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Finding the Perfect Contract for Your Renovation (Part 1)

Posted by Brian Mahachi on Saturday, April 13, 2024, In : Contracts 

                                               


Choosing the right contract for your renovation will depend on the complexity and size of your project. By complexity, we are referring to the number of different trades involved such as painting, tiling and plumbing.

Self-managed Projects

If your project only involves one trade and you are managing the project yourself, then accepting the service provider’s quotation in writing is sufficient for a contract to be in effect. Similarly, if you ar...


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Key Factors to Consider When Hiring an Architect for Your Home Design

Posted by Brian Mahachi on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, In : Built Environment Professionals 

Designing your dream home is an exciting process that requires the expertise and skills of a professional architect. An architect is not only responsible for creating a visually appealing and functional design but also for overseeing the entire construction process. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right architect who understands your vision and can bring it to life. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when hiring an architect for your home design.

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Discover the Ultimate Household Services App: Introducing Groom

Posted by Brian Mahachi on Friday, January 26, 2024, In : Tech 

In our fast-paced world, where time is precious, discovering reliable home maintenance services just got simpler with the introduction of Groom – the ultimate multiservice app designed to meet a variety of household needs.

Groom is a user-friendly platform accessible via the desktop or mobile app which offers an extensive selection of services tailored to simplify daily living. Examples of some of the services on offer are:

·       -Plumbing

·       -Electrical work

·      - Applianc...


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Caesarstone's Student Designer Competition Returns

Posted by Admin on Friday, January 19, 2024, In : Interior Design 
Caesarstone’s annual Student Designer Competition 2024 has launched!  The competition is a design contest for second and third-year interior design and architecture students from South African institutions, sponsored by Caesarstone. Below are some details on the competition:

The Brief: To design a museum of South African languages in the Maropeng Precinct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Cradle of Humankind, showcasing the linguistic diversity and heritage of the country.

The Guidelines: ...

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Innovative Swimming Pool Covers: Exploring the Latest Trends and Technologies

Posted by Admin on Thursday, January 18, 2024, In : Outdoor Living 

Introduction to the Benefits of Pool Covers

Swimming pool covers provide a multitude of advantages for pool owners. Not only do they enhance safety by preventing accidental falls into the water, especially for households with children and pets, but they also significantly reduce maintenance needs. Evaporation is reduced, minimising water loss and leading to savings in water costs. The reduction in evaporation also maintains the pool's temperature, thus reducing the energy required to heat th...


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Choosing the Best Decking Material: What You Need to Know

Posted by Admin on Friday, January 5, 2024, In : Outdoor Living 

Introduction to Decking Material Selection

Selecting the right decking material is crucial to the longevity, appearance, and functionality of your outdoor space. The choice you make will affect not only the aesthetic appeal of your deck but also its resistance to the elements, maintenance requirements, and overall cost. The range of materials available for decking can be broadly categorised into three groups: wood, composite, and synthetic.

Wooden decking materials, such as pressure-treated...


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Transform Your Backyard by Adding a Pool

Posted by Admin on Saturday, December 16, 2023, In : Outdoor Living 

When it comes to adding a swimming pool to your home, there are several factors that can influence the type of pool possible and its overall cost. From planning and design to material selection, labour and construction, permits and inspections, and ongoing maintenance and upkeep, understanding the various cost factors involved will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your dream pool stays within your budget. So, let's dive in!

                                                 



Pla...


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Paving Suppliers Corobrick and Smartstone to Face More Scrutiny from Competition Commission

Posted by Admin on Thursday, December 7, 2023, In : Regulations 

The Competition Tribunal in South Africa has granted an application by the Competition Commission to amend its complaint referral against Corobrik (Pty) Ltd and Bosun Structures And Precast (Pty) Ltd t/a Smartstone Kwazulu-Natal (“Smartstone”). Here are the key points:

     Amendment of Complaint: The scope of the Commission’s referral will be extended to include a complaint of price fixing in addition to the existing complaint of alleged market division.

     Reason for Amendme...


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The Hidden Dangers of Engineered Stone in Your Kitchen Makeover

Posted by Admin on Saturday, November 25, 2023, In : Health and Safety 

As more homeowners seek to upgrade their kitchens, engineered stone countertops have become a popular choice for their sleek appearance and durability. However, what many people may not realize is that there are hidden dangers associated with these stylish surfaces. In this article, we will explore the composition and manufacturing process of engineered stone, discuss the health hazards and emissions associated with its use, and provide safe alternatives and recommendations for a healthier ki...


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Everything You Need to Know About the NHBRC Registration for Home Builders

Posted by Admin on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, In : Guides 

Introduction

The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is a regulatory body in South Africa that was established in 1998 to protect the interests of home buyers and homeowners. The establishment of the NHBRC was modelled on the National House Building Council (NHBC) in the United Kingdom (UK).  NHBC was established by the government in 1936 to provide warranty and insurance for new homes in the UK.

Locally, NHBRC registration is a mandatory requirement for all home builders in S...


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How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in South Africa?

Posted by Admin on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, In : Guides 

Building a house in South Africa is a dream for many people, but how much does it really cost?
The answer is not simple, as there are many factors that affect the price of building a house, such as the location, the size, the design, the quality of materials, and the labour costs. In this blog post, we will explore some of these factors and give you an estimate of how much you can expect to pay for building a house in South Africa in 2023.

 

Location

 

The location of your future home plays a sign...


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From Dreams to Reality Part Four: AI-Powered Interior Design with Planner 5D

Posted by Admin on Monday, October 2, 2023, In : Interior Design 

In today's fast-paced world, finding the time and expertise to meticulously plan and design your dream home can be a daunting task. Luckily, Planner5D is one of the tools available to simplify the interior design process and help you create your perfect space. With its AI-powered platform, Planner5D offers a seamless interior design experience, endless design possibilities, effortless visualisation, and the ability to bring your vision to life. Let's explore how Planner5D can transform your h...


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From Dreams to Reality Part Three: AI Design with Homestyler

Posted by Admin on Friday, September 15, 2023, In : Interior Design 

Homestyler is an online platform that offers a range of features to assist you in designing and planning your home renovation or decoration projects. With the ability to create both 2D and 3D designs, Homestyler allows you to visualize your ideas and gain inspiration from thousands of existing designs