The Home Improvements Thread (2)

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Mike Hoxbig said:
There's no right or wrong way to start a solar build, sooner or later you have to take some kind of plunge.

I left the geyser for last and went straight to solar. Geyser doesn't help you during load shedding. And you can always use your system to power the geyser during the day, and only rely on Eskom for the night. That alone will result in substantial savings...
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but whats the costs for a solar geyser
 
So we are almost at the end of our bathroom renovations but sadly that's not the end of it! The contractors bakkie has leaked oil on our red bricked driveway and there is also some dried cement dust here and there. What would you guys suggest is the best way to clean the bricks? A quick google search doesn't yield too many helpful suggestions! Ideally I'd not like to use super harsh chemicals if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
 
Deefish said:
So we are almost at the end of our bathroom renovations but sadly that's not the end of it! The contractors bakkie has leaked oil on our red bricked driveway and there is also some dried cement dust here and there. What would you guys suggest is the best way to clean the bricks? A quick google search doesn't yield too many helpful suggestions! Ideally I'd not like to use super harsh chemicals if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
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I would also like to know. Before I bought my place, the owner moved out of the complex and the house and driveway was vacant. The neighbour decided it was fine to park their car there for a few months and left a nice fat oil stain.

Please update us if you find a solution
 
Deefish said:
So we are almost at the end of our bathroom renovations but sadly that's not the end of it! The contractors bakkie has leaked oil on our red bricked driveway and there is also some dried cement dust here and there. What would you guys suggest is the best way to clean the bricks? A quick google search doesn't yield too many helpful suggestions! Ideally I'd not like to use super harsh chemicals if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
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For the oil ive always been successful covering it with garden sand until its absorbed. Then discarding the sand and oil. And then finally using something like Cleen Green. However not sure how harsh you would judge that chemical
Edit: This is for fresh spills, not sure about old spills. At my previous complex if it couldnt be cleaned we repaved.
 
Deefish said:
So we are almost at the end of our bathroom renovations but sadly that's not the end of it! The contractors bakkie has leaked oil on our red bricked driveway and there is also some dried cement dust here and there. What would you guys suggest is the best way to clean the bricks? A quick google search doesn't yield too many helpful suggestions! Ideally I'd not like to use super harsh chemicals if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
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Is it clay brick or cement pavers? If it is cement pavers you need to remove the affected bricks unfortunately. Clay bricks you get some chemicals to remove oil. You also get a sealer that can prevent the stains but a bit pricey.
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far guys! Clean Green is definitely fine to use and will definitely try it - it's more caustic type stuff and heavy acids that if I can steer clear of I would prefer that! As for the type of bricks, they are the red clay type. Do you perhaps have any idea what the product is called?
 
Deefish said:
So we are almost at the end of our bathroom renovations but sadly that's not the end of it! The contractors bakkie has leaked oil on our red bricked driveway and there is also some dried cement dust here and there. What would you guys suggest is the best way to clean the bricks? A quick google search doesn't yield too many helpful suggestions! Ideally I'd not like to use super harsh chemicals if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
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Spirits of salts. Works but its rough.
 
Deefish said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far guys! Clean Green is definitely fine to use and will definitely try it - it's more caustic type stuff and heavy acids that if I can steer clear of I would prefer that! As for the type of bricks, they are the red clay type. Do you perhaps have any idea what the product is called?
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Product from the UK called Paveseal.
 
Kitchen and lounge renovation starting tomorrow.

Our biggest renovation since moving in 10 years ago after the 2 bathrooms.

All kitchen and lounge cupboards will be removed. Knocking down the wall at the end of the sink and leading to the lounge to open the area up.

Will also be removing the floor and putting in tiles. I've got this rough walls like popcorn effect that they will also be smoothing out, repaint the walls and ceiling and putting in down lights.

Stripping it down completely and starting from scratch. 20220306_210632.jpg20220306_210737.jpg
 
^

End of sink - is that where the gloves are hanging? Does that lead to the lounge?


Also where's the plan? C'mon, c'mon, you know we all have something to say :laugh:
 
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maumau said:
^

End of sink - is that where the gloves are hanging? Does that lead to the lounge?


Also where's the plan? C'mon, c'mon, you know we all have something to say
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Yes. Where the gloves are. None of my internal walls are load bearing so can remove them all. Based on the original building plans, that wall extended all the way to the other side separating the kitchen from the dining area.

My wife is running with this reno so I'm just a passenger. I'll see if I can get some.

Only thing I have is a video walk through.

Quick drawing I just did in my phone.

The two white built in cupboards are going to be removed, the doorway on the top left is going to be closed up and then the wall separating the kitchen from the lounge is going to be removed till where the DB currently is. Screenshot_20220306-225415_Samsung%20Notes.jpg
 
AchmatK said:
Yes. Where the gloves are. None of my internal walls are load bearing so can remove them all. Based on the original building plans, that wall extended all the way to the other side separating the kitchen from the dining area.

My wife is running with this reno so I'm just a passenger. I'll see if I can get some.

Only thing I have is a video walk through.

Quick drawing I just did in my phone.

The two white built in cupboards are going to be removed, the doorway on the top left is going to be closed up and then the wall separating the kitchen from the lounge is going to be removed till where the DB currently is. View attachment 1260516
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First glance, that's going to be much better. Will open the area up.
 
Also getting a quote now to replace the front door as I want one for that will take up the entire door space and remove the window above and in the side of the door.

Still undecided on a wood or aluminium door for the front door.
 
AchmatK said:
Also getting a quote now to replace the front door as I want one for that will take up the entire door space and remove the window above and in the side of the door.

Still undecided on a wood or aluminium door for the front door.
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Aluminium my preference.
 
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