Building upward is a smart way to expand your living space without sacrificing yard area. Whether you're adding bedrooms, a home office, or a full second floor, understanding the costs involved is essential for planning and budgeting. Here's what you can expect when adding an extra story to your home in South Africa. 💰 Typical Cost Range The cost of building an additional story varies widely, but current estimates for 2025 suggest: R12,000 to R25,000+ per square metre KwaZul

✅ Why Include a Roof Overhang? A roof overhang is the portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls. It typically includes the eaves, soffit, and fascia. Here’s why it matters: Pros Weather Protection : Overhangs shield walls, windows, and doors from rain, reducing water damage and maintenance. Sun Control : In hot climates, they block direct sunlight, helping to keep interiors cooler and reduce energy costs. Snow Management : In colder regions, they help direct

Embarking on a major renovation is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. Before you pick up the phone to call a contractor, there are critical steps you should take to ensure your project runs smoothly, stays on budget, and delivers the results you envision. Here’s your pre-construction roadmap. 1. Start With an Idea Every renovation begins with a vision. Think about what you want to achieve: more space, modern finishes, improved energy ef

Renovating your home doesn’t have to drain your savings. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and smart planning, you can transform your space without breaking the bank. Here are ten clever hacks to help you stretch your money while still achieving a fresh, stylish look. 1. Repurpose and Reuse Materials Instead of buying everything new, look around for what can be salvaged. Old doors can become tabletops, leftover tiles can create a mosaic backsplash, and reclaimed wood

PVC panels are lightweight and can be glued or screwed directly onto smooth surfaces like plasterboard. This method is often used to refresh old ceilings without removing the existing material. 🚿 Bathrooms Require Extra Caution Bathrooms are high-humidity environments, and moisture trapped between the plasterboard and PVC panels can lead to: Mold and mildew growth Peeling or bubbling of the skim coat Structural damage over time 🛠️ How to Minimize Mold Risk 1. Ensure Proper

When planning a construction project, understanding the difference between a traditional Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and an Intellibuild Estimate can help you make better financial and project decisions. Both are valuable tools, but they serve different purposes and are designed for different audiences. Purpose and Audience A BOQ is primarily intended for builders and members of the professional team such as architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors. It is a formal document

Building a boundary wall can improve privacy, security, and the overall appearance of your property. However, many homeowners are unaware that constructing a wall may require municipal approval . In South Africa, council regulations vary from one region to another, but all fall under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977) . Below is a practical overview of when approval is needed, what national law says, and how different regions apply

When choosing floor finishes, one of the biggest factors that influence your decision is cost . Tiles vary widely in price depending on their material, quality, and installation requirements. The three most common options in South African homes are ceramic , porcelain , and natural stone tiles . Here’s a breakdown of how they compare in terms of price, performance, and practicality. 🧱 Ceramic Tiles: The Budget-Friendly Option Average cost:  R120 to R250 per m² (excluding ins

If you’ve ever planned a renovation or new build, you’ve probably asked: “Can I get a quote?”    But what you might really need is an estimate . While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they serve very different purposes , and understanding the difference can save you time, money, and stress. 🧮 What Is an Estimate? An estimate  is a preliminary cost projection  based on available information. It’s flexible, informative, and ideal for early-stage planning. Purpose

Building for Comfort, Safety, and Peace of Mind Retirement isn’t just a milestone, it’s a lifestyle shift. And the homes we live in should reflect that. Whether you're planning for your own future or helping loved ones age gracefully, a retirement-ready home offers more than comfort. It offers security, dignity, and ease . But where do you start? And how much does it cost to build or renovate for retirement? 🛋️ What Makes a Home Retirement-Ready? Retirement-friendly design i

The Hidden Value in Renovations Most homeowners think they know what their property is worth. But in today’s market, the true value of a home isn’t just about square meters or location, it’s about potential . And that potential often lies hidden behind outdated finishes, underused spaces, or inefficient systems. Renovations aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re strategic tools that can unlock equity, improve livability, and future-proof your investment. The key is knowing whe

When planning a new build or renovation, one of the first questions that comes up is whether you should buy your own materials  or let the builder supply everything . On paper, it might seem like buying materials yourself will save money, but it’s not always that simple. Let’s look at both options and what you should consider before deciding. 🧱 When You Buy the Materials Yourself The Pros You can shop around for the best deals. Buying directly from hardware stores or wholesa

When comparing building quotes, it is easy to focus on the total price and overlook what is actually included. Many quotes contain terms such as Provisional Sums  and Prime Cost (PC) Items , which can greatly affect the final cost of your project. Understanding these terms helps you make fair comparisons between builders and avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. What Are Prime Cost (PC) Items? A Prime Cost Item  refers to a material or product that has not yet been select

Choosing the right roofing material matters. It affects your upfront cost, long-term maintenance, insulation, aesthetics, and the overall value of your home. In South Africa the two common contenders are tile roofing  (concrete or clay) and metal sheeting  (corrugated, IBR, chromadek, etc). We’ll compare cost, durability, benefits and drawbacks so you can decide. Cost Comparison (Up-front and Installed) Here are typical costs in South Africa, and what they mean. Metal sheetin

If you’ve ever looked at a building estimate or quote and felt like you’re reading another language, you’re not alone. Builders and estimators use a mix of trade terms and abbreviations that can make it hard to tell what you’re actually paying for. Here’s a breakdown of some common terms you’ll see on South African building quotes, and what they really mean in plain English. 1. Preliminaries This term often raises eyebrows because it’s not tied to a specific item like bricks

Many homeowners have extra space like garages, basements, or lofts that aren’t being used. Converting these areas into a self-contained flat is a smart way to increase your property value and generate extra income . But before starting, it’s essential to understand the costs involved and the potential returns. Estimating the Costs A typical garage conversion into a small flat includes: Structural work and insulation : R15,000 – R35,000 Plumbing and electrical installations :

Many homeowners think getting a professional building estimate is an unnecessary expense, something they can skip to save money. The truth is, a proper estimate often saves you far more than it costs, both in cash and in stress. Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a full build, knowing your numbers upfront is what separates a smooth project from a financial headache. 1. You Avoid Costly Surprises One of the biggest problems people face during a renovation is unexpec

Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or simply want to fall back in love with your space, a well-planned renovation is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. But here’s the truth: the difference between a renovation that adds value and one that drains your wallet comes down to planning , and that starts long before a builder ever lifts a hammer. 1. Know What Adds the Most Value Not every upgrade gives you the same return. While new cupboards o

Hot water is one of the biggest contributors to household energy bills in South Africa. With electricity prices climbing and load-shedding still a reality, more homeowners are considering alternatives to traditional electric geysers. The three most common types are electric , solar , and gas  geysers. Each has its pros, cons, and costs. Types of Geysers Electric geyser: The traditional geyser found in most South African homes. It uses an electric element to heat a tank of wat

Building a home from scratch is one of the most exciting journeys a property owner can take. It’s a chance to shape every detail, from the layout and finishes to the orientation of your windows, exactly the way you want. But turning an empty plot into a dream property isn’t just about inspiration. It’s about preparation, precision, and partnering with the right professionals. Here’s what to expect when you’re ready to build from the ground up. 📍 Step 1: Site Evaluation and P