Answer Hub
Outdoor living glossary
Clear definitions for the terms that change outdoor project budgets: base prep, drainage, permits, pavers, setbacks, allowances, defensible space, and more.
Hardscape
Base prep
Base prep is the excavation, grading, compaction, and aggregate layer under pavers, turf, concrete, or other outdoor surfaces.
Read definitionPermits
Permit pull
A permit pull is the process of applying for, receiving, and posting the local building permit required before regulated construction work begins.
Read definitionContracts
Change order
A change order is a written update to a construction contract that changes scope, price, materials, timeline, or responsibilities after the original agreement is signed.
Read definitionBudgets
Allowance
An allowance is a placeholder budget in a contractor bid for an item that has not been fully selected or priced yet.
Read definitionSite Work
Drainage
Drainage is the system of grading, slopes, drains, pipes, permeable surfaces, and discharge paths that moves water away from the home and usable outdoor areas.
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Pavers
Pavers are individual concrete, porcelain, brick, or stone units installed over a prepared base to create driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks.
Read definitionEnvelope
Cool roof
A cool roof is a roofing system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a conventional roof.
Read definitionFire Safety
Defensible space
Defensible space is the managed area around a home where vegetation, materials, and layouts are arranged to reduce wildfire risk.
Read definitionArtificial Turf
Turf infill
Turf infill is the material brushed between synthetic grass blades to add weight, support, drainage behavior, cooling properties, and pet odor control.
Read definitionStructure
Retaining wall
A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil and manages grade changes, slopes, terraces, driveways, patios, and planting areas.
Read definitionZoning
Setback
A setback is the required distance between a structure or improvement and a property line, street, easement, slope, or other regulated boundary.
Read definitionStormwater
Impervious surface
Impervious surface is hardscape or roofing that prevents water from soaking naturally into the ground, such as concrete, roofs, patios, and some driveway materials.
Read definitionZoning
Easement
An easement is a legal right for a utility, neighbor, city, or agency to access or restrict part of a property for a specific purpose.
Read definitionUtilities
Utility run
A utility run is the path, trenching, conduit, pipe, wiring, or connection work needed to bring gas, electrical, water, sewer, or data service to a project.
Read definitionStormwater
Permeable pavers
Permeable pavers are paver systems designed with joints and base layers that let water pass through into a drainage base or infiltration area.
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Geogrid
Geogrid is a synthetic reinforcement mesh used in soil and retaining-wall systems to improve stability and distribute load.
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Polymeric sand
Polymeric sand is joint sand mixed with binders that harden after watering to help lock paver joints and reduce washout or weed growth.
Read definitionFire Safety
WUI zone
A WUI zone is a wildland-urban interface area where buildings meet or mix with vegetation and wildfire exposure affects construction requirements.
Read definitionCalifornia Code
Title 24
Title 24 is California’s building standards code, including energy rules that can affect roofs, ADUs, additions, lighting, insulation, windows, and mechanical systems.
Read definitionCalifornia Code
CalGreen
CalGreen is California’s green building standards code, covering sustainability measures such as construction waste, water efficiency, stormwater, materials, and site practices.
Read definitionSite Work
Soil compaction
Soil compaction is the process of mechanically densifying soil or base material so it can support hardscape, turf, slabs, driveways, walls, or structures.
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Slope drainage
Slope drainage is the grading, drain, swale, wall, pipe, or discharge strategy used to move water safely across or away from sloped property.
Read definitionSource discipline
Built for bid comparison, not jargon.
Each definition explains what the term means, why it affects cost, and which Golden Yards guides or cost pages help with the next decision.
For cost methodology, source limits, and update practices, use the Golden Yards Methodology. For project-level ranges, use the Cost Index.