Buying a home can be confusing enough without having to stumble through a myriad of industry jargon to find a “manor home,” “coach home” or “single-family home” at an “affordable” price (like there’s somebody out there dying to overpay).
If you are like many buyers, particularly those on their first foray into the world of home buying, you are confused by the terminology. How is a “powder room” different from a “half-bath”-or is it?
Is the ceiling that looms overhead a “volume ceiling,” “cathedral ceiling” or just “oversize?” And how big is “oversized,” anyway?
In some cases only your builder will know for sure.
Each profession has its own way of bending the English language to suit its workforce or audience. Such changes are termed “linguistic inflation” by language experts.
“Linguistic inflation is an attempt to do something with language rather than with material reality, which is much harder to do,” said Allen Frantzen, professor of English at Loyola University Chicago. “It all boils down to trying to make something special that is actually ordinary.”
By calling a high ceiling a “volume” ceiling, for example, a builder is trying to make the space appear large, Frantzen said. In most cases, linguistic inflation is a way to add appeal to the product or service. “What’s being changed is the words, and not the thing being described,” he stressed.
Specialized language is a sign of expertise, but also can be exaggerated too much, Frantzen said. “I think Realtors have redefined what a `Victorian’ house is. I think Victorian has to be built before 1900. In real estate, `Victorian’ is a way of describing an old house.”
But whether its linguistic inflation or technical talk, you can’t avoid a new strain of English in the home-buying process. Here are some of the terms you’re likely to encounter, and what they usually mean. This should help you as you saunter through model homes in search of that “affordable” space.
Types of houses
Cluster homes-Groups of four to six condominiums or townhouses arranged in a cluster.
Condominium-A term associated with buildings in which several individual units share a common entrance and are governed by an association. Technically, it refers to the percentage of ownership in a building. A two-story townhouse development, therefore, can be created with condominium ownership.
Custom home-A home designed by an architect according to a buyer’s specifications. In theory, the buyer would commission a one-of-a-kind structure.
Semicustom home-A house built by taking a builder’s floor plan and modifying some structural elements. The changes allowed will vary by builder.
Production home-A house built from a builder’s set of blueprints from which little deviation is allowed. Houses have limited features and are built in the same general style.
Multifamily-Designed for several owners/families in one building or in attached dwellings. Generally used to describe a condominium or townhouse.
Coach home-A term used by builders to describe a one-story dwelling within a multifamily building.
Manor home-Same as coach home.
Production building-Method of building houses that involves assembling parts of the structural elements in a factory before delivering them to the lot to be assembled. Sometimes called “factory built” or “prefabricated.”
Single-family home-A dwelling designed for one family or individual. The house is not attached to another unit. The term “detached single-family home” is, thus, redundant.)
Townhouse-A two-story unit attached on one or two sides to other two-story units. But some builders use the term to describe one-story units.
Types of buyers
Empty nester-Parent(s) whose children have moved out. These buyers usually are moving from a large home to smaller space.
Move-up buyer-One who has owned at least one home before. These buyers usually are moving to a larger, more expensive home.
First-time buyer, second-time, etc.-Terms used to describe the price range of the targeted buyer. In the Chicago market, first-time buyers are in the $90,000-to-$140,000 range. Most of these are buying multifamily units (townhouses, coach homes, etc.) that are priced near $100,000. Second-time buyers are in the $140,000-to-$220,000 range.
Mature buyer-Can refer to the buyer’s age-usually over 66-or expertise, meaning he or she has bought several homes before.
Marketing and sales
Affordable-Used frequently to describe homes targeted toward first-time buyers. Of course, “affordable” is relative regardless of income or home-buying experience, so buyers should examine their finances to determine if the word “affordable” applies to their situation. The term also refers to low-income housing that may be subsidized by a government program.
Base price-The price of a home with standard features, excluding options.
Upgrades-Structural and design changes and options that will add to the price of the home.
Elevation-The exterior design of the house and how it is positioned on the lot.
Closed out-The stage in a development when most of the units are sold. Typically a builder will offer special incentives to sell the last few homes.
Per plan-The term is used when describing available structural and design features. The features may change “per (floor) plan,” meaning a given feature is available on some, but not other, designs.
Lifestyle community-A development that is being marketed as appealing to a particular lifestyle, such as golfers or retirees.
Maintenance-free communities-Developments that provide lawn care, snow removal and other chores for a monthly fee.
Oversize-Larger than average. The term is, at best, ambiguous.
Common areas-Outdoor or indoor areas in a development that can be used by anyone living in the development. These usually are paid for by all owners through a monthly fee.
Outside elements
Fully improved-A lot with sewer and electrical outlets in place. But the definition varies by builder; some use it to mean that lots also include sod and landscaping.
Brick-paver-A patio or driveway surface constructed of bricks.
Telephone prewires-The wiring is in place for telephone service.
Siding-The exterior covering of a house, usually made of aluminum, vinyl or wood.
Gable-A triangular portion of a wall at the end of a ridged roof.
Masonry-Housing materials made of brick or stone.
Other major elements
Standard basement-A basement that’s entirely below ground level.
English basement-A basement that is partially underground and includes windows at ground level.
Damp-proofed basement-A basement that has been insulated to reduce the amount of dampness.
Partial basement-A basement that extends under only part of the house.
Walk-out basement-A basement with a floor at ground level on at least one side, allowing you to “walk out,” usually into the back yard.
Roof-The top of the house; it’s what covers the roof that should be of concern. Buyers should look for a covering that is durable as well as affordable.
Rooms
Vestibule-The entry foyer.
Great room-One large room, usually with a two-story ceiling, that incorporates living, entertainment and sometimes eating activities.
Half bath/powder rooms-Bathrooms with a toilet and sink, but no shower or tub.
Junior bedroom-A standard-size bedroom, as opposed to a large bedroom in a master suite.
Master suite-A bedroom, usually larger than the other in the house, that has its own bathroom that sometimes includes a sitting area.
Bonus room-A room that is not designated for a particular use. The buyer can use it as a bedroom, a den or storage. The word “bonus” is designed to make buyers feel that they are getting more for their money.
Eat-in kitchen-A kitchen large enough for a table. Technically, you can “eat in” any kitchen if you stand near an open refrigerator.
Fully applianced-All necessary appliances are in the home. They may not be included in the price of the house, though.
The bathroom
Ceramic tub surrounds-Ceramic tile around the side of the tub and on the wall.
Vanity-Bathroom counter and sink combination.
Double-pedestal sink-Literally, one sink with two pedestals; often used incorrectly to describe two sinks in a single vanity.
Oversize tub-One that is, perhaps, larger than an average tub; a hype word.
Soaking tub-A term that emphasizes one of the basic functions of a tub; obviously redundant. Do not assume that a “soaking tub” is larger than average.
Whirlpool tub-Includes pulsating jets to swirl water in the tub.
Ceilings
Cathedral-The ceiling comes to a point in the center. It’s similar to a church roof, hence the name.
Tray-A flat ceiling with portion around the perimeter that angles toward the wall. It looks like an upside-down tray, hence the name.
Vaulted-A ceiling that has one side angled instead of meeting the wall at a right angle.
Volume-Usually two stories high; these are used to make rooms appear open and spacious. The term is used by some builders to give the impression of added space.
Windows
Aluminum-clad windows-Windows with aluminum covering the perimeter surface.
Bay-An alcove in a room with a curved window that extends outward from the wall.
Clerestory-A bank of windows above a door.
Palladian-Windows in the shape of a half circle.
Transom-A rectangular window placed horizontally above a door or larger, vertical window.
Casement window-A window hinged on one side, so that it swings out like a door.
Dormer-A window positioned upright in a sloping roof.
Design features
Joists-Horizontal structural members that support a floor or ceiling.
Molding-Decorative strips of wood used to conceal joists.
Crown molding-Molding placed in the space where the walls meet the ceiling. It is available in various sizes and widths and is typically shown in formal rooms, such as the dining room.
Theatrical lighting-A row of round light bulbs, similar to those used by actors and actresses when applying makeup.
