Conversions trade jargon

Ballast

Mix of sand and gravel. Usually used to make concrete when mixed with cement.

Building Act 1984

The overarching act of legislation that covers all building regulations in the UK.

Building control

A legal requirement that must be obtained before carrying erecting, extending or significantly altering a building. Building control officers (also known as building control surveyors/building inspectors) are usually based within local authority building control departments.

Cavity wall

Wall made up to two parallel masonry skins, with an air space between them to aid ventilation.

First fix

Installation work carried out before walls and ceilings are plastered, such as fitting pipes and cables.

K-Glass

Short for Pilkington K Glass, a kind of glass used to reduce heat loss due to a special coating on the inside of the glass.

Second fix

Items installed after plastering has been completed, such as plug sockets, radiators and doors.

Snagging

An expression for all the small issues left over at the end of a construction project. Typically a homeowner will identify snags which the tradesperson will rectify to complete the job.

Stanchion

A vertical supporting beam, made of steel.

Stud partition

A non-load bearing dividing wall, made of a timber frame covered in plaster board.

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