data collection REFERENCE GUIDE

amrock.com

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.

amrock.com | 2

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.)

amrock.com | 3

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.

amrock.com | 4

Construction Type

amrock.com | 5

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

amrock.com | 6

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

amrock.com | 7

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.

amrock.com | 8

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

amrock.com | 9

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

amrock.com | 10

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

amrock.com | 11

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

amrock.com | 12

amrock.com | 13

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)

amrock.com | 14

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.

amrock.com | 15

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.