Home Renovation Vocabulary

noun a handrail or railing, usually supported by posts or balusters, especially on a staircase

• The elegant banister in the grand staircase was handcrafted from solid oak.
• I nearly tripped on the banister while running down the stairs.
• Let's hang out on the banister and watch the sunset.
• She clung to him like a banister, providing support and stability in uncertain times.

noun a washing or immersion of something, especially the body, in water or other liquid

verb to wash or soak in a bath

• She soaked in a warm bath to relax her muscles after a long day.
• I'm gonna take a quick bath before heading out.
• I haven't had a bath in ages, I really need one.
• The peaceful music was like a bath for my soul.

noun a window or part of a window set on a hinge so that it opens like a door

• The architect designed the house with large casement windows to allow for plenty of natural light.
• I love opening up the casement windows in the morning to let in the fresh air.
• Don't forget to close the casement before you leave, we don't want any bugs getting in.
• The casement of opportunity opened for her when she least expected it.

noun the overhead interior surface of a room

• The ceiling of the grand ballroom was adorned with intricate chandeliers.
• I hit my head on the low ceiling in the basement.
• The party was so wild, we were dancing on the ceiling!
• There seems to be a glass ceiling preventing women from advancing in the company.

noun an underground room or storage area, typically used for storing wine or food

adjective used to describe something related to or located in a cellar

• The wine cellar in the basement of the mansion holds a collection of rare vintages.
• Let's sneak down to the cellar and grab a couple of beers.
• I heard there's a secret party happening in the cellar tonight.
• The memories of her childhood are stored in the cellar of her mind.

noun a vertical piece of wood or metal on the side of a door frame, against which the door is closed

• He leaned against the doorjamb, deep in thought.
• She stood in the doorway, her hand resting on the doorjamb.
• He propped himself up on the doorjamb, waiting for his friends.
• The truth hit her like a truck, knocking her back against the doorjamb of reality.

noun a vertical post or structure that supports or frames a door

• The ancient inscription was found on the doorpost of the temple.
• I always hang my keys on the doorpost so I don't lose them.
• I leaned against the doorpost and shot the breeze with my neighbor.
• The decision to move to a new city was a significant step over the doorpost of my comfort zone.

noun A passage or entrance into a building or room

• The elegant chandelier hung above the grand doorway, welcoming guests into the ballroom.
• I'll meet you by the doorway of the cafe so we can grab a table together.
• I saw him lurking by the doorway, looking all shady and suspicious.
• As she stepped through the doorway of opportunity, her life changed forever.

noun a period of time devoted to a particular task or activity

verb to repair or improve something

adjective in good physical condition

adverb in a satisfactory or acceptable manner

• The contractor will fix up the old building before selling it.
• I need to fix up my room before guests come over.
• I'm going to fix up my car this weekend.
• She needs to fix up her attitude if she wants to keep her friends.

verb to train a pet to urinate and defecate outside of the house

• The suspect was charged with attempting to housebreak in the affluent neighborhood.
• I heard that someone tried to housebreak into Mrs. Smith's house last night.
• Don't even think about housebreaking into that place, it's heavily guarded.
• The new technology is designed to housebreak into the market and dominate the competition.

noun timber sawed or split into planks, boards, etc.

verb to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way

• The lumber industry plays a significant role in the economy of this region.
• We need to pick up some lumber for the weekend project.
• Let's go grab some lumber for the bonfire tonight.
• The weight of his mistakes felt like a heavy lumber on his shoulders.

verb to restore to a good state of repair; to make new again; to improve by repairing or remodeling

• The company decided to renovate their office building to improve efficiency and aesthetics.
• We're planning to renovate the kitchen next month, so we'll have to eat out a lot in the meantime.
• My parents are finally going to renovate our old house - it's about time!
• She decided to renovate her life by quitting her job and traveling the world.

noun a person or thing that takes the place of another

verb to take the place of something or someone

• It is essential to replace the old equipment with new and updated technology.
• I need to replace my phone because it keeps freezing.
• I'm going to replace my old sneakers with some fresh kicks.
• Sometimes we need to replace negative thoughts with positive ones for a better mindset.

noun the materials used for constructing or covering a roof

• The roofing on the new house is made of durable materials to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• I heard that Joe's brother is getting into the roofing business.
• Let's hire someone to fix up the roofing on our garage before it starts leaking.
• The roofing of our company represents the protection and stability it provides to its employees.

noun a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another, as in a building

• She gracefully descended the grand staircase in the mansion.
• I tripped on the stairs again, I'm so clumsy.
• Let's take the stairs instead of the elevator, it's faster.
• The promotion was just another step up the career staircase for him.

noun a task or activity of pulling or manipulating wires, often used in electrical work

• The electrician demonstrated proper techniques for wire pulling during the training session.
• I could use some help with wire pulling in the garage, it's a bit tricky.
• I'm getting pretty good at the whole wire pulling thing, it's like second nature now.
• His manipulation of the situation was like a masterful wire pulling, subtly guiding events in his favor.

noun a set of cabinets or the craft of making cabinets

• The cabinetry in the kitchen is custom-made and of the highest quality.
• I love the new cabinetry in the bathroom - it really brightens up the space.
• Check out the sleek cabinetry in the living room, it's so fancy!
• The intricate cabinetry of his words revealed the depth of his emotions.

noun a house or other property in need of repair or renovation

adjective describing the type of property that needs fixing up

• The couple decided to purchase a fixer-upper house and renovate it themselves.
• Let's buy that fixer-upper and make it our dream home!
• I'm thinking about flipping that fixer-upper for a profit.
• She saw potential in him, like a fixer-upper waiting to be restored.

noun a repair or renovation of a building, structure, or vehicle

• The renovation of the historic building will begin next month.
• We're planning to fix up the house next weekend.
• Let's spruce up the place with a little remont.
• Sometimes, a remont of our mindset is necessary for personal growth.

noun a concept in interior design where traditional open-plan layouts are divided into separate zones or areas

adjective describing a living space that is not completely open-plan, but has distinct areas or zones

• Broken-plan living is a modern interior design concept that combines open spaces with partially divided areas for a more versatile living environment.
• I love the idea of broken-plan living - it's like having separate areas in one big room!
• Broken-plan living is all the rage these days - it's like open-concept living but with a twist.
• In the world of interior design, broken-plan living breaks down traditional barriers to create a more dynamic and fluid living space.

noun a French term referring to a type of adjustable louvered vent used for ventilation or air circulation in buildings

• The architect designed the building with abat-vents to allow for proper ventilation.
• I love how the abat-vents in this house keep it cool during the summer.
• Those abat-vents are a lifesaver when it gets hot outside.
• The abat-vents of society help to release built-up tension and stress.

adjective located on an upper floor

adverb above the stairs; on an upper floor

• The abovestairs of the mansion were elegantly decorated with vintage furniture.
• I heard a strange noise coming from abovestairs, I wonder what's going on up there.
• Let's sneak abovestairs and see if we can find anything interesting.
• His thoughts were always abovestairs, never focusing on the present moment.