Home Renovation: English Vocabulary, Phrases and Dialogue

Key words and phrases

renovationthe process of repairing or updating an existing buildingThe renovation was expected to take about two months.

estimatean approximate calculation of the total cost of a projectThe contractor gave them a rough estimate first.

modular kitchena kitchen built from pre-made standard units fitted togetherThey chose a modular kitchen for easier maintenance.

tiling workthe job of laying tiles on floors or wallsThe tiling work in the bathroom took three days.

plumbingthe system of pipes used for water supply and drainageOld plumbing was replaced throughout the house.

false ceilinga secondary ceiling installed below the original one, often for lighting or styleThey added a false ceiling in the living room.

electrical rewiringreplacing old or unsafe electrical wiring in a buildingElectrical rewiring was necessary before any new fittings.

budget overrunspending more money than originally planned for a projectThey tried to avoid a budget overrun by getting fixed quotes.

material selectionchoosing the specific materials, like tiles or fittings, used in a renovationMaterial selection took longer than they expected.

construction dustfine dust and debris produced during renovation workThey covered the furniture to protect it from construction dust.

temporary arrangementa short-term setup used while renovation work is ongoingThey set up a temporary arrangement to cook during the kitchen work.

before and aftera comparison showing how a space looked before and after renovationShe was thrilled with the before and after difference.

warranty periodthe time during which a contractor guarantees free repairs for defectsThe fittings came with a two-year warranty period.

layout changea modification to how rooms or space are arrangedThey decided against a major layout change to save time.

contractor's teamthe group of workers a contractor brings to complete a projectThe contractor's team started work early every morning.

finishing touchesthe final small details completed at the end of a renovationOnly a few finishing touches remained before the deadline.

Useful sentences

Ask What's included in this estimate you've given us?
Answer It covers tiling work, plumbing, and the modular kitchen installation.
Ask Will the electrical rewiring add much to the cost?
Answer A little, but it's necessary given how old the current wiring is.
Ask How can we avoid a budget overrun?
Answer By finalizing material selection early and avoiding last-minute changes.
Ask Should we plan for a layout change in the kitchen?
Answer It's possible, but it will add both time and cost.
Ask How do we manage cooking while the kitchen is under work?
Answer We'll set up a temporary arrangement in the store room.
Ask Does the tiling come with any warranty?
Answer Yes, there's a two-year warranty period on the fittings.
Ask Is the construction dust going to be a big problem?
Answer We'll cover the furniture and seal off the work area to reduce it.
Ask When will the finishing touches be done?
Answer In the last week, right before your daughter's wedding.

Dialogue

RahulWe'd like to renovate the kitchen and both bathrooms before the wedding.

ContractorThat's doable. Let me give you a rough estimate first, based on a modular kitchen and new tiling work.

PriyaWill you also need to touch the plumbing?

ContractorYes, some old plumbing needs replacing, and I'd recommend electrical rewiring too.

RahulWe're a little worried about a budget overrun with all these changes.

ContractorWe'll finalize material selection early and give you fixed quotes to avoid that.

PriyaHow will we manage without a kitchen for a few weeks?

ContractorWe can help you set up a temporary arrangement in another room.

RahulAnd you're confident this can all be done before the wedding date?

ContractorYes, we'll plan the finishing touches for the last week before the event.

Common mistakes

Saying "do renovation" instead of "do a renovation" or "get the house renovated."
Saying "give estimate" instead of "give an estimate" or "give us an estimate."
Saying "budget is overrun" instead of "there's a budget overrun" or "we went over budget."
Saying "change layout" without an article, better as "make a layout change."
Saying "plumbing is old" as a standalone fragment, better as "the plumbing is old."
Saying "finishing touch" instead of "finishing touches" (usually plural).

Quick quiz

1. What is a "modular kitchen"?

2. What does "budget overrun" mean?

3. What is "electrical rewiring"?

4. What is a "warranty period"?

5. What does "layout change" mean?

6. What are "finishing touches"?

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