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give something a lick / a coat of paint = paint walls
hang / put up wallpaper = to attach new paper to the walls
fit / put up blinds or curtains = cover the windows either with curtains (fabric hanging across the window) or blinds (strips of plastic or fabric that cover the window)
throw out / replace the old light fittings = change the lights
go for a (name of fashion) effect = recreate a particular look
put the finishing touches to = complete the decoration with the final details
have an extension = build on to the existing house to provide more rooms
put in a conservatory / a fitted kitchen / a new bathroom = to install a conservatory (room between the back of the house and the garden), a fitted kitchen (where the units are connected, rather than being single pieces) or a new bathroom
convert the loft (have a loft conversion) = convert the attic into a liveable room
turn the dining room into a spare bedroom = convert a room into one with a different purpose
knock down a wall = demolish a wall
knock through from the kitchen = demolish the wall from the kitchen into another room
build a patio = build a paved area around part or the whole of the house
rewire the house = put in new electrical wiring
install central heating / solar panels = put in a new heating system
re-plaster the ceiling = take off the old plaster (covering the bricks) and replace it with new
re-tile the bathroom = put new tiles on the floor and walls
diy = Do it Yourself (doing maintenance and building works in your house)
be handy around the house = to be practical and able to do jobs in the house
draw up plans = to make technical plans before you do building or renovation work
get planning / building permission = to get authorisation from the town hall to do work on your house
