The Home Improvements Thread (2)

[Lupus]

Study that took about a week and a half to rhinolite and tile. It was a grey colour with those horrible bubbly walls, the tiles were this old terracotta style. So I wanted to lighten it up due to being in it more so and honestly the last 3 months in the grey room were a bit meh. Got to clean the windows still.

 

[SAguy]

Study that took about a week and a half to rhinolite and tile. It was a grey colour with those horrible bubbly walls, the tiles were this old terracotta style. So I wanted to lighten it up due to being in it more so and honestly the last 3 months in the grey room were a bit meh. Got to clean the windows still.
View attachment 876511

You must be watching some intense porn on that desktop pc for the windows to look like that... well done mate

 

[Lupus]

You must be watching some intense porn on that desktop pc for the windows to look like that... well done mate

Haaaaaaa haaaaa that's the freaking rhinolite, they had to come clean the ceiling as well but ran out of time to clean the windows, so for the last 3 days I've lived with it on the windows, haven't had the best week to go cleaning windows. So will try tomorrow.

 

[Smokey mcpot]

@Smokey mcpot so i tried to see how my mini karcher pressure cleaner does on the roof today, and whilst it was removing paint that i feel like it probably isnt removing enough if i am seeing that much impact from it, plus it will take forever because you have to hold it right up against it and literlaly move a mm at a time.

so i am thinking of renting one, i have concerns though, how do guys manage a larger petrol type cleaner on the roof? of do they generally come with a really long pipe such that it can be left on the ground?

i really didnt want to rent one, but i also dont want paint lifting in a year or two after all of the effort and expense.

Short answer, yes there’s a very long pipe that comes with it.

like I said, the karcher is not strong enough. You could probably get your roof clean using the karcher every day for about 2 weeks lol

 

[Smokey mcpot]

I should have cancelled it after the first issue, but there's a looooong list.

1.) His entire kitchen design was off - once they did the demolition - and he wanted me to sign off on the cupboards, I noticed they left 30cm of space between the oven door, and the centre island... I remeasured everything, and they had the room 1m wider than what it was. His solution was to load the 90cm oven from the side. I scrapped the entire design and came up with the new one.

2.) Part of the job was to re-plumb all the in-roof plumbing - as we had muliple leaks from the class-0 plumbing. He went and put in cheap pipes that had over 14 leaks in one month, and this started AFTER the cupboards were put in. He tried to get a plumber to issue a CoC on the work - but the plumber refused, telling me to sue him - the manufacturer of the pipes also issued me with a letter that the pipes are not for residential use, and cannot be used with brass fittings. He had to replumb the entire house, which means we now have three sets of pipes in the kitchen walls - and had to lift the tiles to the island.

3.) He forgot about the one window in the kitchen - so the cupboards were going to be over the window - we had to then replace the window - and he got the size wrong - so the two windows are different sizes.

4.) They ordered the stacking door the wrong way around - took multiple requests to correct it - and fix the resulting damage.

5.) They installed cracked and chipped tiles, ignored repeated attempts to replace them - only after they grouted them in - and a shouting match ensued did they replace them.

6.) They got the location of the stove wrong - the wiring is subsequently two meters to the left of the stove.

7.) He tried to bypass payment points by trying to convince companies (gas, electrican and plumbing) to issue CoCs prior to the work being completed.

8.) He used the cheapest cupboard fittings he could find - that have all given in. He provided the sink as we couldn't find a white one at the time - even the ****ing traps he provided rusted and broke off.

9.) We eventually got to a point where we couldn't deal with him anymore - and the kitchen was a point where we could complete the job ourselves, so we did the painting, appliance installation, etc over a week.

I could go on for ever, I think the snag list was over a hundred items for the duration of the renovations.

He also took two months extra than agreed - we were living between the lounge and bedroom - but could only access them through the garden, so couldn't lock doors (sliding doors - no outside key), was good 4-5 months.

I honestly think that renovation took years off my life. The cost went from mid R300k - to over R600k with appliances.

Holy ****!!
So even though we can handle a project like that, the stress involved is not worth the mo way to me. I choose to involve other contractors whom I trust. They’re always so grateful and ask why I’m using them when we can do it. I don’t tell them I’m avoiding the stress of overseeing 4million issues at once Hahaha. Instead I let them know that everyone can have a slice of the pie. No need to be greedy and sit with mistakes when you can make it easier and put food on another mans table.

 

[Smokey mcpot]

So a little bit about my day.
We’re removing old damp, hollow plaster from a wall and the plan was to replaster. So we chipped the layer of plaster and what do we find... another damp layer of plaster with the paint still on! So the owner had to deal with some things and asked me to just deal with his right hand/pa/friend/don’t know what else to call him. So this guy thinks I’m just scratching out work. Tells me to just plaster over the 2nd layer. I lay out my T&C’s before I proceed with his request. There was a very bad crack on the 2nd layer which I instruct one of my guys to open and repair. Opens up the crack and a massive chunk of plaster just falls off... then entire 2nd layer is already loose and hollow as well. Underneath this is the concrete slab, lintel, bricks etc... all soaking wet. This wall is the entrance to the garage, which is underneath paving on the upper driveway. Upon further inspection we realize the paving was most likely done without waterproofing. Some strategic points I point out to open up some plaster and my suspicion is confirmed.
I called the guy who is now in charge to send pics, video and let him know the situation. He tells me to ignore and just carry on plastering as per my quote.
One of my guys walking on top drops a bucket of paint and the entire garage is shaking!! I look at the ceiling and see cracks! I go up to the driveway and while one of my guys walks feel the entire ground shake underneath my feet. Total F-Up!! No waterproofing on entire slab or under the paving. I’ve now told my guys to drop their tools and leave that section until the owner can make it out here. My end of July timeline is screwed. I know the owner well and when he gets here is going to tell me to redo everything as he parks his Bakkie and his wife’s suv up there all the time.
Just last week he told me that he wants me to come and do his main house once we’re done at the end of July. I had to give him a “save the date” as we’ve got other work lined up which I’m already late for. How the hell am I still going to deal with squeezing this in.

fml, times like these I miss my corporate life where I took the issue to upper management and they dealt with it hahaha. Be your own boss they said, it will be fun!

 

[Steamy Tom]

Short answer, yes there’s a very long pipe that comes with it.

like I said, the karcher is not strong enough. You could probably get your roof clean using the karcher every day for about 2 weeks lol

I have organised a stronger unit

 

[Steamy Tom]

I think it was a standard 450w dimmer

Looks like there's one bulb too many. If I take one out - it seems to be working.

I took 10 out and worked my way back.

It's like daylight at night - I actually want to remove six dimmers.. just a pain.

yeah i would check that switch, imo it isnt a high enough rating.

also my lord that house <3

 

[Smokey mcpot]

yeah i would check that switch, imo it isnt a high enough rating.

also my lord that house <3

agreed, that is one nice kitchen (despite now knowing the issues lol)
My wife would probably slit my throat if that’s what she needs to do for that kitchen hahaha

 

[The_Mowgs]

So a little bit about my day.
We’re removing old damp, hollow plaster from a wall and the plan was to replaster. So we chipped the layer of plaster and what do we find... another damp layer of plaster with the paint still on! So the owner had to deal with some things and asked me to just deal with his right hand/pa/friend/don’t know what else to call him. So this guy thinks I’m just scratching out work. Tells me to just plaster over the 2nd layer. I lay out my T&C’s before I proceed with his request. There was a very bad crack on the 2nd layer which I instruct one of my guys to open and repair. Opens up the crack and a massive chunk of plaster just falls off... then entire 2nd layer is already loose and hollow as well. Underneath this is the concrete slab, lintel, bricks etc... all soaking wet. This wall is the entrance to the garage, which is underneath paving on the upper driveway. Upon further inspection we realize the paving was most likely done without waterproofing. Some strategic points I point out to open up some plaster and my suspicion is confirmed.
I called the guy who is now in charge to send pics, video and let him know the situation. He tells me to ignore and just carry on plastering as per my quote.
One of my guys walking on top drops a bucket of paint and the entire garage is shaking!! I look at the ceiling and see cracks! I go up to the driveway and while one of my guys walks feel the entire ground shake underneath my feet. Total F-Up!! No waterproofing on entire slab or under the paving. I’ve now told my guys to drop their tools and leave that section until the owner can make it out here. My end of July timeline is screwed. I know the owner well and when he gets here is going to tell me to redo everything as he parks his Bakkie and his wife’s suv up there all the time.
Just last week he told me that he wants me to come and do his main house once we’re done at the end of July. I had to give him a “save the date” as we’ve got other work lined up which I’m already late for. How the hell am I still going to deal with squeezing this in.

fml, times like these I miss my corporate life where I took the issue to upper management and they dealt with it hahaha. Be your own boss they said, it will be fun!

At least, by the sound of things, you are a genuine guy with good standards and work ethics. I will remember to contact you when I need work done.

 

[Smokey mcpot]

At least, by the sound of things, you are a genuine guy with good standards and work ethics. I will remember to contact you when I need work done.

Thanks for the compliment.We do our best to maintain high standards and good work ethics on every job... but this is not a sales pitch hahaha. So enough of that. For now this feels like a nice dear diary where I can air frustrations haha.

 

[SAguy]

Thanks for the compliment.We do our best to maintain high standards and good work ethics on every job... but this is not a sales pitch hahaha. So enough of that. For now this feels like a nice dear diary where I can air frustrations haha.

It's nice to hear from someone that's on the "other side"... gives us some perspective too when we moan about stuff.

 

[The_Mowgs]

Thanks for the compliment.We do our best to maintain high standards and good work ethics on every job... but this is not a sales pitch hahaha. So enough of that. For now this feels like a nice dear diary where I can air frustrations haha.

It's nice to hear from someone that's on the "other side"... gives us some perspective too when we moan about stuff.

My reply was going to be along the same lines. Keep up the good work and keep on posting, its nice to read.

 

[Smokey mcpot]

It's nice to hear from someone that's on the "other side"... gives us some perspective too when we moan about stuff.

Glad I could bring that perspective, hoping I make things a bit easier for other contractors provided they’re being honest and doing their best.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Time to get the secateurs out gents, it's pruning season!

 

[ToxicBunny]

So a little bit about my day.
We’re removing old damp, hollow plaster from a wall and the plan was to replaster. So we chipped the layer of plaster and what do we find... another damp layer of plaster with the paint still on! So the owner had to deal with some things and asked me to just deal with his right hand/pa/friend/don’t know what else to call him. So this guy thinks I’m just scratching out work. Tells me to just plaster over the 2nd layer. I lay out my T&C’s before I proceed with his request. There was a very bad crack on the 2nd layer which I instruct one of my guys to open and repair. Opens up the crack and a massive chunk of plaster just falls off... then entire 2nd layer is already loose and hollow as well. Underneath this is the concrete slab, lintel, bricks etc... all soaking wet. This wall is the entrance to the garage, which is underneath paving on the upper driveway. Upon further inspection we realize the paving was most likely done without waterproofing. Some strategic points I point out to open up some plaster and my suspicion is confirmed.
I called the guy who is now in charge to send pics, video and let him know the situation. He tells me to ignore and just carry on plastering as per my quote.
One of my guys walking on top drops a bucket of paint and the entire garage is shaking!! I look at the ceiling and see cracks! I go up to the driveway and while one of my guys walks feel the entire ground shake underneath my feet. Total F-Up!! No waterproofing on entire slab or under the paving. I’ve now told my guys to drop their tools and leave that section until the owner can make it out here. My end of July timeline is screwed. I know the owner well and when he gets here is going to tell me to redo everything as he parks his Bakkie and his wife’s suv up there all the time.
Just last week he told me that he wants me to come and do his main house once we’re done at the end of July. I had to give him a “save the date” as we’ve got other work lined up which I’m already late for. How the hell am I still going to deal with squeezing this in.

fml, times like these I miss my corporate life where I took the issue to upper management and they dealt with it hahaha. Be your own boss they said, it will be fun!

Trust me, the corporate life is not always such smooth sailing when upper management don't want to take the issue

But in terms of your current world, I do not envy you getting these crappy clients all the time. I know I'm a bit of a d00s of a client, but that is largely because I know what I want and I know how I want it done... I don't accept shoddy work, even though I honestly can't always afford to get the best guys for the job so some compromises have to be made at times.

I do have damp issues and shyte to deal with, but its just one of many things on a list of projects that need to be done... and trying to manage the dependencies between all of them and still have a happy SO is getting tricky

 

[Smokey mcpot]

Trust me, the corporate life is not always such smooth sailing when upper management don't want to take the issue

But in terms of your current world, I do not envy you getting these crappy clients all the time. I know I'm a bit of a d00s of a client, but that is largely because I know what I want and I know how I want it done... I don't accept shoddy work, even though I honestly can't always afford to get the best guys for the job so some compromises have to be made at times.

I do have damp issues and shyte to deal with, but its just one of many things on a list of projects that need to be done... and trying to manage the dependencies between all of them and still have a happy SO is getting tricky

I know all about corporate life at least when they don’t want to deal with it, it’s still in their hands and not mine

Yes sometimes there are crappy clients. I’ve refunded and walked of site before. Don’t treat my guys like crap or we leave.
I’ve also had guys who got comfortable and workmanship declined. We’ve had to redo work and I had to issue warnings and unfortunately let one go as well.
There have also been times where I help people out as I could see they’re in need and not by the means. It has cost me, but the relationship built was amazing and generated me plenty of other business.
The problem is greed, guys focus more on the current job than to think of the future with the current client. High prices, bad workmanship and a negative review killing future business, vs my philosophy of moderate pricing and good workmanship generating an awesome relationship and plenty of future jobs. Also with a good relationship the client understands and trusts you. The worst client can become the nicest client if treated right. Contractors don’t realize that a full of crap client has probably been given the run around before resulting in the crap behavior.

So you’d think my house is neat as a pin and things get attended to immediately... doesn’t work like that unless it’s something I want done lol. My wife bought tiles and it stood for close to a year before she called another contractor. When I got home I thought he was visiting only to find out he’s doing a quote haha haha. That weekend our house got tiled. Same thing with other things she wants done. Our bathroom has been waiting since last year and I’ll probably see another contract show up before the end of the year. So hard to work in my trade and keep the wife happy. If I didn’t know how much money I save doing it ourselves I’d probably have let her do everything she wants with some other contractor lol

 

[alqassam]

I know all about corporate life at least when they don’t want to deal with it, it’s still in their hands and not mine

Yes sometimes there are crappy clients. I’ve refunded and walked of site before. Don’t treat my guys like crap or we leave.
I’ve also had guys who got comfortable and workmanship declined. We’ve had to redo work and I had to issue warnings and unfortunately let one go as well.
There have also been times where I help people out as I could see they’re in need and not by the means. It has cost me, but the relationship built was amazing and generated me plenty of other business.
The problem is greed, guys focus more on the current job than to think of the future with the current client. High prices, bad workmanship and a negative review killing future business, vs my philosophy of moderate pricing and good workmanship generating an awesome relationship and plenty of future jobs. Also with a good relationship the client understands and trusts you. The worst client can become the nicest client if treated right. Contractors don’t realize that a full of crap client has probably been given the run around before resulting in the crap behavior.

So you’d think my house is neat as a pin and things get attended to immediately... doesn’t work like that unless it’s something I want done lol. My wife bought tiles and it stood for close to a year before she called another contractor. When I got home I thought he was visiting only to find out he’s doing a quote haha haha. That weekend our house got tiled. Same thing with other things she wants done. Our bathroom has been waiting since last year and I’ll probably see another contract show up before the end of the year. So hard to work in my trade and keep the wife happy. If I didn’t know how much money I save doing it ourselves I’d probably have let her do everything she wants with some other contractor lol

Anything she wants you say.....

 

[ToxicBunny]

I know all about corporate life at least when they don’t want to deal with it, it’s still in their hands and not mine

Yes sometimes there are crappy clients. I’ve refunded and walked of site before. Don’t treat my guys like crap or we leave.
I’ve also had guys who got comfortable and workmanship declined. We’ve had to redo work and I had to issue warnings and unfortunately let one go as well.
There have also been times where I help people out as I could see they’re in need and not by the means. It has cost me, but the relationship built was amazing and generated me plenty of other business.
The problem is greed, guys focus more on the current job than to think of the future with the current client. High prices, bad workmanship and a negative review killing future business, vs my philosophy of moderate pricing and good workmanship generating an awesome relationship and plenty of future jobs. Also with a good relationship the client understands and trusts you. The worst client can become the nicest client if treated right. Contractors don’t realize that a full of crap client has probably been given the run around before resulting in the crap behavior.

So you’d think my house is neat as a pin and things get attended to immediately... doesn’t work like that unless it’s something I want done lol. My wife bought tiles and it stood for close to a year before she called another contractor. When I got home I thought he was visiting only to find out he’s doing a quote haha haha. That weekend our house got tiled. Same thing with other things she wants done. Our bathroom has been waiting since last year and I’ll probably see another contract show up before the end of the year. So hard to work in my trade and keep the wife happy. If I didn’t know how much money I save doing it ourselves I’d probably have let her do everything she wants with some other contractor lol

Yeah not likely in my case.... SO wants to do all sorts of shyte to the house and not a damn is given to resale value or investment or anything... I'd spend a bar extra on the house and never see a cent back if I tried to sell it

 

[Smokey mcpot]

Not exactly anything she wants lol... unless there’s something I want as well. You know the government has final say on everything