Construction Glossary

What a turnkey renovation is: one company handles the whole project, from site visit to handing over a ready-to-use home.

What thermal insulation cladding is and how it reduces a building's heat loss, improving comfort and energy use.

What drywall is: gypsum panels for partition walls, suspended ceilings and linings — quick to install and versatile.

What a screed is: the mortar layer that levels the floor slab before flooring — essential for a durable result.

What parquet is: a natural wood floor — warm, durable, and sandable and refinishable over time.

What porcelain stoneware is: a dense ceramic floor, resistant to wear, moisture and stains, in countless finishes.

What waterproofing is: the treatment that makes bathrooms, terraces and roofs watertight, preventing leaks and mould.

What painting is: painting walls and ceilings, from surface preparation to the final finish.

What a suspended ceiling is: a secondary ceiling that hides services, improves acoustics and enables recessed lighting.

CILA, SCIA and building permits: which authorisations you need to renovate and who handles the paperwork.

What the Superbonus is: Italy's tax incentive for energy-efficiency works, now with reduced rates and changing conditions.

What plumbing is: the pipe network that brings water into a home and drains it — worth renewing during bathroom and kitchen work.

What soundproofing is: the solutions that reduce noise transmission between rooms and from outside.