Building Tips

Building Tips

Building Tips

Only use a builder that is registered with the Master Builders Association.

Do not allow a single labourer on site until a contract has been signed - we insisted on a contract at the start of the project and the builder kept stalling, our last request for a contract took place in our old garage as the building team were tearing it down.

Do not pay more than 50% for any work until you are completely happy with the completed product. It seems as though the only way to ensure that work is properly completed is to withhold a large percentage of the value. A retension of 20 % has not been enough to ensure satisfactory completion, we have had sub-contractors leave incomplete work after receiving 80 % payment, and never return! This 20 % is more than likely factored into the initial quote.

We ignored the following piece of advice at great cost... Only use a construction company that is proud enough of their work to erect a signboard at the site, and display contact details on construction vehicles etc.

Avoid 'bakkie builders' at all costs - we experienced a text-book case of a bakkie builder. Jason Lee features a chapter on renovations in his bookMaking moneyout of Property which lists the signs of a bakkie-builder in detail.The book can be orderedhere

If you are renovating, discuss the options of re-using old materials, eg we replaced our original garage, the builder opted not to re-use the original roof tiles, these could easily have been re-used, with a big saving for us (these were stolen from the front garden before we had a chance to try to sell them). Similarly, the builder informed us that the original garagedoor opener would not be suitable forthe new door. This was rubbish advice, in fact, the newdoor openeris inferior to the old one. Lastly, with a bit of planning our originalgarage door could have been re-used.

Minor cracks or Surface Cracks

In one of my earlier articles, I discussed various reasons for the occurrence of minor cracks or Surface cracks. Surface cracks do not result in making the structure unsound. The structural stability is intact incase of minor cracks. The aesthetics are affected due to the occurrence of minor cracks.

Major Cracks or Structural cracks

Major cracks or Structural cracks as the name suggests are responsible for making the structure unsound in nature. When deeper cracks are seen to develop on structural components such as columns, beams, foundations, these cracks are termed as Structural cracks since they cause structural damage.

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