data collection REFERENCE GUIDE
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Definitions and Examples for Data Collection
Good-to-Know Facts
When working in data collection, you may run across unfamiliar terms, or terms that
you would better understand if you had a definition or example. We’ve put together this
brief compilation of definitions and examples to help you out. As always, if you have a
particular question reach out to us at our hotline: 855-378-4253.
Pro Tip: You can find a wealth of additional information, definitions and visual images
through a Google search.
One acre equals 43,560 square feet.
The number of parking spaces in a driveway is equal to the number of cars that will fit
without having to move a car to drive in or out of the driveway.
“Walkable” means located within an approximate 5 to 10 minute walk. But you don’t
have to actually walk it. Just take a photo of the home.
Prominent View
Elevated Overpass
Ravine
Sound
Territorial View
A structure, such as a bridge, that crosses over/above.
A small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully but smaller than a canyon
and was usually created over many years by running water.
A large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, and wider than a fjord;
or a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land.
Views of a large area that can be seen from a property’s windows or deck/patio when
the view isn’t particularly unique or special.
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The subject property is located on the second row of buildings from the beach.
The subject’s location is in between the two houses across the street that are
oceanfront. Looking straight ahead, there is an unobstructed view of the ocean.
(However, there is not a “panoramic” view of the ocean, meaning when you turn
your head right or left the ocean view does not continue.)
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View Type
Adverse Site Conditions
For Example:
Obstructed
Encroachments
Partial
Unobstructed
Panoramic
This is a limited view. You do not have a full view because something is blocking it.
For example, the subject property is located on the second row of buildings from the
beach. The house across the street that is oceanfront obstructs the full view of the
ocean.
This refers to an intrusion of land or property owned by another person; in short, when
a piece of someone else’s property crosses onto the subject’s property line. In many
cases, a fence or an outbuilding might encroach on the subject property line. There are
also cases where part of the dwelling next door or a garage might encroach onto the
subject property.
This refers to a view that is “partially” seen. In a partial view, the view feature is not
fully visible. For example, the subject property is located in a hilly area with a large lake
in the distance. The view from the subject property includes other houses and a partial
view of the large lake. It differs from an obstructed view because there typically is not
something which blocks part of the view.
This means is nothing in the way of a “straight-ahead” view. It is superior to an
obstructed or partial view.
This is a wide-angle view. You can see the view ahead, right, left and maybe behind
– basically a 180- to 360-degree view. It is superior to unobstructed. For example,
the subject property is a lakefront house located on a point and has three sides
on the waterfront with full water views. Looking right to left there are “panoramic”
continuous water views.
Site Improvements
Bulkhead
Orchard
Floating Dock
Vineyard
Graywater System
Irrigation System
Water Collection System
Lanai
This refers to a retaining wall. Sometimes referred to as seawalls, riprap or revetments.
They serve as a barrier between the property and an adjacent body of water to help
prevent erosion caused by that water.
Orchards are a group of trees or shrubs planted for food production. They typically
produce fruit or nuts.
A floating dock is a floating structure supported by floats and used as a dry dock.
Floating docks rest on the surface of the water; stationary docks rest on top of pilings
that are mounted into the ground.
A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines, often used for wine making.
This refers to a system for reusing “graywater,” used water that is not
contaminated with sewage. This can be water from bathroom sinks, tubs and
showers and washing machines, etc.
Also referred to as a sprinkler system, an irrigation system is used to water a
lawn or garden.
This is a system for rainwater collection (e.g. cisterns or rain barrels).
This refers to a type of roofed, open-sided porch, patio or veranda.
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Construction Type
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Earth Berm
Geodesic
Frame
Log
Masonry
Characterized by the use of natural terrain
to help form the walls of a house. The house
is typically partially set into the ground.
Also known as a dome, a geodesic
dome is a hemispherical thin-shell
structure (lattice-shell).
The structural parts are built on site. Framing materials are usually wood, engineered
wood or structural steel. In most areas, this will be the most typical type of
construction.
Log homes are best described as a structure built with horizontal logs
interlocked at the corners.
The construction of building materials (brick, stone, concrete block, etc.) is
bonded together with mortar.
A home built on a frame has wooden studs between the exterior material and
the drywall on the inside (typically the most common type of construction). A
home built on masonry has brick, stone or cement block between the exterior
material and the drywall on the interior.
Frame vs Masonry Construction:
Construction Type
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Manufactured
Modular
Manufactured homes must have been built after June 15, 1976. They are built
in a factory and their construction is governed by a federal building code.
A manufactured home will have a HUD Tag, which is a metal plate that is
affixed to the outside of the home on each transportable section. The tag is
approximately 2”x4” in size.
There will also be a Data Plate, which is a paper label affixed inside the home
and is the size of a standard sheet of paper (8.5” x 11”). It should be found on
or near the main electrical panel, in a kitchen cabinet or in a bedroom closet.
Modular homes consist of prefabricated sections (or modules) built
offsite in a factory-like setting. These sections are then transported and
assembled onsite. Modular homes are built based on the standards of
local or state building codes.
The dwelling is a “mobile home” if its structure was built before June 15, 1976. If built
after June 15, 1976, the correct term is “manufactured home.” A mobile home will not
have a HUD tag or Data Plate.
Mobile Home vs Manufactured Home
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StructuresDuring the inspection, please note if there is a second fully functioning kitchen, meaning a second kitchen with a sink, stove, oven
and refrigerator.
If you observe a second living quarters, such as a guest house or in-law suite, the structure you will add is “Dwelling.”
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) typically is an additional living area independent of the primary dwelling unit. It may or may not be
attached to the main dwelling. It would have – at a minimum – a fully functioning kitchen, at least one full bathroom and some type
of living area. ADUs can be an area in the basement, over the garage, off the garage or a separate detached building. It may or may
not have its own postal address and may or may not have separate utilities.
Construction Status
If any site work on the subject site has begun, the property would be considered
“Under Construction.” If no site work has begun, it is considered “Proposed.”
Proposed vs Under Construction
Construction Type
HardiePlank Siding
Seamless Steel
Synthetic Stucco
Traditional Stucco
Wood Clapboard
This type of long, horizontal siding consists of material created from blend of
wood and minerals. It’s also called fiber cement siding.
This siding is siding made of steel and lacks seams and joints.
Also called Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), or Dryvit, it is a synthetic
product spread on top of a foam insulation board, then layered with fiberglass mesh
before a topcoat is added.
Traditional (or hard coat) stucco siding is made from Portland cement, sand, lime, and
water. This mixture is applied in three coats over a lath base, or a piece of mesh, and
often coated with an expansive acrylic-polymer finish to deter cracking.
Also called bevel or lap siding, wood clapboard consists of overlapping
horizontal wood planks/boards.
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Roofing SurfacesBelow are photos depicting several types of roofing surfaces. Please be aware roofing shingles can come in a variety of colors, sizes,
shapes and dimensions. The easiest way to determine the type of roofing surface used is to simply ask the homeowner. Chances
are, they’ll be able to tell you.
3D Architectural Shingle
Copper
Cedar Shingle
Metal
Concrete Tiles
Slate
Terracotta
These asphalt shingles have a
dimensional appearance. Below is a
photo showing an architectural shingle
(left) vs a basic shingle (right).
Copper is a premium roofing material that
has been used on roofs for centuries.
Unlike steel or aluminum, copper will
never corrode or rust and it will, over time,
develop its own protective green patina.
These shingles, made of cedar wood, are
often referred to as “shakes.” They’re
long lasting, resistant to severe weather
and weather to a silver-gray patina.
Usually composed of steel, aluminum
or tin, metal roofs are resistant to fire,
mildew, insects and rot.
As their name implies, these roof tiles
made of concrete. Like clay tiles, concrete
tile can be textured or smooth, and tile
edges can be ragged or uniform.
These natural-stone shingles are
known for their appearance, longevity
and fire resistance.
Traditionally made of clay (some with a
waterproof glaze), they are hung from
a framework on a roof by affixing them
with nails. The tiles are usually hung in
overlapping rows.
Window Type
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Pane
Storm Window
Storm/Sash
This refers to the individual glass within a window. If you see more than one layer, it
may be double- or triple-pane glass.
A storm window is a separate window either outside or inside of the main glass
window. It is more typically used with a single-pane glass window.
This refers to an extra window placed outside of an ordinary window to
protect against severe weather. They’re often referred to as “storm windows.”
The sash is the framework into which the window is set.
Car Storage
Electrical Service
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Attached Garage
Hydroelectric
Detached Garage
Solar
Built-in Garage
Wind
On-grid Service
Off-grid Service
The garage is attached to the main
dwelling and typically has its own roofline.
Generally, most main-level garages would be
considered attached.
This type of power uses the energy of moving water to make electricity.
This is a garage that is not attached to
the main dwelling structure.
Solar energy converts the sun’s energy into
electricity. Solar panels are often mounted to
the roof, but they can also be free-standing
units located in a yard.
A built-in garage is contained within the
structure – it’s part of the main dwelling
and shares a common roof with the home.
Often it has a living area above and adjacent
to it. Most basement garages would be
considered built in.
Wind power uses air flow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power
for electric generators.
This refers to a power system (hydroelectric, solar or wind) which is tied into the local
utility power grid and sends the power generated back to the grid. Individuals using
an on-grid system receive a discount on their electric payment based on the amount
sent back to the grid.
Off-grid service refers to a stand-alone system or a part of a mini-grid which provides
power to an individual residence or a small community.
Sewage Service
Water Service
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Cesspit (also called cesspool)
Cistern
Septic
Hauled Water
This is a holding tank which collects wastewater and sewage without an outlet. It is
located underground with a manhole cover giving access for waste collection. It does
not include waste processing or treatment.
A cistern is an on-site tank for storing water. It can be located above or below ground,
and is filled by rainwater or water delivered via water truck.
A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure. It consists of a
septic tank and drain field. Sewage is collected in the tank, decomposed and drained.
With a hauled-water system, a storage tank is filled with water from a source located
off site. Water is hauled in by truck, then pumped into a pressurized tank which feeds
into the home’s water distribution system.
Electric Baseboard Heater
Hot Water Baseboard
Evaporative Cooler
Geothermal
Electric baseboard heaters are usually
located along the floor, beneath a window.
Inside an aluminum housing or cabinet, there
is a metal cable containing a heating element.
Around the cable are “fins” designed to help
radiate the heat throughout the room. Heat is
generated through the heating elements and
dissipated into the room through the fins.
This type of baseboard heat comes from hot water (instead of oil, as in the case of
many other baseboards.
Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, cool outdoor air by passing it over
water-saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate into it. The 15°F- to 40°F-cooler
air is then directed into the home, and pushes warmer air out through windows.
This refers to a central heating and/or cooling system that transfers heat to or
from the ground. (See “Heat Pump.”)
Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC)
Heat Pumps Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space and vice
versa. There are three types of heat pumps: air-to-air, water source and geothermal.
They transfer the warmer or cooler temperatures from the air, water, or ground outside
a home and concentrate it for use inside.
A heat pump both cools and heats a house, while an air conditioner only cools a
house and a furnace only heats it.
The best way to tell which system is used on the subject property is by checking
the model number of the manufacturer’s sticker – usually located on the outdoor
portion of the unit – and then looking up that model number on the internet.
Heat Pump vs Central Air Conditioner and Furnace
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Radiant Floor Heating
Stove
Whole House Fan
Radiant floor heating uses electric resistance cables or hot water cables to transfer
heat. The most popular style features cables embedded in thin mats that can be
installed under tile, stone, engineered wood, and laminate floors.
A stove is a freestanding heating unit that
burns wood, pellets or gas for heat, usually
for a single room.
Also called an attic fan, this is a type of fan
or exhaust system which commonly vents
air into a building’s attic and is designed to
circulate air in a home or building.
Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) cont.
Hot Water Radiator Hot water radiators use water that is heated
from a central boiler continually running through
them. This water either runs in a loop (one pipe
system) or up and back down again (two pipe
system). There are two types of hot water
radiators: conventional, “stand-up” radiators or
low, out-of-sight baseboard heaters.
Wall heaters are heating units that are installed
in or attached directly to a wall. They are most
commonly used in studio apartments, compact
living spaces and smaller offices. They generate
enough heat to keep small areas warm, yet don’t
take up valuable floor space.
Wall Heater (also called In-Wall Heater)
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Earth Contact If any side of the structure is partly or entirely below ground level there is earth contact. The most common types of earth contact
are depicted here:
All of the lowest level has earth contact. Part of the sides and rear of dwelling has
earth contact.
Part of the lower level has earth contact.
Wood Flooring
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered Wood Flooring
Laminate Wood
Laminate Flooring
Also called composite wood flooring, this is a man-made wood product or
manufactured board.
This type of flooring has a plywood base topped with a veneer of hardwood.
This is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together by a lamination process.
This refers to a type of thin, pressed wood board that features an image of wood on
the top covered by a clear “wear layer” to protect the image.
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CountertopsCountertops can be made of many types of materials. Following are images of the types of countertops you’re most likely to
encounter in data collection.
Tile
Steel
Cement (or Concrete)
Butcher Block
Laminate
Natural Stone
Solid Surface Ceramic tile is available in an almost
endless variety of colors, designs and
shapes. Tile countertops are also popular
because they’re relatively easy to install
and maintain.
Steel countertops are durable, stain and
heat resistant and easy to disinfect.
These can be made offsite, using a
precast frame and then installing the
completed piece; or onsite, hand-poured
directly onto the cabinets and finished
in place with a hand trowel. They can be
tinted with dyes, stains or coatings.
Butcher block is made from straight cuts
of wood glued together into thick slabs
that provide a particularly sturdy and
stable work surface in a kitchen, whether
as a cutting board, tabletop or counter.
Laminate countertops come in a wide
variety of designs, and they can mimic
the look of more expensive natural stone
or butcher block countertops.
These countertops are typically made
from granite, marble, soapstone or quartz.
Solid-surface countertops are created
from a man-made material usually
composed of a combination of acrylic,
epoxy or polyester resins and pigments.
They are most frequently used for
seamless countertop installations and
are non-porous and durable.