Elizabeth Kelly (asker) Feb 3, 2014:

Thanks everyone! After discussing this with another colleague working on the project, I decided to go with "shutters" but I pointed out my doubts to the client just to be on the safe side. Thanks again for all the input.

Sabine Reynaud Feb 1, 2014:

floorboards etc. was actually my first thought as well, and then I came across the many differend types of finishes there are of different surfaces, wood, flooring, walls, paint, cement. However I am coming back around to the floorboard idea, because I am reminded of the cleaning/Reinigung list I was given when I last moved out off an apartment. Floorboards where definitely on that list, I remember cleaning them too.

Stephen Reader Jan 31, 2014:

Hunch: w/ 3logy - As I say, a hunch (my being 1/2-Swiss isn't much help here and I'm not techno-architecturally versed. But an Abschluss can mean the 'end'/edge of a surface or object at its juncture with whatever's next, so that a doorstep or at least the brass/wood/whatever cover or the gap between it and the interior (or exterior) flooring (@ freekfluweel) could be of that category. Often tne 'join'/seam between, e.g., wall-tiling and floor, wainscoting, etc. Thence 'finish' only if that's used by architects/interior decorators/builders to mean 'end of a surface' (and not as in the 'finish'= treatment, of a surface e.g. gloss or matt, laminated etc.). Time I stopped speculating.

Trilogy Jan 27, 2014:

that could be... ...borders or edges

freekfluweel Jan 25, 2014:

pavement/cobbles/doorpath/doorstep ? http://www.bauberufe.ch/verkehrswegbauer/strassenbauer/

Elizabeth Kelly (asker) Jan 25, 2014:

I should add that the agreement is written in Swiss-German, so any Swiss peers out there, your input would be greatly appreciated.