The Home Improvements Thread (2)

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What would be the best method to cut woodlike porcelain tiles? They are just too long for more affordable tile cutters and my concern is that the rough textured surface would leave an uneven cut. I have thought about these tablesaw type tile cutters but they seem to be more suited to straight cuts.

My options seem to be a angle grinder with a diamond wheel or a circular saw with a diamond wheel. I am leaning towards using a circular saw with a diamond wheel since the no load speed is around 4500 rpm instead of the 12000 of a grinder. I can also use a diy track system for straight cuts on the circular saw.
 
You need the bigger Tile Gutter that can take that size tile, a Grinder will, most likely, give a jagged edge.

Remember Porcelain needs the correct glue, either 6 hour quickset or Porcelain Fix.

Are you trying to DIY this?
 
Agree, don't use a grinder. The guys that did our porcelain tiles hashed them totally... ended up firing them and having to buy more tile stock.
 
The tap on my side of the property for the municipal water supply is in bad shape - it's corroded and one side of the tap handle has already snapped off.

How do I go about getting this replaced? Is it property of the city (COCT) or is this my issue?
 
Sheppard_za said:
What would be the best method to cut woodlike porcelain tiles? They are just too long for more affordable tile cutters and my concern is that the rough textured surface would leave an uneven cut. I have thought about these tablesaw type tile cutters but they seem to be more suited to straight cuts.

My options seem to be a angle grinder with a diamond wheel or a circular saw with a diamond wheel. I am leaning towards using a circular saw with a diamond wheel since the no load speed is around 4500 rpm instead of the 12000 of a grinder. I can also use a diy track system for straight cuts on the circular saw.
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You also have the option of hiring a bigger tile cutter. If not I'd use the skill saw over a grinder.
 
Mannydefreitas said:
You need the bigger Tile Gutter that can take that size tile, a Grinder will, most likely, give a jagged edge.

Remember Porcelain needs the correct glue, either 6 hour quickset or Porcelain Fix.

Are you trying to DIY this?
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Thanks, I'll rent one then. Ctm recommend that I use the Kilimanjaro range of ProGrip tile cement. I'm doing a small area first so I am aiming on tiling myself. I've done a fair bit of research, but could not get a definitive answer on the best method to cut the tile.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
The tap on my side of the property for the municipal water supply is in bad shape - it's corroded and one side of the tap handle has already snapped off.

How do I go about getting this replaced? Is it property of the city (COCT) or is this my issue?
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I understand that everything before the meter is municipality, regardless if its on property or not.
 
Good luck @Sheppard_za And be careful with the porcelain tiles, as the sides/corners can chip easily if not handled right

Ours were 600x600 and were a PITA to tile properly. Also use the correct spacers/gaps between them
 
Tony Stark said:
I'm about to embark on a remodeling/reconfiguration project & need some advice.
The project basically entails:
  • Breaking down of x5 internal non load-bearing walls (no plumbing in them)
  • Replacement of flooring for living areas, kitchen & main bed
  • Re-plaster/rhinolite to smoothen wall texture
  • Paint all interior walls
My questions:
  1. Should I use one contracter for everything or should I group activities among different contractors?
  2. Can I attend to windows & window openings at a later stage or should I rather do it now as well?
  3. I know this is probably a difficult question to answer but what should I REALISTICALLY expect in terms timelines? Is it more of a 1 month gig or a 6 month gig?
  4. Any other tips will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance.
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I have done this before i.e. multiple contractors - it becomes tricky, and lot's of finger pointing

I have recently used a really good contractor for 2 bathrooms, complete revamps, he was excellent. The scope was extensive, plumbing, flooring, lighting, tiling, screeding, rhino-liting etc. so it was a very good test of his work.
Full Turn-Key solution, obligation free quote, the owner manages the project. I can PM you his details, get him out, get a quote and see what you in for, he also provided some really good advice and his quotes are itemised.

PS: I originally found him via the CTM contractors service, but have used him privately since
 
Sheppard_za said:
Thanks, I'll rent one then. Ctm recommend that I use the Kilimanjaro range of ProGrip tile cement. I'm doing a small area first so I am aiming on tiling myself. I've done a fair bit of research, but could not get a definitive answer on the best method to cut the tile.
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The correct one is the Pro Grip Superbond for around R130.
The Kilimanjaro at R120 doesn't seem to be for Porcelain.

But I don't know Pro Grip...

I use Keraset from Italy and pay just under R100...
 
Tinuva said:
There should be 2 taps. The muni tap and the property owner's own tap. Depends which one, but it sounds like it is his own tap.
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Yes, there would be the meter outside my boundary wall that is definitely the city property, but the one inside my property is the problematic one.

If it is my responsibility I guess I have to somehow ask the city to come turn my water off and have a plumber waiting to replace the tap. Sounds like a pain.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
Yes, there would be the meter outside my boundary wall that is definitely the city property, but the one inside my property is the problematic one.

If it is my responsibility I guess I have to somehow ask the city to come turn my water off and have a plumber waiting to replace the tap. Sounds like a pain.
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There should be a tap on the outside too apart from the meter itself. If you can find that, you could just use that yourself even if it belongs to muni. The taps usually are not locked away like the electrical meters.
 
Tinuva said:
There should be a tap on the outside too apart from the meter itself. If you can find that, you could just use that yourself even if it belongs to muni. The taps usually are not locked away like the electrical meters.
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I've just contacted a plumber, he's going to come take a look tomorrow morning and advise.
 
maumau said:
Check everything!!

If there's one thing I can't emphasis enough it's to keep your supplies locked away so you can monitor as and when they're being used.

The first bathroom I had renovated 8 years ago I bought 2x extra boxes of tiles for future use. Next thing 2 x boxes were stolen and they were R800 per box :mad: When I asked about them there was wild rolling of eyes, waving of hands and the workers lost their ability to speak English. As a woman living alone I backed down for fear of repercussions but I was angry. Spectacular tiler though.

The latest reno last year, I had terracotta tiles laid throughout the house. They need sealing so I bought 2 x 2l Sealant and 2 x 1l to use in case they ran out, intending to return the 1l if they weren't opened.

Arseholes opened all 4 containers on day one and finished none of them.
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Thanks for the tip and sorry about your experience.

We have two large wendy houses so I'll make sure to store everything in there and release it as and when needed
 
Mannydefreitas said:
Ideally one Contractor, otherwise you become the project manager.

I'm doing a VERY similar job for a client in Lonehill (sans kitchen), look at about 4 month's (16 weeks).

Ideally do the windows now, or never.

You mention the floors, so that means new skirtings.
You do not mention ceilings, but if the walls go you'd need new ceilings throughout surely.

Sounds like a R220k to R360k job.

I have drawn up guidelines on how to choose the correct Contractor for a project like this, it's a bit lengthy, but I'll try post it here later ~ following the guidelines will greatly minimize your chances of telling the horror stories many people have after embarking on a project like this....
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Geez sounds like there's quite a bit extra to consider.

Yes would really appreciate those guidelines
 
The_MAC said:
I have done this before i.e. multiple contractors - it becomes tricky, and lot's of finger pointing

I have recently used a really good contractor for 2 bathrooms, complete revamps, he was excellent. The scope was extensive, plumbing, flooring, lighting, tiling, screeding, rhino-liting etc. so it was a very good test of his work.
Full Turn-Key solution, obligation free quote, the owner manages the project. I can PM you his details, get him out, get a quote and see what you in for, he also provided some really good advice and his quotes are itemised.

PS: I originally found him via the CTM contractors service, but have used him privately since
Click to expand...

Alright seems the consensus is to go with a single contractor.

Yes please do share your contractor's details, would very much appreciate it... and thank you for the advice.
 
I'm also on trying to get a renovation done but I'm paralysed by having too many design decisions before I even start. Really difficult to decide on the design knowing it's going to cost so much and you don't want to redo things after the fact.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
I'm also on trying to get a renovation done but I'm paralysed by having too many design decisions before I even start. Really difficult to decide on the design knowing it's going to cost so much and you don't want to redo things after the fact.
Click to expand...

Sooooooooo, post the pics, what are you waiting for?

:)
 
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