General lighting that usually lights up an entire space.
Ambient temperature
The temperature of a medium, such as gas or liquid, which comes into contact with or surrounds an apparatus or building element.
Amendment
Adding additional ingredients to the soil. Usually they are described as soil amendments. Leaf mold, compost, peat moss, and sand can all be used as soil amendments.
American national standards institute
Non-profit group that tests building materials.
American planning association (apa)
Founded in 1978 to encourage the best techniques and decisions for the planned development of communities and regions. Located in Washington, D.C., it has 26,000 members with 45 regional groups in the U.S.
American plywood association (apa)
The grading standards for plywood are set by this association of plywood manufacturers.
American real estate society (ares)
ARES has 950 members who are interested in real estate finance, investment, valuation, marketing, development, etc. Founded in 1985, it is located at Cleveland State University in the College of Business, Cleveland, Ohio.
American society for testing materials (astm)
A non-profit organization consisting of a variety of qualified professionals who decide the level of quality that must be used in building materials for a particular job. A standard is proposed and these professionals either approve it or suggest changes. There is a vote to decide on approval and then it is published and manufacturers are expected to comply. If they do not, they are not given an ASTM number and cannot be used for jobs that require ASTM approved products. ASTM Standard Index American Society for Testing Materials Standards Index is the list, by subject and number, of published standards that have been approved by the Society
American society of appraisers (asa)
This society is primarily concerned with the advancement of the appraisal profession including teaching, certifying and testing. Located in Washington, D.C., it was founded in 1952 and has 6,000 members.
American society of home inspectors (ashi)
Professional association of independent home inspectors. These members must meet the group's education and performance requirements. For a list of ASHI-certified inspectors, call (800) 743-2744.
