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English for builders

I.

Building key vocabulary and essential tools:

key

to put the
screws

hammer

to unscrew

clamp

to stick

claw

to straighten

drill

to curve

sticky tape

to spike

file

to shave

flashlight

to chip

saw

to cut

plane

to paint

hack

to file

level

nut driver

square

paint brush

micrometer

paint roller

socket

wrench

tape measure

pliers

trowel

pry

vise

bar

grip

mallet

voltmeter

screwdriver

to measure

metal cutter

to pull

shovel

to dig

to tie

to sharpen

to stick

smithery

smith

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crafstman

welder

metalworker

plumber

plumbing

hinge

nail

screw

pipe

the pipes

there was a
block in the
pipe

elbow bend

sink

stirrer

cylinder

welding

welding seam

to weld

toilet bowl

car

lift

log

axe

to smooth

tile

plasterer

to plaster

plaster

brick

to lay bricks

parquet

to lay a floor

linoleum

wallpaper

to wallpaper

floor finish

floorer

glue

colour

to paint

painter

designer

to design

engineer

master

apprentice

cement

cement mixer

to cement

woodworker

cleat

baseboard

repair(s)

to repair

major repairs

repair shop

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substructure

staging

to mount

equipment

works

property
developer

contractor

customer

electrician

electricity

electricity
supply

a fault in the
electrical
system

wiring

power-cut

to hire

to install

square metre

The room is
seven meters
square

width

height

diagonal

to fit

II.

Buildings :
Where We Live

cottage(s)

detached
house(s)

semi-detached
house(s)

block of flats

high-rise flat(s)

terraced
house(s)

Where We Work

office(s)

factory (factories)

skyscraper(s)

Miscellaneous Places

tower(s)

mill(s)

windmill(s)

Build Up
Special Buildings
Airport

Art Gallery

castle(s)

Bank

Bus Station

Church

Cinema

Fire Station

Garage

Hospital

Hotel

Mosque

Museum

Police Station

Railway Station

Restaurant

School

Synagogue

Theatre

III . Rooms and Places in the Home

Bedroom

A room used for sleeping in.

Living room (UK also sitting room, AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH also lounge
room)

The room in a house or apartment that is used for relaxing, and entertaining guests, but not
usually for eating.
Bathroom

A room with a bath and/or shower and often a toilet.

Hall

The area just inside the main entrance of a house, apartment or other building which leads to
other rooms and usually to the stairs.
Utility room

Usually just for washing machine, freezer etc.

Shed

A separated building from the house usually for storing garden tools.
Loft

Space in the roof of the house usually used only for storage.
Attic

Room in the roof space of a house (could be lived in.)

Cellar

Room below ground level without any windows used for storage.
Basement

Room below ground level, with windows, used for living and working.
Landing

Flat area at the top of a staircase.

Hall

Open area as you come into the house.

Porch

Covered area before the entrance door.

Pantry or larder

Large cupboard used, especially in the past, for storing food.

Terrace or patio

Paved area between the house and garden for sitting and eating, etc.
Study

A room for reading, writing, studying in.

Balcony

An area with a wall or bars around it that is joined to the outside wall of a building on an upper
level.

Types of houses / Places Where People Live

House

A building which people, usually one family, live in.

Detached house

Describes a house that is not connected to any other building.

Semi detached house

A house that is semi-detached is one that is joined to another similar house on only one side.
Apartment (UK usually flat)

A set of rooms for living in, especially on one floor of a building.

Terraced house

A house that is joined to the houses on either side of it by shared walls.

Cottage

A small house, usually in the countryside.

Bungalow

A house that has only one story/floor.

Bedsit

A rented room which has a bed, table, chairs and somewhere to cook in it.
Villa

A house usually in the countryside or near the sea, particularly in southern Europe, and often one
which people can rent for a holiday.
Time share

A holiday house or apartment which is owned by several different people, each of whom is able
to use it for a particular period of the year.

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IV.

Construction Tool Considerations for Beginners

Choosing the proper beginner construction tools requires careful consideration. Tools can be a
big investment, even for those who are just starting out, so it is important that beginners choose
the tools that they really need. By thinking about which medium they are going to work with and
the usefulness and portability of a tool, beginners can put themselves on the path to selecting
only essential tools for their skill level and needs.
Medium

One of the most important factors dictating the tool selection process is the medium with which a
consumer plans to work. Two of the most common trades in construction are carpentry and
masonry. Carpenters work with wood and masons with stone and concrete. There are numerous
tools that are designed for each of these mediums, so carpenters should stick to wood tools and
masons to stone and concrete tools. There are also a few general tools that beginners should own
no matter the medium with which they are planning to work.
Usefulness

The usefulness of a particular tool is another important factor that beginners should consider.
There are numerous tasks that construction beginners find themselves repeatedly performing.
The tools for these tasks should therefore be at the top of their lists. Tools for specialized tasks
should be lower priorities, with beginners considering these only as their skills grow. There are a
few tools that beginners are likely to find themselves employing in diverse situations, making
such tools more useful.
Portability

The portability of tools is also important towards determining whether they should be in a
beginners collection. Portability tends to correlate with usefulness, as highly portable tools tend
to be very useful. A beginner in construction likely does not have the capability to transport large
machinery to a job site. In this case, it is important that beginners choose tools that they can carry
in a light truck. Since big tools require greater transportation capability, there may be an added
investment in vehicles that can carry such tools. Beginners are better served saving that money to
buy other tools to expand the range of services that they can offer, saving larger expenses for
when their business is established.

Categories of Beginner Construction Tools

Essential construction tools for beginners fall under three categories: general tools, wood tools,
and masonry/concrete tools. All beginners should have general tools, no matter which medium
they are planning to work with. Those planning to work with wood should purchase wood tools
and those planning to work with stone and concrete should purchase masonry/concrete tools. All
of the tools in each category are highly useful and most are very portable.
General Tools

General tools are useful no matter which trade a beginner is practicing. Beginners should

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therefore start building a collection with these tools since they are likely to find them in their
hands frequently.
1. Measuring Tool

Measuring tools include tape measures and laser meters. The former are heavy duty,
retractable rulers made of thin metal that are capable of measuring objects and distances of
100 feet in length. Beginners may not need quite that much tape, so there are many
different options as far as maximum length goes. Tape measures also feature a long notch
on one end of the tape to hold the tape to an object. Most also lock in place so that the tape
does not retract while the user records a measurement.
Laser meters are even more convenient to use because they employ a laser beam to
calculate lengths. They tend to be more expensive than tape measures are, but they can still
be reasonably priced. Their added convenience can make the extra expense worthwhile.
2. Clamps

Clamps are relatively simple tools, but they are very versatile and useful. Beginners can
use them to hold glued pieces of wood together while the glue dries or holding a piece of
concrete or stone in place. Clamps are extra hands and extra hands are always useful on a
construction job. Moreover, they are very strong hands, capable of holding objects where
human hands would fail.
3. Knives and Cutters

All beginners should have some kind of knife or cutter. Utility knives are strong, sharp,
and useful in situations that call for a heavy-duty blade. Swiss Army knives are more
versatile, housing numerous small tools in a single handle. However, the tools tend to not
be as strong as the blade of a utility knife is. Choosing one or the other depends on what
the project calls for. Swiss Army knives are better suited towards highly detailed work and
utility knives for situations that call for a strong, sharp blade.
4. Air Compressor

An air compressor is necessary for any beginner who plans to use a pneumatic tool, and
beginners should have at least one such tool in their collection. Air compressors compress
air and deliver it as a power source for pneumatic tools. Compressed air is a more
powerful source of energy than humans can generate on their own. Pneumatic tools can
help construction workers complete jobs more quickly than they would be able to with
manually operated tools. There are some cases where a construction worker cannot
complete a task without the power of compressed air.
5. Hammer

Hammers serve many purposes that make them suitable for various kinds of construction
work. Carpenter hammers are designed to drive nails into wood and remove them. They
have one heavy, flat end for hitting nail heads and a double-pronged claw on the other end
for pulling nails. Mason hammers are designed to break up bricks and stonework, with a

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blunt end for greater force and a sharp end for chipping.
Wood Tools

Those planning to work with wood should buy tools that are designed for use with wood.
Beginners should find that they use these tools quite frequently, though they may have to
consider other tools if they plan to intricately shape wood.
6. Screwdriver

Screwdrivers give construction workers the torque that they need to place screws into
wood and to remove them as well. They provide good control over the screw driving
process, though they do not reduce the time that it takes to complete a task. It is possible to
buy sets of screwdrivers that work with different screw sizes. Another option is to buy a
handle with interchangeable heads that work with different screw sizes and different form
factors, such as Phillips head and flat head screws.
7. Drill

A drill is a versatile tool because the user can change bits to perform different tasks. The
primary job of a drill is to create holes and different bit sizes drill holes of different sizes.
With the correct attachment, a drill can also drive and remove screws. It uses an electricpowered motor, so it completes these tasks more quickly than a screwdriver can. However,
it can also strip the socket in the head of the screw if the drill bit is not securely in the
socket. This renders the screw unusable and may make it difficult to remove the screw
from a piece of wood.
8. Circular Saw

A circular saw may not be the smallest tool, but it is still easily portable. It is a powerful
device, able to cut through very thick pieces of wood. A circular saw can also be hazardous
if the operator is unsure of how to use it, so beginners should make sure that they are
familiar with circular saws before going out to purchase one. Those considering
purchasing used circular saws should also be sure that the blade is still sharp if they do not
plan to replace it.
9. Sander

Anyone planning to work with wood should also own a sander. Carpentry often requires
smooth surfaces and edges and power sanders work quickly to achieve these. Palm sanders
are ideal for working with pieces of wood and there are floor sanders to smooth hardwood
floors. Those working with drywall should consider purchasing a drywall sander.
10. Air Nailer

If a hammer cannot finish a job quickly enough, an air nailer should be handy for more
efficient completion of the task. This tool uses compressed air to drive nails, saving both
time and energy that is necessary to use a hammer to do the same job manually. Air nailers
generally cost more than hammers, but the added expense is worth the time that they save.

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Masonry/Concrete Tools

Wood tools have some application outside of working with wood, but masonry/concrete tools
tend to be more specialized. Those that plan to work with stone and/or concrete may find that
these tools have limited application if they decide to switch trades, but they do need these tools
for this kind of work.
11. Trowels

Trowels enable masons to work with mortar and wet concrete without putting their hands
on it. They can use trowels to distribute, shape, and level wet mortar and concrete so that it
has a finished look when it dries. There are different trowel shapes, so beginning masons
should have a few in their arsenals. It is possible to buy trowel sets for one-stop shopping
to satisfy trowel needs.
12. Mixers

Mixers are large tools, but they are still portable if a mason has a flatbed truck. They are
important for anyone working with stone or concrete because they quickly and
automatically mix concrete and mortar, saving time and energy over doing these tasks
manually. Mixers run off electricity or gasoline.
13. Masonry Saw

A masonry saw is useful for cutting ceramic pieces. It features a diamond blade that users
can operate at waist-level and a shelf for working with bricks and tiles. Masonry saws are
powerful devices, so users should be sure that they know how to operate them before
purchasing one.
14. Concrete Cut-Off Saws

Concrete cut-off saws also have a diamond blade, but it is relatively far away from the
operator compared to the blade on a masonry saw. Operators use a concrete saw to cut
concrete at ground level or concrete walls. The blade can also be a hazard if a user does
not know how to properly operate it.
15. Impact Wrench

An impact wrench usually uses compressed air to generate the power that is necessary to
drill concrete and sink concrete screws into it. It uses the same mechanics as a hammer, but
with a great deal more torque. The compressed air generates this torque, which is powerful
enough to drill and place screws into concrete where hand tools would fail. This may be
the most specialized of concrete/masonry tools, but beginners may quickly discover that is
handy to have one available.

How to Buy Essential Beginner Construction Tools on eBay

It is possible to buy beginner construction tools from local and online construction equipment
retailers. Some tools, such as hammers and measuring tools, are available from a wide variety of

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sources, from hardware stores to large general goods retailers. It is also possible to buy essential
construction tools on eBay. The site has a large selection of every tool that beginners would
need, no matter if they are working with wood, stone, or concrete. To search the site for beginner
tools, go to any eBay page, enter a term such as "circular saw" into the search bar, and click the
Search button. In order to ensure that the tools are construction-oriented, you may have to choose
the Construction filter under the Business & Industrial category.
If you would like to buy your beginner construction tools from a local seller, you can specify the
distance from your ZIP code within which sellers should be located, and eBay then adjusts the
listings accordingly. The closer that the seller is located to you, the less time and money is likely
to be required to ship your tool.

Conclusion
Beginners may find that they are able to find work in the diverse construction industry with little
experience. What they do need, however, are the right tools for the job. Selecting construction
tools can be a challenge for beginners, but with careful consideration they can come away with
useful tools without spending a fortune. Beginners should know what kind of medium, such as
wood, stone, or concrete, with which they plan to work, how useful tools are for the jobs that
they plan to work, and how portable tools are. Taking these factors into account, beginners will
find a group of tools that will allow them perform many necessary tasks on a job site. There are a
few general tools that all beginners should have no matter what kind of work they plan to do and
tools that are specific to certain trades. eBay is a good source for all kinds of construction tools
and with a good idea of the tools they are looking for, beginners should be able to use the site to
equip themselves for productive work in the construction industry.

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V.

Practice:

House structure

Unless you live in a block of flats or a bungalow (= one-storey house with or without an attic),
British houses normally have two or three floors or stories. On the ground floor you're likely to
find the living room, kitchen and dining room, while on the first floor you'll probably find
bedrooms and a bathroom.
On the second or top floor is the attic, or loft. On the roof of many houses you can still see a
chimney and chimney pot even if the house now benefits from central heating.
The floors of a house are connected by stairs, with a landing (area) on the upper floor which
leads to the upstairs rooms.
Construction of houses

Most British houses are made of brick and cement. In a row of terrace houses (houses joined
together), the interconnecting walls are cavity walls: they have a space between them to allow
air to circulate. On the interiors, the walls are covered in plaster, and then either painted or
decorated with wallpaper. The internal walls of a house fall into two categories: load-bearing
walls (those that are structural and support the weight of the floors) and partition walls (those
walls that divide rooms, but can be knocked down.) Floors and roofs are supported by beams,
which are long, heavy pieces of wood or metal.
Floors can be covered in a variety of materials, such as parquet (wooden squares), laminate
flooring (a type of thin wooden plank), or tiles (either ceramic or vinyl). In living rooms and
bedrooms, the floors are generally covered with carpets.
Utilities

Houses are normally connected to local utilities, such as mains water, electricity and gas supply.
In the countryside, not everyone is connected to mains gas, and some houses have gas tanks in
their gardens. The vast majority of people are connected to the local sewage system (for waste
water), but some people have their own septic tanks in their gardens to treat waste water.
Houses that are connected to utilities have separate meters to show how much they consume.
Representatives of these utility companies visit houses regularly to take meter readings with
which they can then bill their customers.
Wiring and plumbing

Some electrical jobs (such as wiring or rewiring = installing the electrical cables) should only
be done by professional electricians, although you can still change a plug, or change a socket
(the hole in the wall where you put the plug in to connect to the electricity supply). For safety
reasons, the wiring in the house is on more than one circuit: lighting usually is on one circuit,
and the sockets are on another circuit.
Some plumbing (water piping) jobs should also be done by professional plumbers. For example,
although you can change taps, you should get a professional to install a gas boiler.

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Home improvements

Some building work can be done without supervision. Many people enjoy doing DIY, such as
putting up shelves, fitting cupboards and doors, assembling furniture and so on. However, for
the big jobs, such as loft conversions and building extensions, you need to first apply for and
obtain planning and building permission (from the local authorities) then employ a firm of
builders.
In Britain, damp winter weather causes many problems to houses. For example, some houses can
suffer from damp (humidity) or dry rot, caused by water seeping into walls and timber (wood).
For this reason, houses have gutters (tubes attached just under the roof that run along the length
of the house to catch rain water) and some may need regular damp proof treatment (special
chemicals to prevent damp from spreading). Window sills (the piece of the wall internal or
external in which the window is set) and window frames (the wood that goes around the
window) should be made waterproof (so that water cannot get in), and most people have central
heating via radiators to keep the air inside warm and dry. Special thermostats set on the wall
help to regulate the temperature in the room. In addition, most people have insulation in the loft
to keep warm air in, and cold air out.
VI.

Construction safety rules:

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY RULES

ALL OF OUR SAFETY RULES MUST BE OBEYED. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN
STRICT DISCIPLINARY ACTION BEING TAKEN.
1.

Keep your mind on your work at all times. No horseplay on the job. Injury or
termination or both can be the result.

2.

Personal safety equipment must be worn as prescribed for each job, such as:
safety glasses for eye protection, hard hats at all times within the confines of
the construction area where there is a potential for falling materials or tools,
gloves when handling materials, and safety shoes are necessary for
protection against foot injuries.

3.

Precautions are necessary to prevent sunburn and to protect against burns

from hot materials.

4.

If any part of your body should come in contact with an acid or caustic
substance, rush to the nearest water available and flush the affected part.
Secure medical aid immediately.

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5.

Watch where you are walking. Don't run.

6.

The use of illegal drugs or alcohol or being under the influence of the same
on the project shall be cause for termination. Inform your supervisor if taking
strong prescription drugs that warn against driving or using machinery.

7.

Do not distract the attention of fellow workers.

which would endanger another employee.

8.

Sanitation facilities have been or will be provided for your use. Defacing or
damaging these facilities is forbidden.

9.

A good job is a clean job, and a clean job is the start of a safe job. So keep
your working area free from rubbish and debris.

10.

Do not use a compressor to blow dust or dirt from your clothes, hair, or
hands.

11.

Never work aloft if you are afraid to do so, if you are subject to dizzy spells, or
if you are apt to be nervous or sick.

12.

Never move an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary. Further injury

may result. Keep the injured as comfortable as possible and utilize job site
first-aid equipment until an ambulance arrives.

Do not engage in any act