flood coat of the

Bond

A bond is an amount of money which must be deposited with a governmental agency in order to secure a contractor's license. The bond may be used to pay for the unpaid bills or disputed work of the contractor.

This glossary is provided by Remodeling California Inc. as part of the company's comprehensive Service Pledge. We, at Remodeling California Inc., believe that by providing you with knowledge and education, we assist you in making the right decisions regarding the types of services and products you may need or want.

The terms in this glossary are commonly used during home remodeling projects. These terms will be included in the estimate, plans, designs, and contract and usually translate into optional services and final charges. Please feel free to contact us with any question.

Allen Shapiro is a senior project manager for Remodeling California Inc., a leader in the Home Improvement industry. For more information about House Remodeling, feel free to Email Allen Shapiro or call (800) 724-9946.