Builders A–Z dictionary

A

Asbestos survey

An asbestos survey investigates the location, extent and condition of asbestos-containing materials within an agreed scope. Different surveys answer different questions. A management survey supports safe occupation and routine management; refurbishment or demolition surveying investigates materials that planned intrusive work could disturb, including concealed materials.

B

Bearing

The supporting contact or length through which a structural element transfers load. Adequacy depends on design, material and condition.

Bodge

An improvised or poor repair. Explain the actual defect rather than using the word as the only survey finding.

Bodger

Usually an insult for someone doing poor work today; historically also associated with green-wood chair-part making. Context matters.

Brew

Tea, coffee or a break for one, depending on the crew. Not a substitute for a hydration plan in hot weather.

Bricky

A bricklayer; also written brickie. Not a description of every general builder.

Butty

A sandwich in many parts of the UK; filling and local vocabulary vary.

C

Cavity

A space between wall leaves or other layers. Its drainage, insulation and fire provisions must be understood before alterations.

Cavity barrier

A cavity barrier is a construction feature intended to restrict fire and smoke movement within relevant concealed spaces. It is not automatically the same detail as fire stopping around a pipe. Position, continuity, interfaces and the particular cavity system determine how the designed barrier should be provided.

Cavity tray

A cavity tray is a designed moisture-management detail intended to collect water within a cavity and direct it towards an appropriate outlet. It is often associated with interruptions or junctions in the wall. It is different from a wall tie, ordinary insulation or an arbitrary strip inserted above a window.

D

Damp-proof membrane (DPM)

A damp-proof membrane is a layer designed to resist moisture passing through a floor or other part of the building. It is commonly found within a ground floor construction.

F

Fire stopping

Fire stopping seals relevant joints, gaps or service penetrations so a fire-resisting element can provide its intended performance. It is a specified system, not a generic bead of red sealant. The wall or floor, opening, services, support and product configuration determine what detail is suitable.

First fix

The earlier installation stage, usually before surfaces are closed up. Its exact boundary differs between trades and contracts.

G

Gaffer

The boss or person in charge. Ask who holds the actual project responsibility when it matters.

Garage conversion

A garage conversion adapts a vehicle-storage space for a new use, such as accommodation or a home office. It needs assessment of the existing construction and intended use, not simply insulation, sockets and decoration. Planning restrictions and building performance can differ from those for the original garage.

Getting into bricklaying

Bricklaying is skilled setting out and construction of masonry with suitable units and mortars. Bond, level, support and weather protection matter behind the finished face. A career route should teach the designed wall, not simply how to produce an attractive joint or repeat a daily output target.

Getting into building surveying

Building surveying assesses buildings and advises on defects, repair, alteration and other property matters within an agreed scope. It is distinct from measuring a room for a quotation or conducting every specialist test. A career route combines technical learning, supervised practice and professional development appropriate to the intended surveying role.

Getting into general building

General building combines practical construction with coordination of several trades. There is no single short course that makes a beginner competent in every structural, electrical, gas and finishing task. A useful career plan starts with a defined occupation or assistant role and develops broader responsibility through supervised experience.

Getting into loft-conversion work

Loft-conversion work is a coordinated construction specialism rather than one universal trade qualification. Structure, stairs, fire precautions, insulation, roofing and services must work together. A trainee normally develops a defined craft or technical role before accepting broader responsibility for a complete habitable conversion.

Gobbo

A regional or crew-specific word for mortar. It is not a technical mix specification.

H

Helical bar

A twisted reinforcement bar used in some specified masonry repairs. Installing one across a crack does not remove the need to investigate movement and design the repair.

House extension

A house extension adds built space to an existing home. It is a coordinated project involving design, permissions, structure, building services and the junction with the original property. Planning status, Building Regulations and neighbouring-owner matters are separate questions; satisfying one does not automatically settle the others.

J

Jointer

A tool used to finish mortar joints in masonry. The profile and timing must suit the mortar and the specified joint finish.

K

Knock off

Finish work for the day in this context. In another context it can mean remove or a counterfeit item, so be precise.

Knock up

Mix or prepare a small quantity of material, often mortar. Informal wording does not establish a mix ratio.

L

Labourer

A worker carrying out general site support tasks. It is a role, not permission to undertake specialist work.

Lime mortar

Lime mortar is a masonry mortar using a lime-based binder with suitable aggregate and water. Its strength, permeability and working characteristics depend on the lime, aggregate and mix. It is often appropriate for traditional masonry, where a hard, dense repair can damage softer bricks or stone rather than protect them.

Lintel

A lintel is a structural member spanning an opening such as a door or window and supporting loads above it. It may be made from steel, reinforced concrete, masonry or timber depending on the building. A lintel must be selected for the actual opening and loading, not merely for a familiar window width.

Load path

The connected route by which forces reach suitable support. Removing one element can affect structures beyond the visible opening.

Load-bearing wall

A load-bearing wall supports loads from parts of the building above or beside it, as well as its own weight. Removing or altering it can change the building's structural load path.

Loft conversion

A loft conversion adapts roof space for a defined new use, often habitable accommodation. It is not simply boarding the existing ceiling and adding a rooflight. Structure, access, fire safety, insulation, ventilation and building services need a coordinated assessment of the whole house and proposed layout.

M

Making good

Repairing surrounding surfaces after work, such as a chase. Agree whether this includes final decoration.

Muck

Informal term for mortar on many masonry jobs; elsewhere it may mean soil, spoil or general dirt. Clarify before ordering.

O

On the tools

Doing practical trade work rather than office or management work. Some business owners do both in the same day.

P

Padstone

A designed bearing component which spreads load from an element such as a beam into supporting masonry.

Persuader

Joking name for a substantial hammer or similar tool. Force is not a specification or a repair method.

Q

Quoin

A corner stone or brick arrangement at a wall corner, sometimes deliberately expressed in a different size or finish. It may have both structural and architectural roles.

R

Repointing

Repointing renews suitable mortar at masonry joints where repair is needed. It is not rebuilding the wall or coating the entire face. The mortar, joint finish and extent should suit the existing masonry and its moisture behaviour, particularly in older buildings where an incompatible repair can cause damage.

Retaining wall

A retaining wall supports a difference in ground level rather than serving only as a boundary or decorative feature. Soil pressure, water, loads and the supporting ground affect its design. A tall-looking garden wall is not automatically a safe retaining structure, and appearance alone cannot establish its stability.

Rough as

A deliberately unfinished expression of disapproval. It is not a useful description for a snagging report.

S

Sarnie

A sandwich. Often found in the same lunchbox as a tape measure that should not be there.

Scran

Food, especially a site meal. Regional usage varies; it is not a formal break category.

Second fix

A later fitting-out stage, commonly after plastering. Do not assume the phrase includes every test or final decoration.

Setting out

Transferring the agreed dimensions, positions and levels to the site. Errors here can carry through several later trades.

Snag

A defect, omission or unfinished detail noted for correction. A snagging list should describe location and action clearly.

Snagging

The process of identifying and recording defects or unfinished items. It does not certify structural or regulatory compliance.

Snots

Unwanted blobs or protrusions of mortar, plaster or adhesive. What needs removing depends on the material and stage.

Spirit level

A spirit level is a tool that uses a bubble in a liquid-filled vial to indicate level or plumb. Level means horizontal and plumb means vertical. Some tools include angled vials. A spirit level checks orientation over its contact length; it does not prove that an entire wall, floor or run of cabinets is straight.

Steel beam

A steel beam is a structural member selected to carry and transfer loads within a designed arrangement. Its section, grade, length, support and connections matter together. A beam is not adequately specified by a room width, a merchant's stock size or the informal label RSJ.

Structural opening

A structural opening is an opening affecting load-bearing construction or the way loads pass through a building. It may require a beam, lintel, bearings and other coordinated work. Width alone does not define the solution, and a wall's appearance or sound when tapped cannot reliably establish its structural role.

Subbie

A subcontractor. Contract, insurance and task responsibilities still need to be clear.

T

Temporary works

Engineered or planned support and other arrangements needed during construction, before the permanent structure is complete.

The merchant

The builders’ merchant or trade supplier. A visit for one fitting can somehow become an entire morning.

Thermal bridge

A thermal bridge is a part of a building where heat can flow more readily than through the surrounding insulated construction. Junctions, structural elements and gaps in insulation can create thermal bridges.

Tolerance

A permitted variation defined by the relevant specification or standard. It is not whatever deviation happens to be convenient.

Toolbox talk

A short work-focused safety discussion. It supports, rather than replaces, training, planning and supervision.

W

Wall tie

A wall tie connects the leaves of a suitable cavity-wall construction as part of the designed structural arrangement. Its type, position and installation matter alongside moisture detailing and insulation. It is not simply any metal strip inserted between bricks, nor proof that every cavity-wall defect is a tie problem.

Weep hole

A provision allowing water to leave a relevant cavity detail. Blocking it can defeat the intended drainage path.

X

XPS insulation

Extruded polystyrene insulation. Product grades vary in load and moisture performance. Suitability for an inverted roof or below-ground location must be established from the actual product and design.

Sources and further reading

Linked article sources support the technical background; informal usage is editorial and varies by region. Full specification and legal requirements must be checked in the original.

• GOV.UK: related building guidance
• GOV.UK: moisture and cavity context
• GOV.UK: Approved Document L
• GOV.UK: structural guidance
• HSE: planning construction work safely
• HSE: arrange the appropriate asbestos survey
• www.hse.gov.uk/ASBESTOS/duty/arrange-asbestos-survey.htm
• SPAB: repointing old masonry