keys Little fingers
of plaster that squeeze through lath. When they harden, these hold the plaster
in place.
keystone An angular
block centered over a door or window in a header or mantle.
kick-out clause A
clause in a sales contract that allows a seller to accept one buyer's contingent
offer, then back out without penalty if a second buyer makes a better
offer.
kit home A structure
that contains prefabricated components and is put together by a
contractor.
K
knee wall A
wall-like structure that supports roof rafters.
knob-and-tube wiring An old-fashioned wiring system that has been replaced by fuses and
circuit
breakers.