Core terms

Primer

Core terms · definition

A preparatory coating that seals the surface and helps the finish coat adhere and cover evenly. Skipping primer over new drywall or stains causes finish failures.

Source: InterNACHI — Inspection Glossary: Primer

  • Drywall

    Gypsum panel wall and ceiling material (also called sheetrock) that is hung, taped, mudded, and finished. Any wall opened during a remode…

  • Project Manager (PM)

    The person who plans, coordinates, and oversees the project day to day — schedule, budget, subs, and communication with the owner. On sma…

  • Plywood

    An engineered panel of thin wood veneers glued in cross-grain layers for strength and stability. Preferred over OSB for cabinet boxes and…

  • Punch List

    The final list of incomplete or deficient items the contractor must correct before the job is considered done and final payment is releas…

  • Plumber

    A licensed tradesperson who installs and repairs water supply, drain-waste-vent, and gas piping to code. Relocating fixtures or running n…

  • Retainage

    A percentage of each payment (often 5–10%) the owner withholds until the project is satisfactorily completed, providing leverage to ensur…

  • Permit

    Official jurisdiction authorization to perform regulated work, triggering required inspections. Unpermitted remodels can force teardown,…

  • RFI (Request for Information)

    A formal written question from the builder to the designer or owner to clarify drawings or specs before proceeding. RFIs create a paper t…

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 →