Terms • Affordable housing – This is a term with a different meaning to cheap housing or cheap property. Affordable housing (also known as low-cost housing) is a property constructed using lower costs than traditional properties, consequently making them more affordable to purchasers. Certain affordable or low-cost housing developments are built specifically to make inroads into the housing crisis and to provide dwellings suitable for short- and medium-term rental. • Beams – A beam usually runs the whole length of the property and is in one section. A roof beam is a load-bearing length of wood or steel that is integral to the strength of the building. It supports the floor or roof above while adding strength and stability to the walls. Additionally, it supports joists, trusses and other roofing elements. • Foundations – Generally made of concrete, the foundations of a property are the ultra-stable platform on which the main structure of a property is built. Foundations are designed and constructed so that they do not move in any direction, at any time during the life of the property built on them. • Frame – The internal structure of a property which is attached to the foundations and to which the walls and roof are attached. Properties with a frame made from timber are referred to as timber-frame properties. • Joists – These are lengths of wood or steel that run perpendicular to and are supported by joists that run across open space. While beams support joists, joists support flooring laid on the joists, or ceilings attached underneath them. • Low-cost dwelling – An alternative term for affordable housing. • Residential property – Also referred to as a residential dwelling. The word “residential” is used to distinguish this type of property as specifically for living in. Other types include commercial property (e.g., shops, offices) and industrial property (e.g., factories, steelworks). • Skeleton – The internal structure of a property which is attached to the foundations and to which the walls and roof are attached. The structure of a steel-frame property is more commonly referred to as a skeleton and this term is specifically used for steel frames. • Trusses – Invariably triangular in shape, you will find trusses on the roof of a property that provide strength and stability. The stronger the truss, the heavier the material you can cover the roof in. A truss is a web-like roof design made of wood or steel that uses tension and compression to create strong, light components which can consequently span a long distance. The sides are in compression and the bottom is in tension to resist being
23
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker