Helpful Interior Decorating Ideas
Firstly, document everything that you want on paper. This will make sure that small things don’t get left behind when the big things happen.
Don’t forget to budget. It doesn’t matter if you have a big or a small budget, but you have to know how much you can spend on your interior decorating. Budgeting will help to make sure that you don’t blow all your painting money on a couch, or all the money you need for a couch on paint. Know your budget, and check that each item you want falls into the right price for your project.
Decide beforehand in which order you are going to decorate your rooms. You will have to move stuff around, so doing up all the rooms at once is probably not going to be a good idea. Decide where the lounge suite is going to be when you paint the lounge, and where the bedroom furniture is going to be when you do your bedrooms.
When working on your plan, set yourself a target for completion. Many projects drag on for months and years and some never get completed because there is no target date for completion. Set that date!
Decide beforehand what scheme you want to use. Do you want to set a theme?
Before you begin, check which jobs you will be able to do yourself, and which jobs you will need a professional for.
Draw each room to scale including the window and door sizes and positions, and use this to decide what furniture to purchase. Even when buying carpets, televisions etc, draw it in on your scale drawings.
Go through your house and make a list of anything that is broken, and make sure that these are replaced or repaired during the decorating process.
Painting the walls and ceiling does a lot for a room; it is one of the easiest ways to get a room to be fresh, clean and neat.
Before choosing the final color, patterns and textures, obtain some samples and check what they look like in your home. Each house has a unique natural light feel to it, so the color as you see it in the shop will look different in your home. Paint large swatches on the walls and leave them there for a week so you can see how they change with the natural light during the day and with lighting at night. Do the same for materials.
And don't forget the forum, at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Home Improvement tips by a registered draughtsperson.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A few more gardening tips
A few gardening tips
Let's start the week off with a few more gardening tips.
When planning your small garden, place the bright colored plants at the front of the garden, this will make them stand out, instead of hiding them behind other plants.
Use a pergola to create a view. By using a pergola to ‘frame’ your garden, you are putting accent on it.
Take the view into consideration. If you have a great view, you won’t want to spoil it by hiding it. If your view consists of the back of the local engineering works or something like that, you might want to plant higher growing trees to shield out this view.
Create a focal point by using something that sticks out, like a birdbath or statue or something similar.
Remember to log on to the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php for many more excellent topics on home improvement.
Let's start the week off with a few more gardening tips.
When planning your small garden, place the bright colored plants at the front of the garden, this will make them stand out, instead of hiding them behind other plants.
Use a pergola to create a view. By using a pergola to ‘frame’ your garden, you are putting accent on it.
Take the view into consideration. If you have a great view, you won’t want to spoil it by hiding it. If your view consists of the back of the local engineering works or something like that, you might want to plant higher growing trees to shield out this view.
Create a focal point by using something that sticks out, like a birdbath or statue or something similar.
Remember to log on to the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php for many more excellent topics on home improvement.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Outdoor entertainment areas
Outdoor entertainment areas
Linking your outdoor entertainment area to your home will make it much more inviting. Instead of just having your lawn between your lapa and your home, put down a few paving stones and border these with a few small ornamental trees. You can also cover your paving stones with a pergola to provide a bit of shade in the summer.
If you are till planning to put up something like a lapa or other roofed structure in the garden, be careful of making it too small. A two by two meter lapa will be barely big enough for two people to sit under and keep their drinks out of the sun. It will not really add value to your home. If you are going to go through all the trouble of building something, make sure you make it big enough to house a few quests.
Although thatched lapas might look nice, they have several drawbacks such as fire danger and high maintenance. On the other hand, they are cool in summer and warm in winter. If well maintained, they look good.
Concrete tiled roofs are low on maintenance, they look good and don’t have the risks of thatch.
Steel roof sheets such as IBR are cheap, but they look cheap and they don’t do much for heat in summer or winter. They also need maintenance in that the steel supports and frame need to be painted regularly to keep them tidy.
Louver decks are also great. These can open up by degrees, so in winter you can allow the sun in, while in summer you can keep the sun out but still open them up a bit to allow a the hot air to escape. They look good too, and could be an inexpensive option for your outdoor roof.
If you like having a braai (BBQ), a prep sink in your outdoor area is just the thing. Now you can wash your hands and utensils without having to run into the house all the time.
Get an electrician to install a quality electrical outlet or two in your outdoor entertainment area. These are great for everything from cooling fans to bar fridges, lighting and what have you, and they just look so much better than that red extension cord running from the house.
Linking your outdoor entertainment area to your home will make it much more inviting. Instead of just having your lawn between your lapa and your home, put down a few paving stones and border these with a few small ornamental trees. You can also cover your paving stones with a pergola to provide a bit of shade in the summer.
If you are till planning to put up something like a lapa or other roofed structure in the garden, be careful of making it too small. A two by two meter lapa will be barely big enough for two people to sit under and keep their drinks out of the sun. It will not really add value to your home. If you are going to go through all the trouble of building something, make sure you make it big enough to house a few quests.
Although thatched lapas might look nice, they have several drawbacks such as fire danger and high maintenance. On the other hand, they are cool in summer and warm in winter. If well maintained, they look good.
Concrete tiled roofs are low on maintenance, they look good and don’t have the risks of thatch.
Steel roof sheets such as IBR are cheap, but they look cheap and they don’t do much for heat in summer or winter. They also need maintenance in that the steel supports and frame need to be painted regularly to keep them tidy.
Louver decks are also great. These can open up by degrees, so in winter you can allow the sun in, while in summer you can keep the sun out but still open them up a bit to allow a the hot air to escape. They look good too, and could be an inexpensive option for your outdoor roof.
If you like having a braai (BBQ), a prep sink in your outdoor area is just the thing. Now you can wash your hands and utensils without having to run into the house all the time.
Get an electrician to install a quality electrical outlet or two in your outdoor entertainment area. These are great for everything from cooling fans to bar fridges, lighting and what have you, and they just look so much better than that red extension cord running from the house.
Monday, January 24, 2011
A few more tips for your home
A few more tips for your home
Let’s start the week off with a few more tips on making your home a great place.
Hang a lower bar
To get more space in your cupboards, add an extra bar, so that you can hang tops on the top bar and pants from the lower bar. You might have to move the existing bar up a bit, but doing this will increase your space a lot.
Increase the lighting
Dark corners are difficult to work in, and installing a light can dramatically change the way you view your house. Lighting can make a lot of difference, especially in dark cupboards or dark corners of the home.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint on walls will make them good as new. You don’t always have to do the whole home, instead you can just do those places that get dirty quickly, like where the dog rubs himself or where the kids keeps on bumping into walls.
Wooden furniture can also be given a new lease on life by simply sanding them down and applying the correct coating.
Replacing those tiny features
Go through your house and make a note of all missing damaged or missing or even mismatched moldings, and replace them.
Check those switch plates and switches
Because switches and the plates that cover their electrics are often touched, they are often dirty. Sometimes they can do with just a bit of cleaning, sometimes they need to be stripped and repainted. In the worse cases they might have to be replaced. Whatever your case may be, making sure your switch plates are clean will improve your house a great deal.
Knobs and pulls on drawers
Like switch plates, these tend to get greasy and grimy with use, so check to make sure they are clean, and clean or replace them if needed.
Window shades
Check your window shades regularly. They live in an environment where steam and water are abundant, cooking oil splashes around and other so does other foodstuffs. Make sure they are clean and neat, and replace if needed.
Coat racks
Coat racks are great things to have near the front door, as they keep the place neat. If you have one, check to make sure that there are not unnecessary stuff hanging on yours though, as they do tend to get cluttered up with things that are only used once in a month. If it is summer, make sure the winter coats are not still hanging there, and check that the kids aren’t using it as an easy place to put their football togs or other gear.
Entry paths
If you have a front lawn between your parking area and your front door, make sure there is something for people to walk on so that they don’t ruin your lawn. Choose your pavers carefully though, because you will have to mow the lawn between them. For big areas, a paved walkway might be a better idea.
Door hardware
Clashing or poorly operating door hardware can be easily replaced, and will make your home so much more comfortable to live in.
Remove Kludges
A five minute fix can look bad for years. Make sure you don’t have any unsightly kludges around the home.
Remember you can find lots more advice on the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Let’s start the week off with a few more tips on making your home a great place.
Hang a lower bar
To get more space in your cupboards, add an extra bar, so that you can hang tops on the top bar and pants from the lower bar. You might have to move the existing bar up a bit, but doing this will increase your space a lot.
Increase the lighting
Dark corners are difficult to work in, and installing a light can dramatically change the way you view your house. Lighting can make a lot of difference, especially in dark cupboards or dark corners of the home.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint on walls will make them good as new. You don’t always have to do the whole home, instead you can just do those places that get dirty quickly, like where the dog rubs himself or where the kids keeps on bumping into walls.
Wooden furniture can also be given a new lease on life by simply sanding them down and applying the correct coating.
Replacing those tiny features
Go through your house and make a note of all missing damaged or missing or even mismatched moldings, and replace them.
Check those switch plates and switches
Because switches and the plates that cover their electrics are often touched, they are often dirty. Sometimes they can do with just a bit of cleaning, sometimes they need to be stripped and repainted. In the worse cases they might have to be replaced. Whatever your case may be, making sure your switch plates are clean will improve your house a great deal.
Knobs and pulls on drawers
Like switch plates, these tend to get greasy and grimy with use, so check to make sure they are clean, and clean or replace them if needed.
Window shades
Check your window shades regularly. They live in an environment where steam and water are abundant, cooking oil splashes around and other so does other foodstuffs. Make sure they are clean and neat, and replace if needed.
Coat racks
Coat racks are great things to have near the front door, as they keep the place neat. If you have one, check to make sure that there are not unnecessary stuff hanging on yours though, as they do tend to get cluttered up with things that are only used once in a month. If it is summer, make sure the winter coats are not still hanging there, and check that the kids aren’t using it as an easy place to put their football togs or other gear.
Entry paths
If you have a front lawn between your parking area and your front door, make sure there is something for people to walk on so that they don’t ruin your lawn. Choose your pavers carefully though, because you will have to mow the lawn between them. For big areas, a paved walkway might be a better idea.
Door hardware
Clashing or poorly operating door hardware can be easily replaced, and will make your home so much more comfortable to live in.
Remove Kludges
A five minute fix can look bad for years. Make sure you don’t have any unsightly kludges around the home.
Remember you can find lots more advice on the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A few tips on windows
Windows
Windows, doors and skylights that do not shut properly and allow in air are some of the biggest energy wasters in the home. Buying or installing double glazed windows will do nothing for your comfort or energy bills if the frame is not airtight.
Double pane windows will reduce both noise and heat transfer, keeping your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Replacing normal steel window frames with double pane frames is going to be messy though, so it will be best to consider this when you are in the planning phase of home renovations. Include these changes in your building plans and make sure your builder knows what is expected of him in this regard.
Skylights are an excellent source of free lighting during the daytime. If correctly installed they really add to the comfort of your home.
In South Africa, many houses have burglar bars in front of every window. Make sure you have an escape plan in case you need to get out of the house, for instance in case of a fire.
Wooden windows look great and add value to the house, but they are costly, require a lot of maintenance and are subject to swelling in wet weather and contracting in dry weather.
Aluminium is strong, low maintenance and affordable, but does conduct heat. The modern look for aluminium frames is a definite winner.
Remember that as panes of glass becomes bigger, you will need to use shatterproof glass or similar. In fact the SABS codes insists on special glazing, and by using the SABS codes you can make your home a much safer place.
Add visible markers to large panes of glass, especially in sliding doors, but also in any other piece of glass where a person might not see the glass.
If you found this piece informative, remember to visit the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Windows, doors and skylights that do not shut properly and allow in air are some of the biggest energy wasters in the home. Buying or installing double glazed windows will do nothing for your comfort or energy bills if the frame is not airtight.
Double pane windows will reduce both noise and heat transfer, keeping your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Replacing normal steel window frames with double pane frames is going to be messy though, so it will be best to consider this when you are in the planning phase of home renovations. Include these changes in your building plans and make sure your builder knows what is expected of him in this regard.
Skylights are an excellent source of free lighting during the daytime. If correctly installed they really add to the comfort of your home.
In South Africa, many houses have burglar bars in front of every window. Make sure you have an escape plan in case you need to get out of the house, for instance in case of a fire.
Wooden windows look great and add value to the house, but they are costly, require a lot of maintenance and are subject to swelling in wet weather and contracting in dry weather.
Aluminium is strong, low maintenance and affordable, but does conduct heat. The modern look for aluminium frames is a definite winner.
Remember that as panes of glass becomes bigger, you will need to use shatterproof glass or similar. In fact the SABS codes insists on special glazing, and by using the SABS codes you can make your home a much safer place.
Add visible markers to large panes of glass, especially in sliding doors, but also in any other piece of glass where a person might not see the glass.
If you found this piece informative, remember to visit the forum at http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
When do you need a building plan?
Do I need a building plan for this?
You will not believe how often I get asked this question.
It will differ from area to area, but for the most part things will be pretty much the same.
If you plan to make any changes to the structure of your home, you will need building plans, even if you only plan on making changes inside. Changes to the sewer system will also need building plans.
Then there are additions. Anything that is covered by a roof will need a building plan, and yes, that includes the common garden variety Wendy House. What is more, is that most people situate the Wendy house in the corner of the yard, and therefore over at least two building lines. When the building inspectors see this they become really interested.
Lapas, lean – to’s and other types of sheds all need building plans. You might be surprised to learn that even shade – netting, those big shade – nets that people pull their vehicles under, need building plans.
Even if you are repairing or replacing an existing part of a building with something that is going to be exactly as the old part was, you might need a building plan, such as when you want to replace your roof.
The best thing would be to contact your local council and ask them. Tell them about your plan, and get clarity on whether you will need a building plan on not.
You will not believe how often I get asked this question.
It will differ from area to area, but for the most part things will be pretty much the same.
If you plan to make any changes to the structure of your home, you will need building plans, even if you only plan on making changes inside. Changes to the sewer system will also need building plans.
Then there are additions. Anything that is covered by a roof will need a building plan, and yes, that includes the common garden variety Wendy House. What is more, is that most people situate the Wendy house in the corner of the yard, and therefore over at least two building lines. When the building inspectors see this they become really interested.
Lapas, lean – to’s and other types of sheds all need building plans. You might be surprised to learn that even shade – netting, those big shade – nets that people pull their vehicles under, need building plans.
Even if you are repairing or replacing an existing part of a building with something that is going to be exactly as the old part was, you might need a building plan, such as when you want to replace your roof.
The best thing would be to contact your local council and ask them. Tell them about your plan, and get clarity on whether you will need a building plan on not.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Building lines and servitudes
Building lines and servitudes
Most yards in urban areas have building lines, and many of them have servitudes.
A building line is a piece of land the municipality does not want you to go over when building a house or adding to your house. This is mostly for aesthetic reasons. In Tshwane, for instance, the building line is typically 5 meters from any street, and two meters to the sides and rear. (Although there are many exceptions).
Usually, you can apply to have a building line relaxed, meaning that you can build over a building line. For this there is a nominal fee, and you will need the consent of your neighbours.
To find out what the building line for your erf is, you will need to get your zoning certificate from your local council. This document tells you what kind of erf you have, and from there you can use diagrams (also supplied by your council) to work out what your building lines are.
If you have any problems, your local council should be able to tell you exactly what the building lines for your erf are.
Servitudes are rights of way that other people or entities have over your erf. Mostly, a servitude will be held by the municipality for services, such as sewer lines. This means that the municipality is allowed to use the area to put a sewer line in. These servitudes are usually 2 to 3 meters wide, at the rear or sides of your erf.
Less common servitudes would be a right of way, a road that some person has to use to get to his property. There are also other servitudes, but these would be the most common.
Servitudes are usually to be found in your Deed of Title, or Titledeed as they are commonly known. Unlike a building line, you cannot simply apply for a relaxation, you have to have the servitude written out of your title deed. This is a long process and involves lawyers. So before doing any building or planning, get your Deed of Title (usually held by the bank that holds your bond) and scrutinize it for any servitudes.
To find many more tips on improving your home, go to http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Most yards in urban areas have building lines, and many of them have servitudes.
A building line is a piece of land the municipality does not want you to go over when building a house or adding to your house. This is mostly for aesthetic reasons. In Tshwane, for instance, the building line is typically 5 meters from any street, and two meters to the sides and rear. (Although there are many exceptions).
Usually, you can apply to have a building line relaxed, meaning that you can build over a building line. For this there is a nominal fee, and you will need the consent of your neighbours.
To find out what the building line for your erf is, you will need to get your zoning certificate from your local council. This document tells you what kind of erf you have, and from there you can use diagrams (also supplied by your council) to work out what your building lines are.
If you have any problems, your local council should be able to tell you exactly what the building lines for your erf are.
Servitudes are rights of way that other people or entities have over your erf. Mostly, a servitude will be held by the municipality for services, such as sewer lines. This means that the municipality is allowed to use the area to put a sewer line in. These servitudes are usually 2 to 3 meters wide, at the rear or sides of your erf.
Less common servitudes would be a right of way, a road that some person has to use to get to his property. There are also other servitudes, but these would be the most common.
Servitudes are usually to be found in your Deed of Title, or Titledeed as they are commonly known. Unlike a building line, you cannot simply apply for a relaxation, you have to have the servitude written out of your title deed. This is a long process and involves lawyers. So before doing any building or planning, get your Deed of Title (usually held by the bank that holds your bond) and scrutinize it for any servitudes.
To find many more tips on improving your home, go to http://www.sahometalk.com/index.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)