The Home Improvements Thread (2)

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Steamy Tom said:
i mean all that it is then is the dimmer set to full really right? a dimmer changes the wave form to reduce the energy to the light like closing a tap
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Thats what I'm thinking - its just a real pain in the ass at the moment because our lounge and bathroom hasnt had lights since Friday.
 
HunterNW said:
True... Atleast i had all the piping renewed, but one never know. I don't check the pipes in my roof that often :cool:
Might have a go at the PVC when i start fixing inside ceilings.
One thing the builder told me about PVC ceilings used "outside". If wind gets in they lift or come apart easily ??
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Lupus said:
Trust me so can normal ceilings :-(. But PVC ceilings for outside are screwed down.
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This^..

The section where they interlock is screwed down, so that the screw is hidden below the next interlocking section.. also, you can apply silicone or some adhesive on sections that touch the rafters/battons for some extra holding strength..
 
WAslayer said:
This^..

The section where they interlock is screwed down, so that the screw is hidden below the next interlocking section.. also, you can apply silicone or some adhesive on sections that touch the rafters/battons for some extra holding strength..
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Yip, I started putting PVC ceilings in our one outside room as a temp fix... specifically because there is a bit of damp in the room.

It's a small room, about 3 x 4m. Took me maybe 3 hours to do on my own, some lessons learnt though.
  • Don't be a hero, get someone to help. I damaged 2 "sheets" because I was holding on one end and the other end slipped out the groove, causing the sheet to buckle. With 2 people it would have taken me an hour to fit.

  • Be careful with screwdrivers/drills... while they are perfect for ceiling, it doesn't take more than a little slip of the screwdriver to push a hole straight through.

  • If you take one that has grooves (which looks quite nice IMO), consider that where the groove meets the cornice, you're going to have to take a lot of care to silicone/seal it nicely so that it looks neat. That can take hours if you're pedantic.

  • If you ever needed an excuse to buy a cordless drill... this is it.
 
InternetLuddite said:
Have to laugh, your clients spent all that for a new modern ceiling and then asked to install the 1980's light fitting again. Was the perfect opportunity to switch to LED downlights :)
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You have no idea how much money my clients waste. I eventually redid the ceiling when they decided to fit new lights a month later... throughout the house. Then they needed electro work and I had to redo the walls which I painted. Skim and paint for the extra plug points in each room except the bathrooms. Then there was one room which they did not want skimmed initially and was just painted... they asked me to smooth out the walls and repaint it.
 
InternetLuddite said:
Have to laugh, your clients spent all that for a new modern ceiling and then asked to install the 1980's light fitting again. Was the perfect opportunity to switch to LED downlights :)
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Saw that. I'm busy replacing all those fishbowls with LED fittings.
 
HunterNW said:
That does look nice. Pitty you're not close. Your work is neat.
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Thanks for the compliment man.

Can anyone give me an idea of what guys in JhB charge for work? Are they pricey?
Reason i ask... one of my clients sent us to Jhb to do his sons place. Not just pricing though, he has trust issues and didn’t know any contractors there. So he just sent us knowing the house would be safe and that I know his expectations and what he would have issues with. So he let one of his guys drive us and let us do whatever needs to be done without having any idea what he would be spending. Just free reign to make decisions on what needs to be done (certain instructions in place though) and one of his cards to purchase anything we need.
 
Smokey mcpot said:
the last ceiling I did. Cornice was fitted as well but I don’t seem to have those pics.View attachment 875299View attachment 875301View attachment 875303
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Very nicely done.

I think they are perfect for flat roof, because if you did need to get into the ceiling for anything major you would probably just sacrifice the cornice and then be able to undo it all again. Still a lot of work, but it's more DIY than having to get someone to reskim the ceiling or mess with the roof sheets.
 
SAguy said:
Very nicely done.

I think they are perfect for flat roof, because if you did need to get into the ceiling for anything major you would probably just sacrifice the cornice and then be able to undo it all again. Still a lot of work, but it's more DIY than having to get someone to reskim the ceiling or mess with the roof sheets.
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Definitely easier. I try and convince everyone to use them hahaha. I’m scheduled for a roof and ceiling job (when I’m done with the million things I got going on) and this guy insists on using rhinoboard.
 
Smokey mcpot said:
Definitely easier. I try and convince everyone to use them hahaha. I’m scheduled for a roof and ceiling job (when I’m done with the million things I got going on) and this guy insists on using rhinoboard.
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And much less messy to do as well, only fun thing is getting the insulation in there while trying to get the sheets in - but I'm sure with practice (which you have) it becomes a lot easier. I did quite a bit of gymnastics doing mine.
 
SAguy said:
And much less messy to do as well, only fun thing is getting the insulation in there while trying to get the sheets in - but I'm sure with practice (which you have) it becomes a lot easier. I did quite a bit of gymnastics doing mine.
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the trick is to get a very small guy to do these things. Right now I’m using my cousins guys to do roofing. He’s star guy (which 2 forum members met) is quite small and fits everywhere. He gets the hard to reach places. In fact he is so compact I’m using him for ceiling runs as well now hahaha
 
crocopede said:
Use the municipality. They are cheap and get there quick. Never had issues with them. In fact they do a better job than plumbers and they usually cost me only R200
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I tried but was told they will only work outside the property? Perhaps I should make sure.
 
maumau said:
I tried but was told they will only work outside the property? Perhaps I should make sure.
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Basically if its outside the property its free of charge. If its inside you get charged and its added to your bill.
They charge a little more than R200 but the guys here is usually happy taking R200 and telling their bosses the work was needed outside. So no charge ;)
 
crocopede said:
Basically if its outside the property its free of charge. If its inside you get charged and its added to your bill.
They charge a little more than R200 but the guys here is usually happy taking R200 and telling their bosses the work was needed outside. So no charge ;)
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Yep I get some great favors (which cannot be mentioned here haha) from these guys
 
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