American English · B1 · Unit 11
Repairs and services
Repairs and services
By the end you can
- Arrange for someone to repair something
- Agree on a price and a time
- Understand a quote for a job
Words and phrases
| American English | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a plumber | a person who fixes water pipes, sinks and toilets | We need a plumber this week. |
| could you come out | could you visit (to do a job) | Could you come out on Tuesday morning? |
| how much would it cost | what would the price be | How much would it cost to fix it? |
| an estimate | a price you get before the work starts (also: a quote) | Can you give me an estimate first? |
| parts and labor | the cost of the things plus the cost of the work | It's $180 for parts and labor. |
| the toilet is clogged | something is blocking the toilet | The toilet is clogged again. |
| a service call fee | money you pay just for the visit | There's a service call fee of $75. |
| a time window | a period of time when someone will arrive | They gave me a time window of 8 to 12. |
| I'll be home | I'll be there (to let someone in) | I'll be home all morning. |
| a handyman | a person who does small repairs | My neighbor knows a handyman who can do it. |
| is it worth fixing? | is it better to fix it than to buy a new one? | Is it worth fixing, or should we buy a new one? |
| in cash | with paper money and coins | Can I pay in cash? |
Then talk it through
Arranging for a plumber to come and asking what it will cost. In the app you have this conversation out loud or typed, with the unit's goals to tick off and corrections at the end.