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Home Renovation

Mid-Project Progress Meeting

Meeting with the contractor to review the progress of the renovation, address any issues or changes, and discuss next steps.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Homeowner (Female)
Hi Mark, thanks for coming. I wanted to touch base on the progress, especially with the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom tiling.
2
Contractor (Male)
No problem, Sarah. Happy to. Overall, we're right on schedule. The kitchen cabinets are mostly installed, just a few adjustments left. And the bathroom tiling is about 70% done.
3
Homeowner (Female)
That's great to hear. I did notice a slight variation in the grout color in the guest bathroom – is that intentional, or is it something that can be easily fixed?
4
Contractor (Male)
Ah, yes, good catch. That was an oversight on our part. We used a slightly different batch. We can definitely fix that. It'll just take a day or so to re-grout that section.
5
Homeowner (Female)
Okay, as long as it's fixable, that's fine. Also, regarding the lighting in the living room, have you had a chance to look at the new fixture I sent over?
6
Contractor (Male)
Yes, I have it here. It's a bit heavier than the original, so we'll need to reinforce the electrical box. It adds a small material cost, but installation won't be an issue.
7
Homeowner (Female)
Understood. Please go ahead with reinforcing it. What are the next major milestones we can expect in the coming week?
8
Contractor (Male)
We'll finish the bathroom tiling, start the final paint coats, and begin installing flooring in the bedrooms. We're also expecting the new appliances to arrive mid-week, so we can start putting those in.
9
Homeowner (Female)
Excellent. That sounds like a solid plan. I'll check in again next Friday. Let me know if anything urgent comes up.
10
Contractor (Male)
Will do. Thanks for your time, Sarah. We'll keep you updated.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

touch base

This phrase means to briefly discuss or check the status of something. It's useful in business or project meetings to keep updates short and professional.

on schedule

This means progressing according to the planned time. Use it when talking about projects or timelines to show everything is on track.

grout

Grout is the cement-like material used to fill gaps between tiles in bathrooms or kitchens. It's common in home renovation talks.

oversight

An oversight is a small mistake due to carelessness. It's polite to use when admitting errors without sounding too negative.

reinforce

To reinforce means to make something stronger, like adding support to a structure. Useful in construction or DIY contexts.

milestones

Milestones are important stages or achievements in a project. Use this word when planning or reviewing progress in work or renovations.

appliances

Appliances are household machines like refrigerators or ovens. It's practical for discussions about home setups or shopping.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I wanted to touch base on the progress, especially with the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom tiling.

This sentence uses 'touch base' to politely start a discussion on updates. It's useful for meetings to focus on specific topics. The structure 'especially with...' highlights key areas, good for intermediate learners to practice specifying details.

Overall, we're right on schedule.

This is a positive update phrase meaning everything is going as planned. Use it in progress reports. 'Right on schedule' is an idiomatic expression; the adverb 'overall' gives a general summary, helping learners with reporting status.

I did notice a slight variation in the grout color.

This politely points out an issue using 'did notice' for emphasis. It's useful for addressing problems without blame. The word 'slight' softens the complaint, teaching how to give feedback in professional settings.

That was an oversight on our part.

This admits a mistake politely with 'oversight' and 'on our part' to take responsibility. Great for apologies in work talks. It shows passive voice and ownership, key for intermediate grammar practice.

Please go ahead with reinforcing it.

This gives permission or approval using 'go ahead with' for proceeding. Useful in instructions or agreements. The imperative 'please go ahead' is polite, teaching how to approve actions in conversations.

What are the next major milestones we can expect in the coming week?

This asks about future plans using 'milestones' for key steps. It's practical for project discussions. The question structure with 'we can expect' is future-oriented, helping learners inquire about timelines.

That sounds like a solid plan.

This expresses agreement positively with 'solid plan' meaning reliable. Use it to approve ideas. 'Sounds like' is a common way to give opinions based on hearing, useful for casual professional responses.