The Home Improvements Thread (2)

[Tabac]

jirre bra, egg, face, desk

Heavy. And this on a Wednesday. I should be booked off sick.

 

[SAguy]

jirre bra, egg, face, desk

open mouth... insert foot.

 

[Tabac]

open mouth... insert foot.

I did say sorry. But i know @The_Mowgs , he doesn't forgive.

 

[xrapidx]

Finally managed to grap some pictures, this is our ensuite bathroom ceiling (ceiling is really difficult to get on pics) and window, as well as our bedroom and window in the mornings -all the moisture is on the inside.

Bathroom Ceiling


Bathroom Window


Bedroom Window

Bedroom Door


EDIT: Think its time for a dehumidifier

 

[devil's_child]

Hi Guys,

Wondering if someone here can maybe offer some advice on doing some additions to my house?

Basically, I currently have a 9m x 5m veranda that I would like to build walls under to create a new home office.
The questions I have are, do I need to build a foundation for the walls as well, seeing as we already have concrete flooring under the veranda and the veranda is built almost like a carport, with the polls cemented into the ground and what kind/size of brick should I use.

 

[ElixirCoder]

Hi Guys,

Wondering if someone here can maybe offer some advice on doing some additions to my house?

Basically, I currently have a 9m x 5m veranda that I would like to build walls under to create a new home office.
The questions I have are, do I need to build a foundation for the walls as well, seeing as we already have concrete flooring under the veranda and the veranda is built almost like a carport, with the polls cemented into the ground and what kind/size of brick should I use.

An enclosure such as this will likely require plans. The draftsman or architect that draws up the plans for alteration will specify requirements for the build, including brick specifications.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Hi Guys,

Wondering if someone here can maybe offer some advice on doing some additions to my house?

Basically, I currently have a 9m x 5m veranda that I would like to build walls under to create a new home office.
The questions I have are, do I need to build a foundation for the walls as well, seeing as we already have concrete flooring under the veranda and the veranda is built almost like a carport, with the polls cemented into the ground and what kind/size of brick should I use.

You will need plans, and yes you will need to rip out the existing slab, and throw foundations and do everything properly in terms of building walls (either brick of concrete block) and damp courses and tie in to the existing house etc...

 

[SAguy]

Hi Guys,

Wondering if someone here can maybe offer some advice on doing some additions to my house?

Basically, I currently have a 9m x 5m veranda that I would like to build walls under to create a new home office.
The questions I have are, do I need to build a foundation for the walls as well, seeing as we already have concrete flooring under the veranda and the veranda is built almost like a carport, with the polls cemented into the ground and what kind/size of brick should I use.

Municipalities differ... but if you're in CPT you need to have building plans before you can put a beach umbrella in your yard.

 

[devil's_child]

Thanks guys.
Was hoping to get away with not needing to get a plan sorted, seeing as my existing plan was already passed even with it already closed off using sheeting.

 

[maumau]

I thought if there's an existing roof over an area you dont need plans to create an enclosure?

Or am I misunderstanding and there's no roof over his veranda.

 

[devil's_child]

I thought if there's an existing roof over an area you dont need plans to create an enclosure?

Or am I misunderstanding and there's no roof over his veranda.

yes there is a roof.
My understanding as well, was that if there is an existing roof, then there isn't a need for plans.

 

[Steamy Tom]

better to ask for forgiveness than permission

 

[ToxicBunny]

I thought if there's an existing roof over an area you dont need plans to create an enclosure?

Or am I misunderstanding and there's no roof over his veranda.

Nope... On the plans it will be marked ad a verandah, so enclosing it with 'temp' stuff like sheeting or with stacking doors will be fine.. Enclosing with brick and all thst will require new plans to show the space is now fully part of the house itself.

 

[maumau]

Nope... On the plans it will be marked ad a verandah, so enclosing it with 'temp' stuff like sheeting or with stacking doors will be fine.. Enclosing with brick and all thst will require new plans to show the space is now fully part of the house itself.

Thanks for explaining, these things get confusing.

 

[ElixirCoder]

Thanks for explaining, these things get confusing.

Getting the plans drawn up by a qualified draftsman will work out cheaper than an architect, and for a job like this it's perfectly fine.

The important thing is that when you want to sell a house, if there are any structures that are not indicated on the plan, the buyers can insist that you demolish those structures. There's also other risks, such as insurance will probably refuse to honour claims resulting from damage, injury or death due to the structure. For instance, a house fire that originates in that off-plan structure and burns down the rest of the house will allow the insurance company a reasonable reason to deny any claims.

Then there's also the issue of warranties when building off plan: there are none, which means you will have zero recourse when trying to claim from an unscrupulous builder.

These requirements are really not just there to irritate home owners, they do actually serve a purpose.

 

[SAguy]

Getting the plans drawn up by a qualified draftsman will work out cheaper than an architect, and for a job like this it's perfectly fine.

The important thing is that when you want to sell a house, if there are any structures that are not indicated on the plan, the buyers can insist that you demolish those structures. There's also other risks, such as insurance will probably refuse to honour claims resulting from damage, injury or death due to the structure. For instance, a house fire that originates in that off-plan structure and burns down the rest of the house will allow the insurance company a reasonable reason to deny any claims.

Then there's also the issue of warranties when building off plan: there are none, which means you will have zero recourse when trying to claim from an unscrupulous builder.

These requirements are really not just there to irritate home owners, they do actually serve a purpose.

Sad part is though that estate agents and home owners are allowed to sell their properties with illegal building and structures on them.

The standard boilerplate offer to purchase says something along the lines of that as the seller "to the best of my knowledge all building is legal". If the seller doesn't know you're not allowed to erect a lapa without plans, then you have little to no recourse once you find out afterwards.

Estate agents and home owners shouldn't be allowed to sell without proving approved plans. I got burnt now with the house I'm in. Cost me about R10k to get 2 x awnings on the plans before I could even start with the new plans for my renovations. The previous owner just said it was like that when he originally moved in.

Word of advice. Never. Ever. Ever... sign an offer to purchase unless there is a condition of sale linked to getting approved plans for the house.

Mentioned it here before, friends of mine bought a house with I think 2 rooms that they later found out were off plan an built on a servitude... last I heard they were told the rooms must be demolished.

 

[ElixirCoder]

Sad part is though that estate agents and home owners are allowed to sell their properties with illegal building and structures on them.

The standard boilerplate offer to purchase says something along the lines of that as the seller "to the best of my knowledge all building is legal". If the seller doesn't know you're not allowed to erect a lapa without plans, then you have little to no recourse once you find out afterwards.

Estate agents and home owners shouldn't be allowed to sell without proving approved plans. I got burnt now with the house I'm in. Cost me about R10k to get 2 x awnings on the plans before I could even start with the new plans for my renovations. The previous owner just said it was like that when he originally moved in.

Word of advice. Never. Ever. Ever... sign an offer to purchase unless there is a condition of sale linked to getting approved plans for the house.

Mentioned it here before, friends of mine bought a house with I think 2 rooms that they later found out were off plan an built on a servitude... last I heard they were told the rooms must be demolished.

Ouch!
I had to demolish an added on garage in my holiday house when we wanted to do some alterations. Fortunately it ended up working out as I was able to use one wall of the garage and the inspector was happy to let is happen.

 

[TedLasso]

Sad part is though that estate agents and home owners are allowed to sell their properties with illegal building and structures on them.

The standard boilerplate offer to purchase says something along the lines of that as the seller "to the best of my knowledge all building is legal". If the seller doesn't know you're not allowed to erect a lapa without plans, then you have little to no recourse once you find out afterwards.

Estate agents and home owners shouldn't be allowed to sell without proving approved plans. I got burnt now with the house I'm in. Cost me about R10k to get 2 x awnings on the plans before I could even start with the new plans for my renovations. The previous owner just said it was like that when he originally moved in.

Word of advice. Never. Ever. Ever... sign an offer to purchase unless there is a condition of sale linked to getting approved plans for the house.

Mentioned it here before, friends of mine bought a house with I think 2 rooms that they later found out were off plan an built on a servitude... last I heard they were told the rooms must be demolished.

Made sure that our OTP included the requirement for full approved building plans as a condition. The sellers the needed to get new plans drawn and approved for the patio this house has. Sadly, whoever built that patio was an idiot. Wish I could recoup some of the purchase price from the sellers . But we always learning and this house has given me an education.

 

[SAguy]

Made sure that our OTP included the requirement for full approved building plans as a condition. The sellers the needed to get new plans drawn and approved for the patio this house has. Sadly, whoever built that patio was an idiot. Wish I could recoup some of the purchase price from the sellers . But we always learning and this house has given me an education.

Yip, we learnt with our first house too (wrt electrical CoC)... then learnt again with our current house with building plans.

Sadly no one teaches us plebs these things and these "learnings" cost thousands.

 

[The_Mowgs]

Yip, we learnt with our first house too (wrt electrical CoC)... then learnt again with our current house with building plans.

Sadly no one teaches us plebs these things and these "learnings" cost thousands.

Had this exact conversation yesterday with a forum member that is helping me with electrical work. He pointed out so many things not up to standard, obvious things which I did not change but have to now to be compliant.

How are properties sold like this??