🏡 A–Z New Homebuilding Glossary
To make things easier (and a little more fun), we’ve created this A–Z Glossary of New Homebuilding Terms. Buying or building a new home is exciting — but it often comes with a whole new language! From blueprints and punch lists to HERS ratings and xeriscaping, the world of home construction is full of terms that may sound unfamiliar at first. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply brushing up, this guide will help you feel confident every step of the way.
A – Appraisal
Before a lender approves your mortgage, they’ll order an appraisal to confirm the home’s market value. This ensures the sales price matches what the property is worth. Cash buyers and some loans will not require an appraisal, making your purchase even easier!
B – Blueprint
Think of blueprints as the home’s “map.” They show everything from room dimensions to structural details and guide the construction team throughout the build. While home plans and drawings were in fact originally on blue paper, today you rarely see them this way with the use of modern technology and CAD software.
C – Change Order
During construction, you may decide to upgrade finishes or adjust a feature. A change order documents these modifications so your contract reflects the updated plan and pricing. Change orders can increase or decrease your purchase price. Copies of executed change orders need to go to your lender and escrow company.
D – Drywall
Drywall is the wall surface you see inside your home once framing and insulation are complete. It gets finished with texture and paint to create a smooth, livable interior. Most builders start with white painted drywall and homeowners tend to customize with accent colors. Did you know the word “drywall” became the industry standard in the mid-20th century taking over the use of “wet” plastering?
E – Elevation
An elevation is the exterior design style of a home — like Craftsman, Spanish, Farmhouse, or Modern. It gives buyers choices in curb appeal while keeping the interior floor plan the same. Various elevations may change the roof pitch or add siding or stone veneer, creating a more upscale exterior.
F – Foundation
Your home’s strength starts from the ground up. Post-tension foundations use high-strength steel cables within the concrete slab, creating a stronger, more flexible base that resists cracking and adapts to Arizona’s expansive soils. This modern system gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is built on lasting stability. Scott Communities builds with post-tension slabs in all our current communities.
G – Grading
Before building begins, the land is graded (leveled) to ensure proper drainage. Upon construction completion, the homesite is graded one final time. Grading allows for water to properly drain off your homesite and avoid water pooling near your home’s foundation which can cause structural issues over time. Homeowners should always insure their homesite is properly graded and draining for the life of the home.
H – HERS Rating
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score measures how energy-efficient a home is. A lower number means lower utility bills and more comfort. https://www.scottcommunities.com/blog/green-living-sustainable-features-every-homeowner-should-consider/
I – Insulation
Insulation keeps the livable portion of your home cool in summer and warm in winter by reducing heat transfer. It’s a big contributor to comfort and energy savings. The primary types of insulation are fiberglass batts, cellulose fill, spray foam, rigid foam boards, and radiant barriers. They are made from diverse materials like recycled paper, glass, plastic, and natural sources.
J – Jamb
Door and window jambs are the vertical parts of the frame that support and finish the opening. They ensure doors and windows fit and function properly.
K – Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is a versatile and highly desired centerpiece that adds extra counter space, storage, and seating to your kitchen. In new homes, islands often serve as the heart of the space — perfect for meal prep, casual dining, or gathering with family and friends. Oversized islands are very popular.
L – Lot Premium
Some home sites — like larger lots, corner lots, or those with views — cost more than typical ones. That additional cost is called a lot premium. Lot premiums can range in value from a modest $1,000 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how special the homesite is.
M – Mortgage
A mortgage is a loan you take out to buy your home. Monthly payments typically include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (often called PITI). Most builders, including Scott Communities, work with preferred lenders. Buyers typically receive significant savings or incentives by using the builder’s preferred lender to secure a mortgage for your new home.
N – New Home Orientation
Before you move in, builders schedule a New Home Orientation. It’s your chance to learn how systems work, review features, and note any touch-ups needed. This educational tour of your new home will teach you many important things on how your home operates and your long term responsibilities to maintain your home.
O – Options
When you personalize your home, upgrades like cabinets, flooring, or fixtures are called options. They let you make the space fit your style and needs. Options could be structural such as patio extensions or additional garage bays but they can also be decorative like choosing the finish and style for your kitchen faucet.
P – Permit
Before construction begins, builders must obtain permits from the city or county. These approvals ensure that your new home meets safety codes, zoning rules, and local building standards. The builder will apply for the construction permit with the local municipality after you confirm all the options desired on your home. Depending on the municipality, an approved permit can take days, weeks, or even months.
Q – Quartz
Quartz countertops are a durable, low-maintenance option popular in kitchens and baths. They resist stains and scratches with proper use, while offering a sleek, modern look. Granite countertops are also popular. Is quartz or granite right for you? Learn the differences.
R – Roofing
A home’s roof isn’t just shingles — it’s a system of layers that protect your investment. Good roofing keeps weather out and energy efficiency in. In the greater Phoenix area, most roofs are built with long-lasting, energy efficient concrete tiles which come in a variety of profiles and colors. Scott Communities proudly builds with Eagle Roofing products which carry a limited lifetime warranty.
S – Stucco
A common exterior finish in Arizona, stucco is durable and weather-resistant. Its textured surface also adds visual appeal to homes. Stucco can be finished in a variety of styles and textures and is finished with a proper coating of exterior paint. Stucco is a concrete based product that is subject to hairline cracking which is absolutely normal. Learn more about hairline stucco cracks.
T – Trusses
Trusses are pre-engineered wooden frameworks that support the roof. They’re strong, efficient, and allow builders to create open floor plans.
U – Underlayment
This is a protective layer installed beneath roofing or flooring materials. It provides added durability, comfort, and moisture resistance. While your concrete roof tiles will last for decades and likely the entire life span of your home, the underlayment has a shorter lifespan. Depending on the product used, the underlayment needs to be replaced every 10 to 30 years.
V – Ventilation
Good ventilation keeps the air in your home fresh, healthy, and comfortable by circulating clean air and reducing excess moisture. Many new homes use advanced systems like an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), which exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while conserving energy.
W – Warranty
A new home warranty gives you peace of mind by covering certain repairs or replacements during the early years of homeownership. It’s the builder’s way of standing behind their work and ensuring your investment is protected. The State of Arizona requires all builders to carry a two year warranty on the home. But manufactured products like appliances and air conditioners are warrantied directly by the manufacturer. Contact Scott Communities’ customer care team for any warranty questions you may have.
X – Xeriscaping
In dry climates, xeriscaping uses low-water plants and design to create beautiful, eco-friendly yards. It saves on water bills and is perfect for Arizona living. Learn about the seven principals of xeriscape design.
Y – Yard
Your yard is an extension of your home. Whether landscaped, ready for your touch, or designed for outdoor living, it’s where memories are made. Most new homes come with a landscaped front yard but the back yard will be a blank slate ready for you to build your dream outdoor space.
Z – Zoning
Zoning laws dictate how land can be used — residential, commercial, or mixed-use. They ensure communities develop in an orderly and consistent way.
Now that you’ve got the ABCs of new homebuilding terms, you’ll be ready to navigate the process like a pro. At Scott Communities, we believe knowledge is power — and building your dream home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Ready to put your new vocabulary to use? Explore our communities and see where your story begins. 🏡