V
Back to top |
|
V-cap
A specially shaped piece of
ceramic tile used at the edge of a counter to trap
liquids. |
VA (Veterans
Administration)
A key program of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans
Administration allows most veterans to purchase a
house without a down payment. |
VA loan
A loan through the Veterans
Administration program, which allows most veterans
to purchase a house without a down payment. |
valley
The angled intersection between
two roof planes where water collects and runs off
the roof. Valleys are often protected with special
metal flashing because they must handle heavy water
flow without leaking. |
valuation
The estimated worth or price.
The act of valuation by appraisal. |
V
Back to top |
vapor barrier
A material such as plastic that
prevents the passage of moisture. |
variable interest rate
A loan rate that moves up and
down based on factors including changes in the rate
paid on bank certificates of deposit or Treasury
bills. |
variable rate
An interest rate that changes
with fluctuations in such indexes as the U.S.
Treasury bill index. |
variable rate mortgage
(VRM)
A loan with an interest rate
that hinges on factors such as the rate paid on bank
certificates and Treasury bills. |
vaulted ceiling
An elongated half-cylinder that
arches above the floor. |
veneer
A thin facing material that is
applied over a structural base. A veneered door, for
example, may have a hollow or solid wood core and a
thin surface layer of fine hardwood. |
V
Back to top |
vent
A pipe that allows air to flow
in a drainage system. |
ventilation
The process of replacing stale
air with fresh air, usually by circulation through a
series of vents or a mechanical system such as an
air conditioner. |
verification of deposit
Part of the loan process, in
which a lender will ask a borrower's bank to sign a
statement verifying the borrower's account balances
and history. |
verification of
employment
Part of the loan process, in
which a lender asks the borrower's employer for
confirmation of the borrower's position and salary. |
vestibule
A small entrance hall or room. |
Veterans Administration
(VA)
A key program of the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans
Administration allows most veterans to purchase a
house without a down payment. |
V
Back to top |
Victorian style
An architectural style that
dates from the mid-19th century. |
vinyl-clad windows
Wood windows sheathed in vinyl
on the outside. |
violation
An act, deed, or condition
contrary to the permissible use of property. |
Visqueen
A brand of polyethylene sheet
used to cover the ground in a crawl space. |
voidable contract
A contract that may seem to be
valid, but can be rejected by either one of the
parties. |
volt
The unit used to measure
electrical force between two points in a circuit.
The current at most receptacles in the United States
and Canada is approximately 120 volts. |
V
Back to top |
volt-ohm meter
An electrical test device used
for making a variety of electrical measurements,
including voltage and current. |
voltage
The pressure behind the flow of
electricity. |
voluntary lien
A lien that a homeowner
willingly gives to a lender. |
