Design Modifications & Problem Solving
During the planning phase, unforeseen issues or design changes may arise. The homeowner and contractor communicate to find solutions, adjust plans, and discuss the implications of these modifications.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
follow up
To follow up means to check or discuss something again after an initial conversation, often in business or projects. Use it when you want to continue or update on a topic, like 'I need to follow up on the email.'
slight issue
A slight issue is a small or minor problem that isn't too serious. It's useful in professional talks to describe problems without alarming others, e.g., 'There's a slight issue with the schedule.'
hidden plumbing line
Hidden plumbing line refers to pipes for water or drainage that are concealed inside walls or floors. In home renovation, it's key for understanding building constraints, like avoiding damage during construction.
costly
Costly means expensive or requiring a lot of money. Use it to discuss budget impacts, such as 'Moving the wall would be costly.' It's practical for negotiations.
time-consuming
Time-consuming describes something that takes a long time to do. It's common in planning discussions, e.g., 'The repair is time-consuming.' Helps explain delays.
shift
To shift means to move something slightly to a new position. In design contexts, say 'Let's shift the furniture' to suggest minor adjustments without big changes.
alternative
An alternative is another option or choice when the first plan doesn't work. Useful for problem-solving, like 'What's the alternative design?'
clearance
Clearance means enough space to avoid obstacles, like pipes or walls. In renovations, it's important for safety, e.g., 'We need clearance for the door to open.'
cramped
Cramped means feeling tight or having too little space. Describe rooms or areas, such as 'The kitchen feels cramped now.' Helpful for discussing comfort in homes.
workable solution
A workable solution is a practical fix that can be implemented easily. Use it in discussions to agree on ideas, e.g., 'That's a workable solution to the problem.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I wanted to follow up on the kitchen island design.
This sentence uses 'follow up on' to politely continue a previous discussion. It's useful for professional updates; the past tense 'wanted' softens the request. Use it in emails or calls to check progress without being pushy.
That's unexpected. What kind of issue are we talking about?
This shows surprise with 'That's unexpected' and asks for details using a question. It's a natural way to respond to bad news in conversations. The phrase 'what kind of' seeks specifics, great for clarifying problems in meetings.
Moving it would be very costly and time-consuming.
This conditional sentence explains consequences with 'would be' for hypothetical actions. 'Costly and time-consuming' highlights drawbacks. Use it to discuss trade-offs in planning, helping learners express why an idea might not work.
Is there any way to keep the original size and just adjust the placement slightly?
A polite question using 'Is there any way' to suggest compromises. 'Just' minimizes the change. Useful for negotiations; it shows flexibility while protecting key preferences, common in design or business talks.
We've come up with an alternative: shifting it about four inches towards the dining area.
This presents a solution with 'come up with' (invent or suggest) and a colon for explanation. It's practical for proposing ideas; use in problem-solving to offer options clearly and specifically.
Would that affect the walk-through space to the pantry, though?
This uses 'would' for hypothetical impact and 'though' to add concern. It's a good follow-up question in discussions. Helps learners ask about side effects, emphasizing important details like space in homes.
We've factored that in. Shifting it by four inches still leaves ample space.
'Factored that in' means considered it already; 'still leaves' shows result. Useful for reassuring others in plans. The structure connects cause and effect, ideal for explaining how changes won't cause issues.
That sounds like a workable solution. Let's go with shifting it four inches.
This agrees positively with 'sounds like' and decides with 'Let's go with.' It's conversational for approvals. Teaches how to accept suggestions smoothly, key in collaborative situations like renovations.
This change won't affect the project timeline or budget.
Uses future 'won't affect' to reassure no impact. 'Timeline or budget' are common project terms. Practical for updates; it calms concerns by addressing time and money directly.