ID POST flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Net assignable area

The usable floor area of spaces that directly serve occupants, excluding walls, columns, circulation, and mechanical space. It is the basis for space programming before grossing up for circulation.

Adjacency matrix

A grid that rates how closely each pair of programmed rooms should be located. It converts client priorities into a zoning diagram before walls and dimensions are drawn.

Kitchen work triangle

The path connecting sink, range, and refrigerator. Each leg should fall between 4 and 9 ft and the sum should not exceed 26 ft for efficient, safe movement.

Universal turning circle

A 60 in (1525 mm) diameter clear floor area that allows a wheelchair to turn. Kitchens and baths in accessible designs must provide it or an equivalent T-shaped approach.

Type X gypsum board

A 5/8 in gypsum panel with a glass-fiber-reinforced core that improves fire resistance. It is specified for rated wall and ceiling assemblies, not general partition use.

Resilient channel

A metal furring channel that decouples gypsum board from framing, interrupting sound and heat paths. Used in party walls and ceilings to raise sound transmission class ratings.

Fireblocking

Concealed wood-frame spaces must be blocked at floor and ceiling levels, at soffits, and where chases pass between stories to stop hidden fire spread through the cavity.

Rough opening

The framed opening in a wall that receives a door or window frame. For a typical interior door it equals the door width plus 2 in and height plus 2 1/2 in.

Emergency escape opening

An operable window or door in each sleeping room sized for rescue, commonly a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq ft with code-limited sill height.

Smoke alarm locations

Alarms are required inside each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story. Interconnection ensures all sound when one detects smoke.

GFCI protection

Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection is required at kitchen counter receptacles, within 6 ft of sinks, in garages, outdoors, and in unfinished basements to prevent shock.

Guard height

Open sides of stairs, balconies, and raised floors need a guard at least 36 in high in dwelling units, with openings that will not pass a 4 in sphere.

MasterFormat Division 09

The specification division covering finishes such as gypsum board, tile, flooring, and paint. Each section states submittals, products, execution, and warranty requirements.

Wyzenbeek abrasion test

A US test measuring double rubs before fabric shows wear. Contract upholstery often requires 30,000 or more double rubs, but results are not interchangeable with Martindale cycles.

Porcelain tile absorption

Porcelain tile has water absorption below 0.5%, making it denser and more frost- and stain-resistant than standard ceramic. Wet floors also need a slip-resistant coefficient of 0.60 or higher.

Paint sheen selection

Flat for ceilings and low-traffic walls, eggshell or satin for general walls, and semi-gloss for trim, kitchens, and baths where cleanability matters more than hiding surface flaws.

CRI color rendering

Color rendering index rates how faithfully a light source shows colors. Specify CRI 90 or higher for residential interiors where finishes and skin tones must look accurate.

Correlated color temperature

A measure in kelvin of a light source's warmth. Roughly 2700–3000 K suits living spaces, while 3500–4000 K suits task and utility areas.

Reverberation time

The time for sound to decay 60 dB after it stops. In small residential rooms, keeping it under about 0.6 s preserves speech clarity and reduces harshness.

Noise criteria

A single-number rating of background noise from mechanical systems. Continuous HVAC noise above about NC 30–35 in living spaces becomes noticeable and should be controlled by equipment and duct design.

Operative temperature

The combined effect of air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air speed on comfort. ASHRAE 55 defines acceptable ranges, roughly 68–75 F in winter and 73–79 F in summer.

Kitchen aisle clearance

Clear space between counters: 42 in for a one-cook kitchen and 48 in for multiple cooks, with 36 in as the minimum in a single-cook galley layout.

Toilet side clearance

A toilet needs at least 15 in from its centerline to a side wall and about 21 in of clear space in front of the bowl for comfortable, code-compliant use.

Bath exhaust ventilation

Bath fans must discharge outdoors, not into an attic, and are typically sized near 1 cfm per sq ft of floor area. Makeup air and short, smooth duct runs preserve performance.

Counter and cabinet heights

Standard counter height is 36 in, base cabinets are 24 in deep, and wall cabinets are 12 in deep and mounted 18 in above the counter.

Percentage fee

A design fee calculated as a percentage of construction cost. The agreement must state which cost, what scope, and what reimbursables the percentage covers.

Change order

A written modification to the contract documents that states the cost and time impact of a change. Work should not proceed on a verbal change without documentation.

Retainage

A percentage, commonly 5–10%, withheld from payments until substantial completion. It protects the owner against incomplete or defective work at closeout.

Substantial completion

The stage when the work is sufficiently complete for its intended use, triggering punch list, warranty start, and release of retainage under the contract terms.

Standard of care

The professional skill and diligence ordinarily exercised by comparable practitioners under similar circumstances. It is the benchmark for negligence and should be stated in the agreement.

Conflict of interest disclosure

Any financial interest in a specified product, supplier, or contractor must be disclosed to the client and consented to in writing before the client commits.

Scope of services

The written list of what the designer will and will not deliver, including revisions, site visits, and reimbursables. Verbal promises outside it create liability.