Room Names and Definitions

Living room
- general open entertainment area (no closets)
- in bungalows and two stories where there is a family room
- often in the front of homes

Great room
- general open entertainment area (no closets)
- in bungalows and two stories where there is no family room

Family room
- generally open living space noted as such when a living room is also in the home
- often in the rear of homes
- often contains a fireplace or entertainment centre or combination of the two
- alternative name is Leisure room

Kitchen
- cooking area containing fridge, range/oven, sink
- includes counter top lower and upper cabinets (built-ins or manufactured)
- may or may not include island configuration

Nook
- area required for table space for informal dining
- usually attached openly to kitchen

Atrium Nook
- usually used for informal dining but can be for formal also
- likely to have 10' high ceilings although can have more or special height ceilings
- usually larger in size than standard nook
- most often is separate off of kitchen

1/2 Bath
- includes 1 sink in vanity or as a pedestal
- includes 1 water closet

3/4 Bath
- includes 1 sink in vanity or as a pedestal
- includes a shower
- includes 1 water closet

Bath
- includes 1 sink in vanity (minimum)
- includes 1 water closet (minimum)
- includes 1 tub unit with shower over (minimum)

Ensuite
- is accessed directly from master ensuite
- includes 1 sink in vanity (minimum)
- includes 1 water closet (minimum)
- includes 1 tub unit with shower over (minimum)

Four Piece Ensuite
- is accessed directly from master suite
- includes 1 sink in vanity (minimum)
- includes 1 water closet (minimum), may be enclosed
- includes 1 separate stand alone shower (various sizes)
- includes 1 tub unit (various sizes and shapes)

Owners suite
- noted for main bedroom which is likely larger and usually with ensuites and or sitting areas.
- sometimes referred to as bedroom #1
- usually the larger of the two bedrooms
- may include walk-in closet where other bedrooms do not
- must contain an egress window or door

Bedroom #2, #3, #4, etc.
- usually the next bedroom according to size
- must contain an egress window or door
- includes (usually) 1 standard closet although may have a walk-in closet

Study
- office area (may be referred to as a den)
- closets not required but may have them (in any size)

Dining room
- area for formal dining of any size
- requires natural light as per A.B.C.
- may be open or closed off with doors

Lifestyle room
- usually an open floor area that can be utilized as a den, office, living room, T.V. room, etc.

Media room
- enclosed room generally containing big screen television and/or entertainment centers

I.T. centre
- area where computers are utilized
- can be a room space
- can be a desk area in an open area or hall space
- can be in a loft area

Loft
- usually area overlooking foyer
- can be any size
- may include I.T. centre or entertainment centre

Owners retreat
- area off of master bedroom used for owners in general
- usually requires glass area (windows)
- can be any size
- may include I.T. centre and/or a entertainment centre

Foyer
- at main entry of home
- can be of any size

Sun room
- area usually off of kitchen or nook containing more than a few windows or skylights
- can be of any size
- usually has access to exterior

Hearth room
- located off of kitchen and or nook and open to them
- contains a fireplace or wood stove
- much smaller than a family room
- identified as such when a family room is also included in the home

Garage
- vehicle storage
- any number of bays (usually maximum 2)
- enclosed walls with overhead doors

Carport
- vehicle storage
- any number of bays (usually maximum 2)
- open walls with no overhead doors

Veranda
- roof covered exterior floor space usually on front of home larger than entry landings
- may run along side of homes
- may run completely around home for garageless and themed houses

Stoop
- covered front entry where there is no veranda space
- usually smaller than veranda
- usually covers the basic stair and landing

Deck
- main floor exterior floor space
- may be covered and or partially covered by roofs or house overhangs

Covered lanai
- typically a covered deck but very large area and often very high

Balcony
- an exterior floor space similar to a deck only above 6' from grade (excluding walkouts)
- typically what is considered a deck off the second floor of a two storey home

Patio
- an exterior floor space which is below 2' from grade
- typically made of concrete on grade

Laundry room
- room space containing minimum washer and dryer units
- of any size and location

Mud room
- entry from garage space into an enclosed area usually containing a closet
- of any size

Laundry/mud room
- combination of laundry and mud rooms

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