B

Back Bar

A counter or shelving for bottles and glasses behind a bar.

Back Priming

Applying a coat of paint to the back of woodwork or exterior siding. This aids in preventing moisture from entering the wood and causing contracting and swelling.

Back Splash

A protective sheet or panel installed behind counters, sinks or washrooms.

Backset of a Hinge

The amount of space from the edge of the door to the hinge.

Back Wall

This wall faces a viewer who stands at the entrance to a shower, tub or room.

Balcony

A platform that protrudes outward from the home.

Ballast

An electrical device used in fluorescent and high intensity lamps, providing the essential circuit condition for starting and operation.

Banister

A railing along the side of a staircase or balcony. A handrail.

Barrel Ceiling

Referring to a rounded or semi-circular ceiling.

Baseboard

This board runs along the base of a floor, covering the gap between the floor and the adjoining wall.

Base Cabinet

Resting on the floor, these floor-mounted cabinets, usually include a counter, sink or appliance.

Basin

A type of sink that is circular in shape with sloping or curving sides.

Base Molding

Wood strip that trims the upper edge of a baseboard.

Base Shoe Molding

A strip of wood with a curved surface used to finish off the intersection of a base and floor.

Basecoat

A coat applied prior to applying the finish coat.

Bath Faucet

The valve used in drawing hot or cold water into a bathtub.

Bath Tub Door

Usually a folding or sliding door mounted to the bath tub rim to keep water within the tub area.

Bath Vanity

A bathroom cabinet with a bowl or basin mounted in the counter top.

Bathroom Lock

This non-keyed privacy lock is locked from the inside and can be opened from the outside using a small tool.

Bay Window

A curved, rectangular or polygonal window unit usually containing one large middle panel and two smaller side panels and protrudes outward from the home.

Bearing Capacity

The allowable bearing capacity. The maximum allowable load on a structural element.

Bearing Wall

A wall supporting any vertical loads in addition to its own weight.

Bedroom

Simply put, a room for sleeping.

Bid

A written proposal describing the project, the work to be performed and the cost.

Bid Time or Bid Date

The date and time specified by the architect and owner for the receiving of bid proposals.

Bidet

Originating in France, this personal hygiene bathroom fixture features hot and cold water which used primarily for cleansing the backside body parts.

Bird peck

A small hole or patch of knurly grain in wood created by birds pecking through the growing cells of a tree.

Blueprints

Used during planning and construction, these mechanical drawings are prepared by an architect, showing accurate details of a building or space.

Bow Window

A window unit composed of several panels forming a bow shape. A bow window protrudes outward from the home.

Bracket

A protruding support for a shelf.

Builder

One who does construction; a building contractor.

Building Code

A set of rules to govern the quality of construction, providing public health and safety.

Building Inspector

A public official whose job is to examine the work performed and determine conformity with the building code.

Built-In Shelving

Shelving permanently installed in a cabinet frame.