Fascia.
Boards installed to a roof to protect the ends of trusses or rafters and on which gutters are attached.

Feuhold.
This term is used in Scotland and applies if you own both the property and the land it stands on.

Finial.
Ornamental timber section added to the highest point of barge boards or hanging from stair newels on landings.

Flange.
A flat plate at the end of a pipe or beam, through which a bolted joint can be made.

Flashing.
Waterproof material covering joints between walls and roofs, usually shaped out of lead.

Floating coat.
The first coat of thick plaster put on a wall to cover irregularities.

Floor plate.
A plate constructed from steel or timber bedded in mortar and designed to withstand heavy loads.

Flying Freehold.
That part of a freehold property that is built above land that is not part of the property freehold. An example is a room built over a common access passageway.

Footings.
The foundations of a structure.

Footprint.
The 'footprint' of the building refers to those parts within the external walls.

Formwork.
Temporary boards used to keep wet mixtures, such as concrete, in a par- ticular shape until it sets.

Framed construction.
A structure built with a strong skeleton frame made of timber or steel, against which a brick outer shell is added.

Freehold.
Absolute ownership as opposed to leasehold. The property is held absolutely for ever. Ownership is of both the property and the land it stand on.

Full structural survey.
A full structural survey looks at all the main features of the property, including walls, roof, foundations, plumbing, joinery, electrical wiring, drains and garden.