Home Improvement Terms

noun a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically a domestic one

• The appliance industry is constantly evolving with new technological advancements.
• I need to buy a new appliance for my kitchen.
• My mom's old appliance finally gave out on her.
• His brain is like a malfunctioning appliance, unable to process information correctly.

noun a window that projects vertically from a sloping roof, typically in a garret or attic

• The architect designed a beautiful dormer window for the attic of the house.
• I love how the dormer adds character to the top of the building.
• Check out that cool dormer on the roof!
• The dormer of opportunity opened up for her when she least expected it.

noun a type of wire that conducts electricity

• The electric wire was carefully installed by the electrician to ensure safety.
• Be careful not to touch that electric wire, it's live!
• I accidentally zapped myself on the dang electric wire.
• The tension between them was like a live electric wire, ready to spark at any moment.

noun a determination or resolution

verb to arrange or settle something

• The technician was able to fix the issue with the server quickly.
• I'll try to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen this weekend.
• I need to fix my sleep schedule, I've been staying up too late.
• We need to fix our relationship before it falls apart completely.

noun a small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce an eyelet or fasten cords

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• The grommet is a small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce a hole in fabric or leather.
• I need to buy some grommets to fix the holes in my shoes.
• Hey, can you pass me that grommet thingy over there?
• She was the grommet that held the team together during the tough times.

verb to protect or shield from something harmful or undesirable

• The walls of the house were insulated to improve energy efficiency.
• We need to insulate the attic before winter comes.
• I'm going to insulate the garage so it's not freezing in there.
• She tried to insulate herself from the harsh realities of the world.

noun a cosmetic surgical procedure

verb to perform cosmetic surgery

adjective describing something as closely contested or precise

• The competition was so close that it came down to a nip and tuck finish.
• The game was so tight, it was nip and tuck until the very end.
• The race was neck and neck the whole way, it was nip and tuck the entire time.
• The two teams were evenly matched, making it a nip and tuck battle for the championship.

noun a decorative covering of wood or other material applied to a wall

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• The paneling in the conference room was made of high-quality wood.
• I love the paneling in your living room, it adds a nice touch.
• Check out the cool paneling in that dude's basement, it's lit.
• The paneling of lies he presented during the meeting was quickly exposed.

noun a process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure or system

• The renovation of the historic building was carefully planned and executed.
• We're thinking about doing a renovation on the kitchen next month.
• I heard they're doing a reno on their place to fix it up.
• After the therapy sessions, she felt like her mind had undergone a complete renovation.

noun a window in a roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter a building

• The architect designed the house with a skylight to allow natural light to enter the room.
• I love lying on the couch and looking up at the stars through the skylight.
• Let's hang out in the attic and chill by the skylight.
• Her mind was like a skylight, always open to new ideas and perspectives.

noun a thin layer of corrosion on a metal surface

verb to dull or damage the surface of something

• The silverware had begun to tarnish due to exposure to moisture.
• I need to clean my jewelry before it starts to tarnish.
• Don't let negative comments tarnish your self-esteem.
• The scandal threatened to tarnish the politician's reputation.

adjective not skillful or clever with the hands; awkward or clumsy

• She found the new tool to be quite unhandy for the task at hand.
• I always struggle with using this unhandy remote control.
• That unhandy gadget is such a pain to deal with.
• His unhandy way of expressing himself often leads to misunderstandings.

noun a list of items that need to be fixed or completed, typically in construction or renovation projects

• The contractor provided us with a detailed snag list of all the issues that needed to be addressed before the project could be considered complete.
• I made a snag list of all the things that need fixing around the house.
• I gotta tackle that snag list before the landlord comes for an inspection.
• Addressing the snag list of obstacles in his path, he was able to finally reach his goals.

noun a thing that is fixed or attached to something else, typically in a permanent way

• The affixture of the seal was done carefully to ensure no leaks.
• I had trouble with the affixture on my bike, so I asked my friend for help.
• I can't believe the affixture on that car, it's so cool!
• The affixture of different cultures created a beautiful mosaic of traditions.