Core terms

Excavation

Core terms · definition

Earth removal for foundations, footings, or utilities. Regulated for cave-in safety and requires utility locating before digging.

Source: U.S. OSHA — Trenching & Excavation

Where this comes up

  • Footing

    The widened concrete base below a foundation wall or post that spreads the structure's load over enough soil to prevent settling. New str…

  • Foundation

    The structure (slab, crawl space, or basement) that transfers the building's load to the ground. Foundation condition underlies the feasi…

  • Finish Schedule

    A table in the drawings specifying the exact finish for every surface in every room — flooring, wall, ceiling, trim — so selections are d…

  • Elevation

    A flat, straight-on drawing of one face of a structure or wall (e.g., a kitchen wall elevation) showing heights and vertical relationship…

  • Flashing

    Thin water-resistant material installed at joints and transitions (roof-to-wall, around windows and penetrations) to direct water away an…

  • Electrician

    A licensed tradesperson who installs and maintains wiring, panels, circuits, and devices to code. Remodels that add circuits or move pane…

  • Floor Plan

    A scaled overhead view of a level showing walls, rooms, openings, and fixture locations. The primary drawing for understanding layout and…

  • Egress

    A code-required path of exit from a space in an emergency. Bedrooms and finished basements require a compliant egress window or door of m…

Where this term fits in a remodel

The pillar guides set terms like this one in context — what the work involves, what drives its cost, and where it sits in the sequence of a project. Pricing a specific house takes a defined scope and an on-site assessment.

Remodeling guides → Contact the publisher →