As a homeowner or renter, juggling home improvement projects can be a daunting, whether it's finding reliable professionals or sourcing quality materials. Enter Leroy Merlin's integrated services marketplace, an innovation that promises to make home improvement easier and more efficient for consumers across South Africa.

One-Stop Solution for All Your Home Needs

Imagine this: you're planning a bathroom renovation. Previously, you'd spend hours searching for the perfect tiles, negotiat...

Painting may look like an easy DIY project—grab some brushes, paint, and get started. However, while a fresh coat can truly refresh any space, the work involved is often more complex than expected. From choosing suitable materials to prepping surfaces and applying paint accurately, achieving high-quality results requires both skill and knowledge. For homeowners and businesses alike, hiring a professional painting contractor ensures the job is done efficiently, safely, and with long-lasting ...

Investing in property is a significant financial commitment, and the process is often filled with complex legal and financial documents, each carrying crucial implications. Among these, the condition report and the voetstoots clause are particularly important for both buyers and sellers to understand.

Why the Condition Report Matters

Arnold Maritz, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay, emphasizes the importan...

Creating a home cinema is a dream for many movie enthusiasts, offering a personal sanctuary to enjoy films in the best possible environment. The process of designing and fitting out a home cinema room can be both exciting and daunting, but with careful planning and consideration, it can be an incredibly rewarding project.


                                               

1. Define the Purpose of Your Cinema Room

The first step is to decide whether your cinema room will be a dedicated spa...

                                           Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

When it comes to construction contracts, disputes are almost inevitable. However, if tensions are left to fester, conflict can escalate all the way to the courtroom. It should be noted that litigation as a means of resolving disputes is expensive, time-consuming and generally unsatisfactory. This is because contract disputes are often technical rather than legal in nature and the courts are ill-equipped to deal with th...

When a conflict arises over a building contract, there are many routes to resolving the impasse. One of the most effective methods, and the means perhaps most favoured by users of the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) contract, is arbitration.

What does arbitration involve?

Arbitration is a process whereby the parties involved in a building contract agree to refer any present or future dispute to the judgment of a mutually agreed third party. This person, called an arbitrator, is usual...

When a dispute arises over a building contract, there are four courses of action that can be taken to have it resolved. These include mediation, independent expert determination, arbitration and litigation. The JBCC (Joint Building Contracts Committee) contracts are the most widely used in South Africa and they make provision for all four. This month we take a look at the one of the simplest options – mediation.

What does mediation involve?

Mediation is a...

Follow these guidelines to maintain a good relationship with your contractor:

Planning

• Before calling in a contractor for a quotation, draw up a specific detailed plan of what you want done and the amount you can afford.
• For substantial work obtain a detailed cost estimate and adjust your requirements to suit your budget.
• Get a qualified person to draw plans, determine specifications and submit them to the local authority for approval.

Choose a Reliable Building Contractor

• Ensure that your...

Are you looking to maximize the value of your property? Whether you're planning to sell or simply want to increase its worth, unlocking the potential of your property is essential. In this fast-paced and ever-changing property market, it's crucial to stand out from the competition and make your property shine. But where do you start? Look no further! In this article, we will reveal 10 foolproof ways to skyrocket the value of your property. From small, budget-friendly updates to major renovati...

Remodelling can be a great way to transform a tired property into your dream home. However, undertaking a renovation project isn't always smooth sailing, and not all upgrades are created equal.


                                              

                                                     Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

“Renovating a property can significantly enhance its value, improve functionality, and increase aesthetic appeal. A well-executed renovation will transform a dated ho...

The recent George building collapse where 33 workers lost their lives has highlighted the importance of proper health and safety procedures on construction sites. Renovating or building a home is an exciting journey filled with anticipation of new spaces however, amidst the thrill of planning and designing, it's crucial to prioritise health and safety.


                                                 

Construction projects, whether large or small, involve numerous risks that can impact workers...

In the realm of construction, navigating the complexities of legal and contractual obligations is essential for ensuring smooth project execution and safeguarding the interests of all parties involved. One critical aspect in South African building contracts is the concept of a lien, and more specifically, the waiver of lien. This blog post aims to demystify what a waiver of lien entails and its significance within the context of building contracts.

                                           ...

                                                 
                                                    Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

As highlighted in our previous post, standard forms of contract (model agreements) are a safer bet for homeowners and builders in comparison to bespoke contracts which may be drawn up to favour one party. Several building industry organisations have drawn up model agreements for use in the renovation or construction of homes. We give a brief introduction to a fe...

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...

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.

              ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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