The Home Improvements Thread (2)

[surface]

I personally opted for Elba in my current kitchen, and I've been happy with the products... but then they probably aren't any different in terms of quality to Bosch or Siemens just with an Italian price premium mostly.

I don't think brand is any indication of quality these days. I know people don't prefer LG or Samsung but we got LG washing machine that has been with us for more than 7+ years. Got samsung vaccum cleaner - 10+ probably. We have defy oven - don't recall any issues really. Defy kettle probably lasted the longest.

Many recommended bosch dishwasher here but ours stopped working a year after its warranty expired.

 

[The_Mowgs]

Do you know off hand what fiberglass was used to line the pool? If it’s not Vinylester then the chances are good it’s flaking bubbling of the gel coat, especially if your pool temperature goes into the 30s and higher.

That was the reason mine bubbled, and I had to do a re-lining - went with vinylester and everything seems great now, even with a water temp of 36.5 yesterday

Do you actually swim in that water?

 

[Tinuva]

I don't think brand is any indication of quality these days. I know people don't prefer LG or Samsung but we got LG washing machine that has been with us for more than 7+ years. Got samsung vaccum cleaner - 10+ probably. We have defy oven - don't recall any issues really. Defy kettle probably lasted the longest.

Many recommended bosch dishwasher here but ours stopped working a year after its warranty expired.

Interesting, our bosch series 6 been going for 4 years now.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

An update on this for those that are interested.

Discussed it with the guys at the lawnmower store and decided to fit a new 2600w motor on as the chassis etc is still solid.

The lawnmower is probably 15- 20 years old and was given to me by my grandfather.

Cost R2000 all in for a new 2600w Mowtor Tech motor fitted. This is the same motor fitted on your tandems, wolfs, rolux etc

Speaking of lawn mowers, I just put together this Lawn Star 196cc.



Instructions are pretty poor but it wasn't rocket science to figure out.

About to put in the oil, fuel and crank it up...

 

[surface]

Interesting, our bosch series 6 been going for 4 years now.

Yip, got serie 6 - Silence Plus model. Don't recall exactly but it packed up 3-4 years after purchase. Warranty was 2 years I think, could have been 3.

I am going to attempt fix it using YT video this month. Hopefully it is just a heating element and available locally.

 

[ElixirCoder]

Do you actually swim in that water?

At night around 10pm it’s fantastic. Rest of the time I take a cold shower if I need to cool down

 

[xrapidx]

I don't think brand is any indication of quality these days. I know people don't prefer LG or Samsung but we got LG washing machine that has been with us for more than 7+ years. Got samsung vaccum cleaner - 10+ probably. We have defy oven - don't recall any issues really. Defy kettle probably lasted the longest.

Many recommended bosch dishwasher here but ours stopped working a year after its warranty expired.

I think manufacturers just go through stages (sometimes permanent) of producing crap - and doing crap QA.

 

[SiR_BP]

Think I might actually try this: https://www.alcolin.com/diy-products/epoxy/aqua-mend

Do you know where one could this locally? Also have a hole in our pool we would like to patch

Edit: I checked my local Builders but they never had it

 

[Steamy Tom]

Do you know where one could this locally? Also have a hole in our pool we would like to patch

Edit: I checked my local Builders but they never had it

Alcolin Mix 'n Fix Aquamend (57g)

Buy Alcolin Mix 'n Fix Aquamend (57g) Online or Locate Your Nearest Builders Warehouse Store. ✓ Secure shopping ✓ 100% Contactless ✓ Reliable Delivery ✓ Many ways to pay!

www.builders.co.za

 

[xrapidx]

Do you know where one could this locally? Also have a hole in our pool we would like to patch

Edit: I checked my local Builders but they never had it

I'd imagine Buco or Brights might also have it - but - I know my local Builders stocks it.

If you're not in a rush, they can probably order it for you.

 

[SiR_BP]

I'd imagine Buco or Brights might also have it - but - I know my local Builders stocks it.

If you're not in a rush, they can probably order it for you.

Called another one closer to me and they have stock, will see if I can get there over the weekend

 

[SureThing]

Is energy rating a factor when choosing appliances? Which make is the most energy efficient for ovens and fridge freezer combination. Standard sizes for a granny flat.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Is energy rating a factor when choosing appliances? Which make is the most energy efficient for ovens and fridge freezer combination. Standard sizes for a granny flat.

The factor depends on how much power you want to save. Generally the higher the energy efficiency, the higher the price. Anything from A+ upwards is decent enough...

 

[abudabi]

I wish to push a wall out in between 2 existing structures to make a room bigger. What do you guys reckon I'm in for regarding the foundations? Would I need to tie into existing?

P is patio, 1 and 3 are existing rooms and 2 is the one I want to make bigger by moving the wall to where the dotted line is.

 

[Steamy Tom]

I wish to push a wall out in between 2 existing structures to make a room bigger. What do you guys reckon I'm in for regarding the foundations? Would I need to tie into existing?

P is patio, 1 and 3 are existing rooms and 2 is the one I want to make bigger by moving the wall to where the dotted line is.
View attachment 1227298

big job, tieing in foundations at the footing, possibility that existing wall is load bearing, the roof itself will be a whole other story depending on how it is structured

 

[ToxicBunny]

big job, tieing in foundations at the footing, possibility that existing wall is load bearing, the roof itself will be a whole other story depending on how it is structured

Yeah very much this...

For what would in theory be a few extra sqm gained, it might not be worth the cost to do it right.

You would have to tie in the foundations, as well as the new wall all the way up.
Then you'd have to make sure your floor levels are all right (and this is actually way more "complicated" than you would think with our local builders)

 

[abudabi]

Eish... Yeah it sounds more trouble than it's worth. Dangit...

 

[prod]

Anyone had to buy these before? You can see the old ones are pretty banged up.

I'm in the process of refurbishing the frames and doors but can't seem to find these things standalone (looked at builders warehouse).

Not sure what they're called, they go into the door frame.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Anyone had to buy these before? You can see the old ones are pretty banged up.

I'm in the process of refurbishing the frames and doors but can't seem to find these things standalone (looked at builders warehouse).

Not sure what they're called, they go into the door frame.

View attachment 1227754

Gelmar sells lots of small hardware things like that if you have one near you. Think it's called a strike plate...

 

[Steamy Tom]

Anyone had to buy these before? You can see the old ones are pretty banged up.

I'm in the process of refurbishing the frames and doors but can't seem to find these things standalone (looked at builders warehouse).

Not sure what they're called, they go into the door frame.

View attachment 1227754

Steel Jamb Striker Plate Galv

Steel Jamb Striker Plate Galv

www.builditstrand.co.za

its a (door) jamb strike plate