Ab breviations and Terms For many of you, steel-frame properties may be a new concept, and with that comes new terminology. In addition, because steel-frame properties can be built by someone with competent do-it-yourself skills, there may well be a number of construction-related terms that you are also not familiar with. However, this book tries to use generally accepted construction terms that are recognized globally. For those of you who are simply not familiar with certain construction terms, this summary of terms and abbreviations used should prove to be very useful as you read further in this book. Abbreviations • ADU – Accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit in general terms is a secondary form of residential accommodation either attached to a main residence or built on the same lot as the principal dwelling. ADUs are also referred to as “affordable housing” and “low-cost housing.” • CFS – Cold-formed steel. Cold-formed steel (CFS) structural skeletons are made from cold, structural-quality sheet steel that are formed into C- sections and other shapes by roll forming the steel through a series of dies. • DIY – Do It Yourself. DIY is a shorthand term used to describe various tasks associated with property maintenance and improvement. Someone who is good at DIY should be perfectly capable of building a steel-frame property. • IBC – International Building Code. This is a globally accepted standard that ensures that the quality, safety and sustainability elements of a construction project are strictly adhered to. • PRADU – Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit. This is no different than an ADU, other than it comes with construction plans which have already been approved. This means you will save a considerable amount of time and money that is associated with getting permission to construct an ADU without pre-approval.
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