Australia & New Zealand's
home building resource

Glossary terms for letter 'd'

Damp Proof Course (DPC) A layer of impervious material placed in a masonry wall or at floor and wall junctions to prevent migration of moisture.

Day Work The work carried out by a Contractor on a daily basis and whose rates are calculated daily.

Deck A horizontal platform attached to a building.

Decking A horizontal boarding or forming a cover for a deck. Can also be used for Formwork.

Defects Liability Period A specified period of time by which the contractor is obligated to carry out rectification work of defects arising from faulty workmanship and/or materials at their own cost.

Demolition The complete or partial dismantling and removal of a structure.

Designated Subcontractor A preferred subcontractor named in the contract, chosen by the principal or by the contractor.

Detached Pier A stand alone pier acting as a support for floor beams.

Detention Tank A tank constructed for the temporary storage of peak run off storm water flows.

Dewatering The removal of water also ground water by pumping-out.

Differential settlement The uneven settlement of different parts of a building.

Diffuser (Lighting) A device used to scatter light to reduce glare. Electricians & Electrical Contractors

Dimension The measurement of distance between two points or lines.

Door Closer A mechanical and hydraulic device that automatically closes the door. Carpenters & Joiners, Window Installation

Door frame A timber or metal frame which surrounds and supports the door. Carpenters & Joiners, Window Installation

Door Furniture Hinges, handles, locks, bolts, latches, push plates. Basically all accessories used for a doors. Carpenters & Joiners, Window Installation

Door Jamb Vertical sides of a door frame. Carpenters & Joiners, Window Installation

Door Stopper A device to prevent a door opening too far. Carpenters & Joiners, Window Installation

Double Glazed A form of glazing consisting of two panes of glass with a void space between them used for thermal and sound insulation. Window Installation, Glass Fitters & Glaziers

Double Hung Window A window with two sashes vertically sliding. Glass Fitters & Glaziers, Window Installation

Down Light A small light fixture which concentrates light beams mainly downward. Electricians & Electrical Contractors

Downpipe A metal or plastic pipe for rainwater, from a roof or gutter to a storm water drain. Plumbers & Gasfitters

Drain A line of pipes or channels constructed to carry away sewage, waste and storm water. Plumbers & Gasfitters

Drainage Pit Built in-ground structure, to collect or redirect drainage water. Carpenters & Joiners

Drainage Plan A plan of a drainage network with a building outline.

Dressed All Round (DAR) Timber which has been planed and is relatively smooth (dressed) on all four sides.

Dumpy Level A surveying instrument used for levelling. Building Surveyors

Dwarf Partition (Wall) A small wall which does not carry through to the ceiling. Carpenters & Joiners