remodel
B2Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To change the structure, form, or appearance of something, especially a building.
To restructure, reorganize, or significantly alter the design, function, or plan of something tangible (like a room) or abstract (like a process or system).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a substantial, often structural change, not just superficial decoration. It is result-oriented, focusing on the new, improved state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Renovate' is a close synonym in both, but 'remodel' more strongly implies a change in layout/structure, while 'renovate' can mean restoration to a good state.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In domestic contexts, it often connotes a major, potentially disruptive home improvement project.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, especially in real estate and home improvement contexts (e.g., 'remodeled kitchen').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] remodel [object] (e.g., We remodeled the kitchen.)[object] be remodeled (by [agent]) (e.g., The office was remodeled last year.)[subject] remodel [object] into [new state] (e.g., They remodeled the attic into a bedroom.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific common idioms for 'remodel' as a verb]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for restructuring departments, business processes, or retail spaces (e.g., 'The company is remodeling its supply chain.')
Academic
Used in architecture, urban planning, and history (e.g., 'The city remodeled its public transport network in the 1990s.')
Everyday
Overwhelmingly associated with home improvement (e.g., 'We're saving up to remodel the bathroom.')
Technical
Used in construction, engineering, and software (e.g., 'The software team had to remodel the database architecture.')
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The house remodel took six months and was over budget.
- They are in the middle of a major kitchen remodel.
American English
- The remodel added significant value to the property.
- The bathroom remodel included installing a walk-in shower.
verb
British English
- They plan to remodel the entire ground floor.
- The council is remodeling the old library into a community centre.
- After the flood, we had to remodel the kitchen completely.
American English
- We remodeled our basement to add an extra bedroom.
- The store is closed for remodeling until June.
- She hired a contractor to remodel the bathroom.
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverb form]
American English
- [Not a standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [Not a standard adjective form]
American English
- [Not a standard adjective form]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We want to remodel our kitchen.
- The shop is closed for remodeling.
- They are remodeling the old house to make it more modern.
- It's very expensive to completely remodel a bathroom.
- The architect proposed remodeling the interior to allow more natural light.
- The company remodeled its organizational structure to improve efficiency.
- The government's policy aimed to remodel the welfare system, drawing criticism from opposition parties.
- Post-war, the city was extensively remodeled, losing much of its historical character in the process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-MODEL. You are making a model of something AGAIN, but in a new and improved way.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDINGS ARE BODIES (remodeling as plastic surgery or restructuring the body). SYSTEMS ARE STRUCTURES (remodeling a process is like changing a building's floor plan).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'ремонтировать' (to repair) – this is too narrow. 'Remodel' is closer to 'перестраивать' or 'перепланировать'.
- Do not confuse with 'remake' (переделывать в смысле кино) – 'remodel' is more physical/structural.
- The prefix 're-' does not always mean simple repetition; here it means a fundamental change.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'remodel' for minor repairs or painting (use 'redecorate' or 'repair').
- Incorrect spelling: 'remoddel' or 'remode'.
- Using the noun form ('a remodel') as uncountable (it's countable: 'We did a remodel.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as 'remodeled'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Remodel' involves changing the structure or layout. 'Renovate' means to restore to a good state, which may include remodeling. 'Redecorate' is superficial: changing paint, furnishings, etc.
Yes, it's common in business and academia (e.g., 'remodel a strategy', 'remodel a theory'), though the core meaning is physical.
Yes, especially in American English (e.g., 'We're doing a kitchen remodel'). In British English, 'renovation' or 'refurbishment' might be more common as nouns.
Not always. The result is intended to be improved, but the process can be neutral (e.g., 'The space was remodeled into a smaller office').