Whether you’re embarking on your first HDB renovation or upgrading your current house, you may feel slightly overwhelmed with all the available information. Speaking to an ID or renovation firm can feel like you live in a different world with all the jargon they use.
Don’t worry – Homescape’s got your back. We’ve compiled a simple-to-understand, A-to-Z guide for some of the standard terms you may encounter when discussing with potential renovators you’re talking to. So, let’s dive in!
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Renovation Terms Starting with A
- AA Track: Also known as AA systems, they are narrow pieces of steel with slots to suspend shelves at an adjustable height.
- ABS Edging: ABS Edging is a strip of material that covers the exposed sides of plywood, MDF, or other materials to make it look more polished.
- Air Brick: A ventilating brick that allows air to circulate, commonly used in older buildings to prevent moisture buildup.
- Aircon Blower: A part of an air conditioning system, air blowers circulate conditioned air into a room.
- Allowance: A budget set aside for items not yet specified, such as fixtures or finishes. This ensures you have financial flexibility as your project progresses.
- Architrave: The decorative moulding that frames doors and windows, hiding the joint between the wall and the door or window frame.
Architraves can be subtle, like above, while homes with specific interior themes can have matching decorative elements to make a statement.
Renovation Terms Starting with B
- Beam: A horizontal structural element that supports the weight above doors, windows, and other openings.
Beams give structure to the space, supporting the weight at the ceiling.
- Boxing Up: The process of enclosing unsightly pipes or wiring, typically done with false walls or cabinetry.
- BTO (Build-To-Order): A type of public housing in Singapore where flats are constructed only after a sufficient number of buyers have applied. BTO renovations often come with specific guidelines to ensure compliance with HDB regulations.
- Builder’s Work: Refers to the foundational and structural work done by the builder, such as masonry, concrete, and brickwork.
Renovation Terms Starting with C
- Capping: The process of covering the exposed edges of tiling or other materials, often using a finishing strip.
- Carpentry: Custom woodwork made to fit specific spaces in your home, such as cabinets, shelves, and doors.
For smaller spaces that require storage, custom-made carpentry in the form of built-in cabinets is recommended.
- Casement Door: A hinged door that swings open like a window. Usually, it’s used for outdoor spaces like patios or balconies and is a prime choice for getting unobstructed views.
- Change Order: An official request to alter the scope of work after the renovation contract has been signed. This usually incurs additional costs or causes changes in the timeline. Also called a Variation Order.
- Column: Columns are vertical structural elements that support a building, such as beams or slabs. They help to distribute weight evenly and ensure stability.
- Composite Decking: A low-maintenance decking material made from wood fibres and plastic. It is durable and resistant to weather, insects, and rot.
- Compressor: Compressors are part of air conditioners that compress refrigerant gas.
- Coving: A curved moulding used to cover the joint between the wall and ceiling, adding a decorative touch.
Renovation Terms Starting with D
- Dado Rail: A decorative moulding running horizontally along the wall, often used to protect walls from damage caused by furniture.
- Dry Lining: The process of covering an interior wall with plasterboard or drywall rather than wet plaster.
Renovation Terms Starting with E
- Eaves: The edges of a roof that overhang the face of a wall, providing protection from rain and adding to the aesthetic appeal.
- Electrical Layout: A detailed plan showing the location of electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures, crucial for coordinating with other renovation work.
- Engineered Wood Flooring: Flooring that is made from a thin layer of hardwood on top of a high-quality plywood core, providing the appearance of hardwood.
Renovation Terms Starting with F
- False Ceiling: A secondary ceiling installed below the main ceiling, often used to hide wiring, ductwork, or to add lighting features. For example, a plaster ceiling is a common type of false ceiling used in Singaporean homes.
- Feature Wall: A wall in a room that is emphasised through the use of colour, material, or design. It draws attention and adds character to the space.
- Fixtures: Permanently installed elements in your home, such as lighting, plumbing fittings, and built-in cabinetry.
- Floor Plan: A scaled diagram of a room or building viewed from above, showing the arrangement of spaces, walls, and furniture.
- Fluted Panel: Fluted panels are decorative wall panels with vertical grooves or ridges. It can create a modern, sophisticated look, like in this client’s Yishun Ave HDB.
A fluted panel decorates a small portion of the wall, creating a sleek look in the bedroom.
Renovation Terms Starting with G
- Gable: The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches, often seen in traditional architecture.
- Grout: A cement-like mixture used to fill gaps between tiles, ensuring they stay in place and are water-resistant.
Grout fills gaps between tiles to prevent moisture damage. Proper application is the key to a long-lasting finish.
- GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete): A lightweight, durable material used for creating architectural elements, such as decorative panels or cornices.
Renovation Terms Starting with H
- Hardscape: Non-living elements of landscaping, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. These are crucial in outdoor renovations.
- Herringbone: A tile or flooring pattern that features planks in a zigzag pattern.
The herringbone pattern adds texture and sophistication to any space.
- HIP (Home Improvement Programme): A government initiative in Singapore aimed at upgrading older HDB flats, typically involving essential improvements like plumbing and waterproofing.
- Hoarding: A temporary fence or barrier used around a construction site for safety and privacy.
- Hollow Block: A temporary fence or barrier used around a construction site for safety and privacy.
Hollow blocks provide structural support while reducing weight and improving insulation.
Renovation Terms Starting with I
- ID (Interior Designer): A professional who plans and oversees the design and decoration of the interior spaces of a home.
- Indirect Lighting: A lighting method where light is directed towards ceilings or walls to create a soft, diffused illumination. See how we used indirect lighting here.
Indirect lighting is often used to enhance the mood or highlight architectural elements.
- IPE (Ironwood): A dense, durable hardwood often used for decking or outdoor furniture.
Renovation Terms Starting with J
- Jointing Compound: A substance used to fill and smooth joints between sheets of plasterboard, creating a seamless surface for painting or wallpapering.
- Joist: A horizontal structural element that supports the floor or ceiling, typically made of wood, steel, or engineered materials.
Renovation Terms Starting with K
- Kerb: A raised edge that separates flooring areas or marks the boundary between different surfaces, often used in bathrooms or outdoor areas.
- Kickboard: The base of a kitchen cabinet that conceals the gap between the cabinet and the floor, protecting the cabinetry from damage.
Renovation Terms Starting with L
- Laminated Flooring: A multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process, mimicking the appearance of wood or stone at a lower cost.
- Level Drop: Very small and unnoticeable drops in floor height. These allow water to flow towards drains and are usually found in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Limewash Paint: A paint made from limestone that creates a chalky, matte finish. People who like the rustic, textured look on walls often use this paint.
- Lintel: A horizontal support across the top of a door or window opening, essential for structural integrity.
- Load-Bearing Wall: A wall that supports the weight of the structure above it, crucial in structural planning and renovations.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring: LVT floorings are high-end vinyl flooring that mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone.
Renovation Terms Starting with M
- MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title): The management body for strata-titled properties, such as condominiums, responsible for managing common areas and ensuring compliance with renovation guidelines.
- Micro-cement: A thin layer of cement-based coating that can be applied to floors, walls, or furniture. The result is a seamless, industrial look that is durable and moisture-resistant.
- Mitered Joint Tiles: Tiles that are cut at a 45-degree angle at the edges and joined together. It makes for a seamless and polished corner or edge.
- Moodboard: Moodboards convey an inspirational theme or aesthetic of a renovation project. It may have images, colours, textures, and materials.
- Mosaic Tiles: Small tiles that come in various colours and materials and are used to create decorative patterns on floors and walls.
- M&E (Mechanical and Electrical): Refers to the services in a building related to mechanical and electrical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
Renovation Terms Starting with N
- Neutral Wire: A conductor that carries current back to the source in an electrical system, critical for safety and proper functioning.
- Niche: A recessed shelf within a wall.
Niches can be customised in size, shape, and finish to complement various interior styles in whichever room of a house.
- Nosing: The front edge of a stair tread, often rounded or bevelled for safety and aesthetics.
Renovation Terms Starting with O
- Open Plan: A floor plan that eliminates walls between rooms, creating a spacious and flexible living area.
- Optional Component Scheme (OCS): A scheme that allows new BTO homeowners to include specific fittings and fixtures in their flats.
- Overhang: The extension of a roof or upper story beyond the wall, providing protection from the elements and adding architectural interest.
Renovation Terms Starting with P
- Parquet Flooring: A flooring made of small wood pieces arranged in geometric patterns, such as herringbone or chevron. These classic flooring styles can be found in old-school homes in Singapore.
- PE (Professional Engineer): A licensed engineer who endorses structural changes in Singapore, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Plasterboard: A panel made of gypsum used to create interior walls and ceilings, offering a smooth surface for finishing.
- Pocket Door: A door that slides into the adjacent wall, usually preferred for smaller and minimalist homes.
- Punch List: A list of tasks that must be completed before the renovation project is considered finished, typically created during the final inspection.
Renovation Terms Starting with Q
- Quantity Surveyor: A professional responsible for estimating costs, managing budgets, and ensuring the financial efficiency of a renovation project.
- Quartz: An engineered stone commonly used for countertops. It is durable, non-porous and made from natural quartz and resin. It is scratch-resistant and low maintenance.
Renovation Terms Starting with R
- R-Value: A measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, essential for energy efficiency in homes.
- Reinforcement Bars (Re-bars): Steel bars embedded in concrete that provide additional strength and durability.
- Render: A plaster-like coating applied to external walls for protection and aesthetics, often used in both new builds and renovations.
- REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust): A company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. Understanding REITs can be helpful for homeowners renovating rental properties.
- Runner: A mechanism in drawers that make it glide in and out of cabinetry smoothly. Common runners are soft-closing or ball-bearing runners.
Renovation Terms Starting with S
- SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) Compliance: Refers to adherence to fire safety regulations set by SCDF, which are mandatory for any structural changes in buildings.
- Screed: A screed is usually a thin layer of concrete material made of cement and sharp sand. It is laid on floors before receiving finishes like tiles, marble, or carpet.
- Sintered Stone: A highly durable and non-porous surface that resembles marble. It’s ideal for countertops and cladding due to its resistance to heat, stains, and scratches.
A sneak peek at Homescape’s showroom pantry which has a sintered stone countertop!
- Skirting: The board covering the joint between the wall and the floor. It is often used to protect walls from damage and enhance aesthetics.
- Sliding Door: A door that opens horizontally by sliding along a track. This helps save space and offers a modern, streamlined look.
- Soft Closing: A feature in hinges and drawer runners that allows them to close slowly and quietly.
Soft closing mechanisms prevent slamming of drawers, extending the lifespan of the cabinetry.
- Soft Furnishings: Fabric-based elements in a home, such as curtains, cushions, and upholstery, that add comfort and style.
- Solar Film: A thin layer applied to windows to reduce heat and UV radiation from the sun.
- Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Flooring: SPC flooring is water-resistant floor, typically used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
- Stud Wall: A lightweight, non-load-bearing wall made from a frame of timber or metal studs, commonly used to divide spaces or create additional rooms. Also known as a partition wall.
Renovation Terms Starting with T
- Textured Paint: A type of paint with additives or techniques that create a three-dimensional, textured finish on walls.
- Threshold: The strip of material (wood, metal, or stone) at the bottom of a doorway, often used to transition between different types of flooring.
- Tiling: The process of covering a surface with tiles, which can be made of various materials like ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
- Tongue and Groove: A method of joining two flat pieces of material, where a protruding 'tongue' fits into a matching 'groove,' creating a tight and seamless connection.
Renovation Terms Starting with U
- Underpinning: The process of strengthening the foundation of an existing building, which is essential for ensuring structural stability during renovations.
- URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority): Singapore's land use planning and conservation authority. They are responsible for approving renovation plans that affect land use or heritage sites.
Renovation Terms Starting with V
- Variation Order: A procedure of making additions or changes to the renovation works not initially requested.
- Veneer: A thin layer of material, such as wood or stone, applied over a surface to improve its appearance without the cost or weight of solid materials.
- Vent Stack: A vertical pipe that provides ventilation to a building's plumbing system, ensuring the proper flow of wastewater.
Renovation Terms Starting with W
- Wainscoting: Decorative panelling applied to the lower part of walls, adding texture and character to a room.
More than just decorative purposes, wainscoting can also protect walls from long-term damage.
- Wall Cladding: A decorative covering for a wall.
- Wall Hung: Refers to fixtures like sinks, toilets, or cabinets that are mounted directly on the wall, often used in modern, space-saving designs.
A wall hung is a general term for all fixtures mounted directly on the wall, like sinks and toilets.
- Wet Works: Construction work involving water or wet materials, such as concrete, plastering, or tiling, typically completed in the initial stages of a renovation.
Renovation Terms Starting with X
- Xeriscaping: A landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation, using drought-resistant plants, ideal for sustainable outdoor spaces.
Renovation Terms Starting with Y
- Yield: The amount of material produced or required in construction, often used to estimate quantities for materials like paint, concrete, or tiles.
Renovation Terms Starting with Z
- Zoning: Regulations that dictate how land can be used in specific areas, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, often influencing renovation possibilities.
Learn More Renovation and Interior Design Jargon
These are by no means the complete list of words, but it should be a good start! As you begin your renovation journey, you’ll encounter even more words. It's almost endless, from different types of fittings to the variety of materials out there.
If you couldn’t find a particular word, let us know what was missing! We will be happy to explain it to you.
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