Thinking about remodeling your home but feeling overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar terms? You're not alone. We've put together this handy glossary to help you make sense of the lingo used in remodeling, architecture, interior design, and construction. When you're investing in your home, it helps to speak the same language as your builders and designers—so you can make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.
A-D
Architrave – A decorative moulding around doors or windows.
Asbestos – A hazardous material once commonly used for insulation and fireproofing; now strictly regulated and must be professionally removed if found.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) – NSW planning requirement ensuring homes meet energy and water efficiency targets.
Builder's Clean – A thorough cleaning of a site after construction work is completed, before handover.
Certificate of Occupancy – Legal document issued when a building is deemed safe and fit for occupancy.
Cladding – External material applied to walls for insulation and appearance (e.g., weatherboard, brick veneer).
Cornice – Decorative trim between walls and ceilings.
Council Approval – Permission required for certain structural works or extensions; varies by local council.
DA (Development Application) – Application submitted to a local council seeking approval to carry out development.
Damp-Proof Course (DPC) – A barrier in masonry to prevent moisture from rising into the structure.
E-H
Eaves – The part of the roof that overhangs the walls, protecting them from rain.
Engineering Report – Structural assessment provided by a qualified engineer to support building modifications.
Extension – Adding new floor space to an existing home.
Fixtures – Items attached to the property (e.g., bathtubs, sinks, cabinetry).
Flashing – Thin metal used to prevent water from entering joints in the roof or walls.
Footings – The base of a foundation that distributes weight to the soil.
Formwork – Temporary or permanent mould into which concrete is poured.
Gyprock (Plasterboard) – Common wall lining material used in Australian homes.
I-L
Insulation – Material used in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Joinery – Custom-built woodwork such as kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and vanities.
Knockdown Rebuild – Demolishing an existing house and rebuilding on the same block.
Load-Bearing Wall – A wall that supports structural weight from above; removal requires engineering input and reinforcement.
Licenced Contractor – A tradesperson registered with a state authority (e.g., QBCC in Queensland, Fair Trading in NSW) to carry out regulated work.
M-P
Mitre Joint – A joint made by cutting two pieces of material at an angle to form a corner.
NCC (National Construction Code) – Australia-wide standards for building safety, health, and sustainability.
Owner Builder – A person who obtains a permit to manage their own renovation or construction project.
PC (Prime Cost) Items – Fixtures and fittings nominated in a contract with estimated prices (e.g., taps, tiles).
Planning Permit – Permission required before development can begin; addresses zoning, land use, and overlays.
Plastering – The process of applying a smooth or textured finish to interior walls and ceilings.
Project Home – A pre-designed home built by volume builders with limited customisation.
Q-T
Quantity Surveyor – A professional who estimates and monitors construction costs.
Raked Ceiling – A ceiling that follows the roofline, creating a vaulted or angled appearance.
Rendering – Applying a cement or acrylic coating to external walls for protection and aesthetics.
Retaining Wall – A structure that holds back soil to create level areas on sloped land.
Rough-In – Preliminary stage of plumbing and electrical installation before walls are closed up.
Sarking – A layer of insulation or reflective foil installed under roofing to protect against moisture and heat.
Scope of Works – A detailed list of tasks and responsibilities for a renovation project.
Setback – The required distance between a building and a property boundary.
Stud Wall – A non-load-bearing wall made from timber or steel framing.
Termite Barrier – System installed to protect structures from termite infestation.
U-Z
Underpinning – Strengthening the foundation of an existing building.
Variation – A change to the original contract or plans that may affect time and cost.
Waterproofing – Sealing wet areas (bathrooms, laundries) to prevent leaks and damage.
White Set – A high-end internal wall finish made using lime plaster or similar.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Australian regulations to ensure safety on construction sites.
Zoning – Local government controls that determine land use (residential, commercial, industrial).