Journal

Opening up a house: removing load-bearing walls safely

Turning separate rooms into open-plan living often means removing a load-bearing wall. How to tell if a wall is load-bearing, and how it is removed safely and legally.

How long does a renovation really take?

Realistic timelines for bathrooms, kitchens, extensions, full renovations and new builds in Cape Town, and the things that make projects run late.

Exterior paint on coastal homes: preparation that makes it last

Why exterior paint fails early on Cape Town's coast, and the preparation, products and timing that make a paint job last for years.

Adding a pool: what to plan for

Planning a swimming pool in Cape Town: building plans, safety rules, position, construction methods and the running costs to consider before you dig.

Cracks in walls: which ones to worry about

Most cracks in walls are cosmetic, but some point to structural problems. How to tell the difference and what to do about cracks in a Cape Town home.

Walk-in shower or bath?

Should your bathroom renovation keep the bath or replace it with a large walk-in shower? The practical, design and resale considerations.

Architect, engineer, quantity surveyor: who does what

The professionals involved in a home build or renovation and what each one is responsible for, so you know who to appoint and when.

Outdoor spaces that stand up to the south-easter

The Cape Doctor makes summer outdoor living a challenge. How to design and build terraces, screens, pergolas and gardens that work on windy Cape Town days.

Boundary walls and building lines: the rules explained

How close to the boundary can you build in Cape Town? Building lines, boundary wall heights and what to do when you need to build closer than the rules allow.

Cement screed and polished concrete floors: pros and cons

Seamless cement and concrete floors are popular in modern Cape Town homes. How they are made, how they wear, what to expect from cracks and how to look after them.

Snagging: checking finished work before handover

How to check a finished build or renovation before handover. A room-by-room snagging checklist and the documents you should receive.

Building a second dwelling or granny flat

Many Cape Town properties can have a second dwelling without a rezoning. What the rules allow, what to check first and what it takes to build one.

Engineered timber, laminate or vinyl flooring?

The differences between engineered timber, laminate and luxury vinyl flooring: how they look, how they wear, where each works and what they cost to install.

Winter storm checklist for your home

A practical checklist to prepare your Cape Town home for winter storms: gutters, roofs, drains, trees, windows and the things to fix before the first cold front.

Underfloor heating: is it worth it in Cape Town?

Electric or water-based underfloor heating, which floors it works with, running costs and whether it makes sense in a Cape Town home.

Energy-efficiency rules for new homes (SANS 10400-XA)

What SANS 10400-XA requires for new homes and extensions in Cape Town: insulation, glazing, hot water and orientation, and what changed in the 2021 edition.

Extend or move? How to decide

Outgrown your home? The costs, risks and questions to weigh up when deciding between extending your current house and buying a bigger one in Cape Town.

What a fair payment schedule with your builder looks like

How much should you pay up front, how should progress payments work and what protects you as the owner? A guide to fair payment terms in residential building.

Living in your home during a renovation

Should you move out during a renovation, or stay? Practical advice on living through building work, protecting your home and keeping the peace.

Rainwater tanks, greywater and borehole rules in Cape Town

Since the drought, many Cape Town homes have added alternative water systems. What the City's rules say about rainwater tanks, greywater, boreholes and wellpoints.

Steel or aluminium windows for a Cape home

Slim steel windows or practical aluminium? The differences in look, performance, maintenance and cost, and what to consider in Cape Town's weather.

Retaining walls on Cape Town slopes

Many Cape Town homes are built on slopes. What retaining walls do, the common types, why drainage matters most and when you need an engineer and plans.

Bathroom tiles: porcelain, ceramic or natural stone

The differences between porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles for bathrooms, what each costs to maintain and which work best on floors, walls and in showers.

Planning solar and backup power into a renovation

Load shedding has been suspended since late March, but most homeowners still want backup power. How to plan solar and batteries into a renovation, and the City of Cape Town rules.

Heritage homes: when you need permission to alter

If your Cape Town house is older than 60 years or in a heritage protection overlay zone, you may need heritage approval before you alter it. Here is how it works.

The JBCC building contract in plain English

What the JBCC agreements are, which one suits a home build or renovation, and the key terms every homeowner should understand before signing.

How to compare builders' quotes fairly

Three quotes for the same job can differ widely. How to compare builders' quotes like for like, what to look for and the warning signs of a quote that is too low.

Renovating around the December builders' break

Most of the South African construction industry closes for several weeks over December and January. How to plan a renovation around the builders' break.

Building near the sea: materials that survive salt air

Salt air and wind are hard on buildings along Cape Town's coast. Which materials, fixings and finishes last, and which fail within a few years.

Planning a kitchen renovation: the order things happen in

A kitchen renovation involves several trades working in a set order. Here is the sequence, from design to the final splashback, and where the delays usually come from.

NHBRC enrolment: what new home owners should know

What the National Home Builders Registration Council does, why your new home must be enrolled before building starts, and what the warranty covers.

What drives the cost of building a house in Cape Town

Why two houses of the same size can cost very different amounts to build. The factors that drive the price of a new home in Cape Town, and where you can save.

Why Cape Town homes get damp in winter, and how to fix it

Rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation explained. How to tell which one you have in your Cape Town home and what actually fixes it.

Waterproofing your flat roof before the Cape winter

Autumn is the time to check and repair a flat roof in Cape Town. What to look for, which waterproofing systems work and when to call in a professional.

Getting building plans approved in Cape Town, step by step

How the City of Cape Town's building plan process works, what you need to submit, how long it takes and how to avoid the most common delays.

What is a Scandinavian look, when designing a house?

The Scandinavian design aesthetic is a popular style of interior and architectural design that is known for its simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials. When it com

Here are 10 potential reasons why you might consider renovating your home.

Do I need to hire an architect or designer for the project?

Whether or not you need to hire an architect or designer for your home renovation project depends on the complexity and scale of the project, as well as your own personal preferenc

Finger grip or traditional handles?

When designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, choosing the right hardware for your cupboards can be just as important as selecting the style of the cabinets themselve

Should I hire a general contractor or manage the renovation myself?

Whether you should hire a general contractor or manage the renovation yourself depends on your experience, time, and willingness to take on the responsibilities of overseeing the p