scaffolding
/ˈskæfəldɪŋ/A temporary metal framework that workers stand on to reach high parts of a building.
Example: Workers climbed the scaffolding to paint the top floor.
B114 words · Intermediate
Buildings & Architecture vocabulary — B1
Construction vocabulary for a building site, including scaffolding, the foundation, masonry and cladding, and the subcontractor doing the brickwork.
14 questions
Words in this set
14foundation
/faʊnˈdeɪʃən/The solid base below ground level that supports the whole weight of a building.
Example:
Cracks appeared after the foundation began to sink.
masonry
/ˈmeɪsənri/Stone or brick building work, or the parts of a building made from it.
Example:
The old church is known for its detailed masonry.
cladding
A protective or decorative outer layer fitted to the outside walls of a building.
Example:
New cladding was fitted after the fire safety review.
groundwork
/ˈɡraʊnˌdwɜrk/Preparation of the ground and laying of foundations before the main building work starts.
Example:
Groundwork on the site began three weeks ago.
site plan
A drawing that shows a building's position and layout in relation to the surrounding land.
Example:
The site plan showed where the car park would go.
subcontractor
/səbˈkɑnˌtræktər/A company or worker hired by the main builder to do a specific part of the job.
Example:
A subcontractor installed all the electrical wiring.
contractor
/ˈkɑnˌtræktər/A person or company hired to carry out building work.
Example:
The contractor finished the extension two weeks early.
renovate
/ˈrɛnəˌveɪt/To repair and improve an old building so it looks new.
Example:
They spent a year working to renovate the crumbling farmhouse.
surveyor
/sərˈveɪər/A person whose job is to measure and check land or buildings.
Example:
The surveyor checked the boundary lines before construction began.
brickwork
The part of a building made of bricks.
Example:
The brickwork on the north side needs repointing.
site manager
The person in charge of a building site day to day.
Example:
The site manager signs everything off before it is covered up.
plasterboard
/ˈplæstərˌbɔrd/Flat sheets used to make internal walls and ceilings.
Example:
Two rooms of plasterboard went up in a single afternoon.
damp course
A layer built into a wall to stop moisture rising.
Example:
The damp course was bridged by the new patio.
