Ready for the renovate?
Important rules before you break ground. Finding the right contractor and having a good experience when it comes to home renovations go hand in hand. We have some tips that might just make this exciting adventure a bit less of a roller coaster and more of a Caribbean cruise. Word of mouth matters The first thing to do is to get the right contractor. As impressive as...Read More
Face Brick as a Design Choice
Why face brick is always the right choice Throughout history, there has been a constant pendulum swing between different architectural styles and trends, along with countless faux pas that left people wondering what the designers were thinking. What is extremely in vogue at one point soon becomes the standard of what not to do. However, there are certain motifs which...Read More
To wall or not to wall, that is the question.
Good fences make good neighbours Much has been said over the years about modern, open plan living. Less walls mean more life (or so they say)… For a long time now the trend has been an open plan kitchen and dining room, with wide open spaces, a flow of energy. . . The openness of your home seemed to be a metaphor for your open heart, open minds, the...Read More
Let’s play Construction Q and A.
These are the ten most important questions to ask your building contractor before they start working on your project. In a perfect world, home improvement projects and construction would be as much fun as the happy-go-lucky TV shows of the 90’s made it look…sadly, that’s not the case. To combat home-improver’s remorse, we suggest that you pin a couple of things down...Read More
Office Blocks into Residential Apartments
The Future of Housing As urbanisation intensifies and city centres evolve, the adaptive reuse of office blocks into residential apartments has emerged as a promising solution to address multiple challenges. This transformative approach to repurposing underutilised spaces enhances urban living, and ease the strain on housing demand. Two striking examples of this trend...Read More
Make your dream theme a reality . . .
Themed rooms and crazy design choices are yours for the making! Story time: When I was growing up my mom, not the strictest parent by any measure, had just one rule when it came to our bedrooms. The outside of your bedroom door, and the walls, stayed plain. In fact she had a specific paint colour that this wall had to be – “iced coffee”…the colour of boredom. This...Read More
Patio? You mean braai-room…
Enclosing your patio is easier than you think! You had dreams once. When you were a young and impressionable new homeowner you saw yourself lounging on your new home’s patio. Enjoying the sun, braai lit, drink in your hand… But then reality hit. Despite South Africa having a great climate, we still have a huge number of unpleasant days. Winter means either cold or...Read More
Prevention is Cheaper than Treatment: The Value of Waterproofing Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels
Don’t Let Your Roof Spring a Leak! Waterproof Before Solar Peaks! When considering the installation of solar panels on your roof, it’s crucial to prioritise the long-term integrity and functionality of your investment. One essential step in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your solar panel system is to waterproof your roof beforehand. By taking...Read More
The Age-old Question: DIY or Get A Guy?
What DIY is really worth DIY’ing Penny Pinching might do some good in the short term…But check the long-term balance before you commit to DIY. The basic rule should be to figure out the PCF of your DIY project. This might sound like a very involved process, but it’s actually straightforward. PCF stands for Potential for Catastrophic Failure. (We just came up with...Read More