Material Selection and Sourcing
Choosing specific materials like flooring, paint colors, fixtures, and appliances, and discussing sourcing options and costs with the contractor or supplier.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
engineered wood
A type of flooring made from layers of wood for stability and warmth, often used in kitchens as an alternative to real hardwood.
tiles
Thin squares or rectangles, usually ceramic, used to cover floors or walls; they are durable and easy to clean, common in bathrooms.
fixtures
Fixed items in a home like faucets, lights, or showerheads that are installed and not easily moved; in renovations, they add style and function.
swatches
Small samples of paint, fabric, or material to test colors or textures before buying; useful for matching items in home design.
sourcing
The process of finding and obtaining materials or products from suppliers; in renovations, it involves comparing options for cost and quality.
quote
An estimated price for materials or services; contractors provide quotes to help plan budgets during home improvements.
cost breakdown
A detailed list showing how total costs are divided, like materials, labor, and installation; it helps understand expenses clearly.
leaning towards
To prefer or incline towards a choice without fully deciding; it's a casual way to express tentative preferences in discussions.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
What are you leaning towards for the flooring in the kitchen, for instance?
This question asks for someone's preference using 'leaning towards' (preferring) and 'for instance' (as an example). It's useful in discussions to seek opinions politely; the structure is a wh-question for specifics.
We've decided on the engineered wood for its warmth.
This states a decision with 'decided on' (chose) and explains the reason using 'for its warmth' (because of). Useful for sharing choices in planning; note the present perfect 'we've decided' for recent actions.
That can really set the tone for each room.
Here, 'set the tone' means to establish the mood or style; 'can really' adds emphasis. This phrase is practical for describing how choices like paint affect a space's feel.
We're thinking a light gray for the kitchen and a soft sage green for the bathroom.
This uses 'thinking' (considering) followed by a noun phrase without 'of' for ideas; it's a casual way to suggest options. Useful in creative discussions; note the parallel structure for two ideas.
For appliances, you can definitely compare prices.
'Definitely' means certainly, and 'compare prices' is a common action in shopping. This sentence advises on options; the structure starts with 'for [topic]' to focus the discussion.
Can you get us a quote for both options, including installation?
This polite request uses 'can you' for asking favors, with 'including' to add details. Essential for business talks; it specifies requirements clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
I'll put together a detailed cost breakdown for all the materials we've discussed.
'Put together' means prepare or compile; future 'I'll' promises action. Useful for confirming next steps; the relative clause 'we've discussed' refers back to prior talk.