🔧 Talking to Clients: Bathroom Refurbishment Quote – B1/B2

English for Plumbers | Intermediate to Upper Intermediate

Vocabulary

Study these words before doing the exercises.

refurbishment
the process of renovating and updating a room or building
"The bathroom refurbishment will take approximately two weeks."
scope
the full range of work that is included in a project
"Let me explain the full scope of the work before I give you a price."
specification
a detailed written description of the materials and standard of work required
"The specification includes the exact tiles, sanitaryware and fittings you have chosen."
allowance
a set amount of money included in the quote for items not yet finalised
"There is a five hundred pound allowance for tiles in the quote."
contingency
an extra amount of money set aside to cover unexpected costs
"I always include a ten percent contingency for unforeseen problems."
phased
describes work that is divided into stages completed one after another
"A phased approach means we complete the plumbing before the tiling starts."
subcontractor
a specialist tradesperson hired by the main contractor to carry out specific work
"I will bring in a subcontractor to carry out the electrical work."
sign-off
formal approval given by the client that a stage of work is complete and satisfactory
"I need your sign-off before we move on to the next phase."
variation
a change to the original agreed scope or specification that may affect the price
"Any variation to the original specification will be priced separately."
provisional
a temporary or estimated figure included in a quote that may change
"The figure for the underfloor heating is provisional at this stage."
strip out
the removal of existing fixtures and fittings before new work begins
"The strip out will take half a day. We remove everything down to the bare walls."
lead time
the time between ordering materials and receiving them
"The tiles you have chosen have a three-week lead time."
milestone
a key point in the project when a stage is completed and checked
"Payment is linked to three milestones: strip out, first fix, and completion."
snagging
a final check at the end of a project to identify and fix any small defects
"I will carry out a snagging visit one week after completion."
first fix
the plumbing and electrical work done inside walls and floors before plastering
"First fix plumbing includes all the pipework before the walls are closed up."

Exercise 1 – True or False?

Read each sentence. Is it true or false?

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

Exercise 3 – Matching

Match each word (1–8) with the correct description (A–H).

Exercise 4 – Gap Fill

Type the correct word in each gap. The word is given in brackets.

Exercise 5 – Word Order

Put the words in the correct order to make a sentence.

Exercise 6 – Word Sort

Click a word to place it in the correct category.

📋 Planning and Scope

💷 Cost and Timeline

Exercise 7 – Complete the Conversation

Choose the correct word to complete the conversation.

Exercise 8 – Listening

Listen to the conversation, then answer the questions.

🎧 Listen to the conversation

Press Play to listen.
Client: We want a full bathroom refurbishment. New everything — shower, bath, tiles, the lot.

Plumber: Great. Let me walk you through the scope of the work so you understand exactly what is included.

Client: One thing — we have not chosen the tiles yet. Will that affect the price?

Plumber: I will include an allowance in the quote for tiles. You can adjust that once you have made your selection.

Client: And what about unexpected problems — like if you find something behind the walls?

Plumber: I always include a ten percent contingency for exactly that reason. It covers any unforeseen work.

Client: That makes sense. What are the payment milestones?

Plumber: Three stages — after the strip out, after first fix, and on completion. I will also carry out a snagging visit two weeks after the end.

Part A – Comprehension Questions

Listen and choose the correct answer.

Part B – Listen and Fill the Gap

Each sentence is from the conversation. One word is missing. Listen and type it.

🏆 Your Scores

ExerciseScoreOut of
1 – True / False–8
2 – Multiple Choice–8
3 – Matching–8
4 – Gap Fill–8
5 – Word Order–8
6 – Word Sort–8
7 – Conversation–8
8a – Listening: Comprehension–5
8b – Listening: Gap Fill–5
Total–66

Complete all exercises to see your total score.