Words and phrases used in this act shall be defined as follows:

  (a) “School buildings” shall include all buildings used for school purposes.

  (b) “Remodeling” shall mean the alteration, construction or remodeling of partitions, hallways, stairways and means of egress, the replacement, relocation or reconstruction of heating, ventilating and sanitary equipment.

  (c) “Addition” shall mean added space which results in additional cubic contents to existing building.

  (d) “Total cost” shall be interpreted to mean the monetary worth of the building when ready for occupancy, regardless of the source of funds, labor or material and shall include the cost of general construction, plumbing, heating and ventilation, electrical work, all fixed equipment, together with the cost of architects, engineers and building superintending services.

  (e) A building having a basement shall be considered to be a 2 story building for the purposes of this act.