Construction Glossary

A multi-layer exterior cladding system — insulation board, a reinforced base coat, and a textured finish coat. Often called “synthetic stucco,” it insulates and finishes a wall in one assembly.

A cement- or acrylic-based exterior wall finish applied in coats over a prepared substrate or reinforcing mesh.

The structural layer of an EIFS or stucco system that embeds the reinforcing mesh and gives the assembly its crack resistance.

The final tinted, textured layer of a stucco or EIFS system — it provides the colour and the look.

Fibreglass mesh embedded in the base coat to distribute stress and resist cracking.

A thin cement coating troweled over foundation walls or masonry to protect the surface and give it a clean, uniform appearance.

The surface a finish is applied to — sheathing, concrete block, or an existing coating. Good substrate prep decides how long a finish lasts.

A deliberate, sealed gap in cladding that lets materials expand and contract without cracking.

Flexible material sealing joints around windows, doors, and penetrations against water and air. Sealants age and should be inspected periodically.

A flexible, waterproof exterior coating that stretches to bridge hairline cracks in stucco and masonry.

The horizontal board running along a roof edge. Damaged or weathered fascia can be repaired and refinished.

White, powdery mineral deposits on masonry or stucco left behind by moisture moving through the wall — a symptom worth investigating, not just cleaning.

Blending a repair into the surrounding finish — matching aggregate size, texture pattern, and tint — so the patch disappears.

The industry 0–5 scale for drywall smoothness. Level 4 is the standard paint-ready finish; Level 5 adds a full skim coat for critical lighting or gloss paints.

Embedding joint tape and applying successive coats of compound over drywall seams and fasteners, sanded between coats.

A thin, overall layer of joint compound used to flatten an entire wall or ceiling surface.

The preparatory coat that seals the surface, evens out absorption, and helps the finish paint adhere and cover properly.

Hand-painting clean, straight edges at ceilings, corners, and trim with a brush before rolling the field.

Rolling a surface immediately after spraying to work the coating into the texture and even out the film.

A paint's gloss level — flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss. Higher sheen is more washable and durable; lower sheen hides surface imperfections.

Paint formulated with reduced volatile organic compounds — less odour during and after painting and better indoor air quality.

Decorative profiles installed at wall-ceiling junctions (crown), floors (baseboard), and around openings (casing) — installed, repaired, and painted.

Tile 24 inches (600 mm) or longer on a side. Demands a very flat substrate and careful installation to control lippage.

The cement-based adhesive bed that bonds tile to its substrate.

The filler between tile joints — cementitious or epoxy. Epoxy grout is more stain- and water-resistant.

A layer installed between substrate and tile that absorbs small structural movements so they don't telegraph into cracked tile or grout.

A sheet or liquid-applied barrier behind tile in showers and wet areas that stops water from reaching the structure.

A height difference between the edges of adjacent tiles. Controlled with flat substrate prep and levelling systems.

Durable, water-resistant vinyl flooring in plank form — click-lock or glue-down — that convincingly mimics wood.

The tiled wall assembly around a tub or shower, built over proper waterproofing.

The protective, decorative tiled surface on the wall above a countertop.

Stripping a space back to the studs and rebuilding it — the honest way to fix hidden problems instead of covering them.

The piping, wiring, and ductwork installed inside walls and floors before finishes close them up. Inspected before drywall.

The finished, visible items — sinks, faucets, toilets, light fixtures — installed near the end of a renovation.

Ontario's electrical safety regulator. Electrical work must meet ESA requirements; FAIME's electrical work is performed by licensed subcontractors led by a Master Electrician.

Safety devices that cut power on ground faults (shock risk, wet areas) or arc faults (fire risk) — required by code in specific locations.

Replacing or expanding a home's electrical panel to add capacity for modern loads like EV chargers and heat pumps.

Recessed ceiling light fixtures — a common upgrade during ceiling or full-room renovation.

Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Authority — regulates fuel and gas work. Gas appliance work requires TSSA-licensed technicians.

An electric unit that heats and cools by moving heat rather than generating it — air-source models work in GTA winters.

A heat pump with wall-mounted indoor heads that needs no ductwork — suited to additions and older homes.

Heat- or energy-recovery ventilators that bring in fresh air while recovering heat from outgoing stale air.

The provincial code governing construction and renovation in Ontario. Compliant work follows it; permits confirm it.

The written description of exactly what a project includes — and just as importantly, what it excludes.

Pricing broken out line by line so you can see what each part of the work costs. FAIME quotes are always itemized and always follow a site visit.

A written, approved record of any change to scope, cost, or schedule — before the changed work happens.

FAIME's 30% payment at contract signing. It covers materials and crew mobilization and locks the project into the schedule.

The list of items to correct, compiled at the final walkthrough, that must be resolved before project closeout.

An on-site assessment before quoting. Accurate construction pricing without one isn't possible.

A formal written question raised during bidding or construction to clarify scope, drawings, or specifications.

Rates per measurable unit (per square foot, per door, per opening) used to price repeatable trade work for GCs and property managers.

The vetting step where a contractor provides insurance certificates, WSIB clearance, and references before being invited to bid.

The company responsible for managing an entire project — scheduling, coordinating, and taking accountability for all trades under one contract.

A specialist company executing a defined package (e.g. tile, EIFS, painting) under a general contractor's management.

Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. An active WSIB account with a clearance certificate proves a contractor's workers are covered — always ask for it.

Insurance covering third-party property damage and injury arising from a contractor's work. FAIME carries $2,000,000 in CGL coverage.

The document proving insurance coverage is in force — issued by the insurer on request, typically before mobilization.

An endorsement adding a client (often a GC or property manager) to the contractor's liability policy for that project.

Municipal approval required for regulated work. Permits are the client's responsibility — FAIME advises exactly which ones a project needs.