The Home Improvements Thread (2)

[GoB]

We are purchasing a property soon, and there is a single brick wall from the outside of the house linking up until the boundary wall.

Can this be demolished without municipality permission?

This is Africa. We don't ask permission to break things. Actually I don't know but I'd be surprised if there was some kind of technicality involving planning.

 

[rodga]

We are purchasing a property soon, and there is a single brick wall from the outside of the house linking up until the boundary wall.

Can this be demolished without municipality permission?

Is it on the current plans?

 

[SAguy]

We are purchasing a property soon, and there is a single brick wall from the outside of the house linking up until the boundary wall.

Can this be demolished without municipality permission?

Hopefully you don't need plans. Can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for plan approval in CPT.

 

[Quey_Quick]

Is it on the current plans?

I will have to get the detailed plans, but I doubt it.

 

[Quey_Quick]

Hopefully you don't need plans. Can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for plan approval in CPT.

I'm in JHB, never had to do major renovations yet so no idea on these things.

 

[MrJacques]

We paid this guy R300k - and we provided most of the hardware - just about everything he provided has, or will need to be replaced.

If he belongs to the MBA you might be able to report him and see what they can do for compensation?

 

[Steamy Tom]

WTF is wrong with the construction/handyman/renovation type industry, do okes just have too much work or is it attracting the wrong type of people?

I swear for every good story you hear you hear 3 bad ones where either the work was bad or the guy bailed with money etc. I cannot for the life of me find people willing to actually pitch and then you get those that do that then do not quote.

 

[xrapidx]

If he belongs to the MBA you might be able to report him and see what they can do for compensation?

Nah - he's a backyard builder, was recommended by a few people in the area - some of which he also fell out with at later stages.

Most of the issues have been dealt with, I'll still be replacing all the kitchen cupboard fronts though...

 

[xrapidx]

WTF is wrong with the construction/handyman/renovation type industry, do okes just have too much work or is it attracting the wrong type of people?

I swear for every good story you hear you hear 3 bad ones where either the work was bad or the guy bailed with money etc. I cannot for the life of me find people willing to actually pitch and then you get those that do that then do not quote.

The majority I have dealt with are shitty, and are there to make a quick buck - even friends in the industry, I'll now rather do everything myself. (i.e. find the right labourer for the jobs, and deal with them one at a time)

 

[Steamy Tom]

The majority I have dealt with are shitty, and are there to make a quick buck - even friends in the industry, I'll now rather do everything myself. (i.e. find the right labourer for the jobs, and deal with them one at a time)

I like to do what I can, but some bigger jobs i sometimes want to let someone who you would hope knows what they are doing rather do, or if it is a multi person or tedious job etc.

I have for example some building work i want to do, the small parts like filling in a window hole i am willing to try, but like digging a foundation for a small external extension, building up a small wall and sliding doorway opening... doesnt sound like a simple DIY type project.

 

[xrapidx]

I like to do what I can, but some bigger jobs i sometimes want to let someone who you would hope knows what they are doing rather do, or if it is a multi person or tedious job etc.

I have for example some building work i want to do, the small parts like filling in a window hole i am willing to try, but like digging a foundation for a small external extension, building up a small wall and sliding doorway opening... doesnt sound like a simple DIY type project.

I'm willing to bet most of these guys have no clue either... I'd rather do a bit of research and do it myself.

 

[Steamy Tom]

I'm willing to bet most of these guys have no clue either... I'd rather do a bit of research and do it myself.

yeah that's why i put in the "you would hope knows what they are doing"

the only issue with research is from the bit I have done there are so many differing opinions

 

[ToxicBunny]

yeah that's why i put in the "you would hope knows what they are doing"

the only issue with research is from the bit I have done there are so many differing opinions

90% of them have no idea..

I read SANS 10400 extensively, and I had to **** on my contractor numerous times when he did things completely contrary to the building codes...

The extension you want to build is actually easy work...

Get a labourer or 2 from Builders for the day to dig the trench. If the foundation is easily accessible for a concrete mixer, do the calculations and get the truck in then you only need 1 labourer to spread it out.. Leave it for a week or two to cure, then get 2 brick layers and they can build the walls. The only part you may want an external lot to do is the roof, but then get a specialist roofing company in for that.

 

[Steamy Tom]

90% of them have no idea..

I read SANS 10400 extensively, and I had to **** on my contractor numerous times when he did things completely contrary to the building codes...

The extension you want to build is actually easy work...

Get a labourer or 2 from Builders for the day to dig the trench. If the foundation is easily accessible for a concrete mixer, do the calculations and get the truck in then you only need 1 labourer to spread it out.. Leave it for a week or two to cure, then get 2 brick layers and they can build the walls. The only part you may want an external lot to do is the roof, but then get a specialist roofing company in for that.

trust me I am tempted....

the roof is a simple "lean to" that will need to go under the existing roof and not change it. That or it will need to become part of it and the end slope will change, but i feel that is asking for trouble. it just means if i put it under the existing roof that the end height will be less than ideal.

 

[Mista_Mobsta]

Anyone have any good contractors to replace/fix/service roller garage doors in the Pretoria area? I am also keen to hear of any experiences if you have ever DIY removed and repainted the doors.

 

[ToxicBunny]

trust me I am tempted....

the roof is a simple "lean to" that will need to go under the existing roof and not change it. That or it will need to become part of it and the end slope will change, but i feel that is asking for trouble. it just means if i put it under the existing roof that the end height will be less than ideal.

I would do it that way... yes it does mean you have to be on the labourers all the time... but that is manageable and you control how things get done.

 

[krycor]

Link

It's on special.. this one is a bit dark though. Order is from Gaansbaai so delivery is costly at R170 but does come with tools needed.

SOLYX: SXHP-SPSM1060- 50micron Sputter 152cm wide - Solyx Films

SXHP-SPSM1060, 152cm wide Dark Tint – Visible Light Transmitted 10% A high performance sputter film – has a slight smoke colour, perfect for Residential or Commercial application. Protects your interiors, cuts down heat, and reduces glare. Great for enhancing privacy!

solyxfilms.co.za

I was looking at Builders and Takealot and they we upward of R200.. i think i saw builders at R400+ / meter

Do u have insulation in the loft?

From wind/air ? yes.. so it's nice and warm up there as main losses of heat through the door panel which is now limited. Problem with putting up the film is winter though as it will mean less heat getting in unless you open windows. Loft one window gets sun from midday till end of day which i figure is where the heat is coming in too much.. so gonna cover that and then decide if it's cooled down sufficiently. got enough to do both windows but cna always use it elsewhere like bedroom for privacy.

 

[Steamy Tom]

Anyone have any good contractors to replace/fix/service roller garage doors in the Pretoria area? I am also keen to hear of any experiences if you have ever DIY removed and repainted the doors.

whats wrong with the doors? How are you planning to paint them? spray or brush?

 

[Steamy Tom]

I would do it that way... yes it does mean you have to be on the labourers all the time... but that is manageable and you control how things get done.

I kinda have the interest and personality type that i end up watching the guys regardless, it really usually annoys whoever is doing it

 

[rodga]

It's on special.. this one is a bit dark though. Order is from Gaansbaai so delivery is costly at R170 but does come with tools needed.

SOLYX: SXHP-SPSM1060- 50micron Sputter 152cm wide - Solyx Films

SXHP-SPSM1060, 152cm wide Dark Tint – Visible Light Transmitted 10% A high performance sputter film – has a slight smoke colour, perfect for Residential or Commercial application. Protects your interiors, cuts down heat, and reduces glare. Great for enhancing privacy!

solyxfilms.co.za

I was looking at Builders and Takealot and they we upward of R200.. i think i saw builders at R400+ / meter



From wind/air ? yes.. so it's nice and warm up there as main losses of heat through the door panel which is now limited. Problem with putting up the film is winter though as it will mean less heat getting in unless you open windows. Loft one window gets sun from midday till end of day which i figure is where the heat is coming in too much.. so gonna cover that and then decide if it's cooled down sufficiently. got enough to do both windows but cna always use it elsewhere like bedroom for privacy.

Wouldnt this one be a better option?

SOLYX: ULTRABLOCK-60. 152cm wide - Solyx Films

NOMINAL HEAT REJECTION: Ultrablock Neutral reflective window film. 43% Solar heat rejecting film with 57% light transmission. Blocks 99% of the UV rays. Priced per meter. Order the length (quantity) needed x 152cm wide.

solyxfilms.co.za