- List of 50 free technical English resources
- Grouped by categories covering a wide range of topics
- Some glossaries and guides include illustrations
Our Edinburgh flat renovation may not start anytime soon, but it’s never too soon to work on building up my technical English vocabulary. I faced huge linguistic challenges during our previous home renovation and this time I want to be better prepared language-wise.
I’ve compiled a list of 50 free technical English resources. While I’m sharing it mainly with fellow expat renovators in mind, it’ll be useful for anyone tackling their first home renovation project, too.
The resources are grouped by categories covering a wide range of topics – from general architecture and construction to joinery, decoration, brickwork or roofing. Some glossaries and guides include illustrations.
Property (general)
- Property-AZ glossary – e.surv Chartered Surveyors
- Glossary of planning terms (England) – Planning Portal
- Scottish Planning Policy glossary – Scottish Government
- Glossary of property terms – Law Society of Scotland
- Property jargon buster – Zoopla
- Glossary of (property) legal terms (England and Wales) – Property Law Partners
Architecture and construction (general)
- Architecture glossary – Looking at Buildings
- RICS diagram of a typical house – e.surv Chartered Surveyors
- Glossary of architectural terms (key terms used in listed building records) – Historic Scotland
- Dictionary of Scottish building terms – Historic Scotland
- Dictionary of Architecture and Construction Fourth Edition (2300 illustrations) – Edited by Cyril M. Harris
- Symbols on architectural drawings – Designing Buildings Ltd
- Building terms and jargon – Allcott Associates
- Building terms glossary dictionary explained – Robuild London tradesmen
Energy, plumbing, lighting and security
- British Gas glossary
- Energy Glossary (most frequently used terms) – MEUC (Making Energy Understandable for Customers)
- Plumbing illustrated glossary – Pearson Schools and FE Colleges
- Bathroom & plumbing glossary – QS Supplies
- Glossary of light bulb & lighting terms – The Lightbulb Company
- Common terms related to fire, security, access control and CCTV systems – tecservuk
Joinery and woodwork
- Glossary of joinery and woodworking terms – British Woodworking Federation
- Carpentry and joinery glossary A-Z – Gate Expectations by Inwood (Cymru) Ltd
- Glossary of wood and woodworking terms – UK Government
- Different types of wood – UK Government
Roofing
- What are the different part of a roof called (Roof Glossary) – TCK Roofing Contractors
- Glossary of roofing terms – LC Joinery Roofing & Building Work
- A glossary of slate & stone roofing – Stone Roofing Association
Brickwork and tiling
- Bricks and materials glossary – Tylers and Bricklayers
- Tiling and bricklaying tools glossary – Tylers and Bricklayers
- Tiling and mosaics terms – Tylers and Bricklayers
- Brick terminology (brick types, bonds and mortar joints) – ET Clay Products
- Scottish traditional brickwork (short guide) – Historic Scotland
Concrete, plasterwork
- Concrete glossary – Neil Sullivan and Sons
- Plaster glossary (of terms used in the White Book) – British Gypsum
- Glossary of lime terms – lime green
Windows, doors, fireplaces and staircases
- Sash window jargon buster – SJB Sash Windows Specialist Ltd
- Glossary of glazing terms – Livingwood Windows
- A to Z glossary of window and door terms – George Barnsdale
- Window blinds & curtains glossary – English Blinds
- Parts of a door explained – Salisbury Joinery
- Glossary of essential locksmith & security terms – Master Locksmiths Association
- Lexicon of locks and keys – Historical Locks
- Fireplace jargon buster – Fireplaceworld
- Glossary for a stone staircase – The Stonemasonry Company Limited
- Glossary for balustrading – The Stonemasonry Company Limited
Furniture and decoration
- The A-Z of furniture: terminology to know when buying at auction – Christie’s
- Different antique furniture terminology from A to Z – Antiques World
- Decorating glossary – Dulux
- Glossary of curtain fabrics – terrys
- Wallpaper glossary (a selected list of terms) – Wallpaper History Society
What are your thoughts?
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Bear in mind that this blog is for informational purposes only. The content published in The Home Reporter does not constitute legal advice and you shouldn't rely upon it as such. I won't be liable for any loss or damage resulting from or in connection with your use of this blog.
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Irene Corchado Resmella
I’m a Spanish freelance translator living in the UK since 2011. After fully renovating and selling a Victorian end of terrace house in Oxford, I recently relocated to Edinburgh with my Scottish husband.
In The Home Reporter I share everything home and lifestyle – from renovation stories and interiors inspiration to tips and anecdotes about buying a house, working from home and relocation. Lover of bright spaces, wooden floors and matte finishings.
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