New Year – New Home: 3 Weekend DIY Projects To Breathe New Life Into Your Space
It’s the start of a new year and with the burst of fresh optimism that 2022 brings, it might be easy to whip out a few new year’s resolutions. The problem is that they may seem like a tiny hill in the moment but could become a giant, looming mountain by the end of January. We all know how difficult it is to stick to that new exercise routine or to say no to an extra tjoppie (yum!). Let us help you set 3 obtainable home DIY resolutions so that you can at least transform your space, if not your waist.
Make a Big Statement in The Smallest Room
Photo by Kimberly Gavin
The guest loo is possibly the only place that most of your visitors will have time alone to really take in your design language. No matter how cohesive and inspired the rest of your space is, this humble but impactful room should not be forgotten. Since the guest bathroom is usually small, you can make a splash without overwhelming the senses.
Don’t be intimidated, wallpaper is easy to apply and easy to remove if you change your mind.
Follow this step-by-step guide or watch a true master at work. You’ll see how quick, easy and memorable this project can be.
Here are a few of our favourite dramatic but tasteful wallpaper suggestions. The best part is that they are all supplied by proudly South African companies!
Switch It Up!
arteor by legrand
With the popularity of SMART home integration systems, it is common to become a bit overwhelmed with trying to keep up with each new WIFI lightbulb and Alexa-ready LED light switch. You certainly don’t need to jump on that bandwagon to update your reception and entertainment areas.
It’s a matter of minutes to swap out your old, boring, white switch covers for something that suits your style better. All you need is a screwdriver (and someone willing to catch any sneaky screws you might drop) and you’re on your way to updated switches! You’d be surprised to see how much something as small and unobtrusive as a light switch cover can change your space.
Take a few minutes to check out these gorgeous switch covers to find a style that is perfect for your design language.
Here’s a video to reference if you’ve no idea where to start.
Let Life Enter
Your house’s entryway is a preview of what to expect in the rest of your home. It is almost like reading the blurb on the back of a book before diving into the text. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the introduction to your space could be a serene sanctuary brimming with life?
Nothing brings vitality into a home like a lovingly maintained terrarium. It’s even more special if you created it yourself by choosing the perfect glass container and planting your succulents with your own hands.
Click here for some steps to creating your succulent sanctuary or follow this inspiring video.
Ready for More?
If you are rearing for more DIY and home improvement ideas, jump on into HOMEMAKER for all the inspiration you need in the new year!
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Get Prepaid Electricity
More and more people are looking for a way to monitor and control the monthly usage of their electricity and water. Installing a prepaid electricity meter means you now pay for the utility in advance and the meters also provide users with more control over their electricity consumption as it can be monitored on a daily basis.
Ideal Prepaid offers a turnkey solution which includes installation, management and fee settlement. Prepaid meters can be easily installed in houses, apartments, stores and offices.
From electricity to water prepaid sub meters, Ideal Prepaid installs their meters all over South Africa. From Gauteng and the Free State to Kwazulu Natal and the Western Cape, Ideal Prepaid is active in most regions in South Africa. Meters can be acquired through individualised plans, either outright purchase or on a rental option plan.
Convenience First
Convenience is always welcomed in our busy schedules. Ideal Prepaid provides a variety of options for recharging a meter. There is flexibility in purchasing recharge tokens at retail outlets and petrol stations, online or using your mobile phone. See this helpful infographic here.
Ideal Prepaid generates a numeric token based on a given tariff rate. This token is entered into the meter and credits the meter which in turn lets the tenant to use a predetermined amount of electricity. When the meter credit runs low it notifies the tenant. There is also an online portal to view tenant activity and to view statements etc.
How It Works
The meters are installed as a secondary meter inside the property, typically at the main distribution board. The prepaid meter does not interfere with, replace nor impair the operation of the main municipal meter.
There is also a large selection of meters available for different landlord requirements and property types
For example, a landlord may have a prepaid meter installed to easily track a tenant’s electricity usage. When residents purchase prepaid electricity, a token is based on the municipal tariff. This token is then entered into the meter and credits the meter. When the meter credit runs low it sounds an alarm to remind the resident to purchase more tokens. The resident must reload his meter by purchasing tokens before the meter runs out and will provide more electricity
One-of-a-Kind
Ideal Prepaid’s meters are installed nationally and below market prices. All the meters come with a one-year guarantee and technical support. They have a call centre which is operational 365 days a year from 07:00 to 22:00. The centre is staffed with dedicated agents who are eager to assist with both technical inquiries and meter sales.
Special Offers
Purchase a Hexing Single-Phase meter including installation for only R699.00 countrywide!
Visit Ideal Prepaid here.
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Better Safe than sorry
In the current financial climate, it can be quite tempting to try and save a little money by performing electrical jobs yourself. But you are really much better off employing a qualified and registered electrician.
While you may be able to get away with doing some electrical work yourself in the short term, you will one day want to sell your home and then you are going to need an electrical compliance certificate. To obtain such a certificate, your electrical installation will be subject to an inspection by a registered electrician, who may require that the wiring that you installed yourself be rectified, possibly at greater expense than it would have cost to do it properly in the first place.
We also tend to take electrical safety for granted, because most of us are fortunate enough to never experience the potential negative side of electricity.
In South Africa there are millions of sub-standard, unsafe electrical products on offer. Non-compliant products can fail, causing injury and even death due to fire or electrocution.
Safe, compliant products require specialised materials: specially selected metals and metal coatings; strict manufacturing processes, including stringent testing; and ongoing proof of conformance.
It is often difficult to distinguish a safe electrical product from a dangerous one, unless you make use of the services of a qualified electrician.
A qualified electrician will supply and use safe products, which can save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run.
The sale and installation of electrical products are governed in South Africa by the following:
– The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act No 5 of 2008, which covers the sale of products and applies to electrical products, including those for fixed installations such as sockets, plugs, adapters, and cord extension sets;
– The Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993, which covers the use of products in fixed installations such as socket outlets, wall switches, stove isolators, and circuit breakers. This Act also prescribes the Wiring Code (SANS 10142-1) for the wiring of fixed installations in the work environment.
– The Electrical Installation Regulations, Government Notice R242 March 2009, which sets out the regulations applicable to domestic, commercial and industrial installations. All the components used therein must comply with the Code of Practice for Wiring of Premises, SANS 10142-1, which also covers the installation approval process for the issuing of Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) for new and existing installations.
Browse our directory of electricians and other home maintenance service providers in South Africa.
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The ultimate monthly home maintenance guide
Check, clean and repair patios and decks.
Becoming a homeowner is always exciting. Making sure that your home remains in good condition can take time. Use this simple maintenance guide to keep up with regular maintenance and avoid the most common maintenance issues.
Although we’ve tried to keep this guide as simple as possible, it is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure. Find a range of home lifestyle professionals here.
SUMMER
December
Assess possible insect issues. Clear cobwebs and prepare your insect repellent measures.
Check, clean and repair patios and decks. Ensure that it is sealed properly, check for loose boards, insect infestations, cracks and that the railing is secured.
January
Check for cracks, blisters, bubbles and peeling paint, especially on exterior walls. Look out for water stains, moisture and damp in walls and ceiling.
February
Remove sediment and prolong your geyser or water heaters life by flushing it.
Service fireplaces/built-in braais and clean chimneys.
AUTUMN
March
Check paving for cracks.
Check windows and door seals, replace broken or cracked panes of glass and apply new putty where necessary.
April
Check batteries and test smoke/ carbon dioxide detectors.
May
Prevent grime and build up in less frequently used spaces such as guest bathrooms by running water and flushing toilets.
WINTER
June
Check that power outlets, switches and light bulbs work.
July
Check window and door handles and locks are in working order.
August
Clean build-up residue in shower heads.
SPRING
September
Clear gutters of leaves and debris to ensure proper water flow. Make sure gutters are properly secured and connected allowing water to flow away from the house.
Check for roof leaks and damaged roof tiles.
October
Check and fill wall, ceiling and foundation cracks.
Clear dead plants and shrubs, check that plants are not growing into cracks and trim trees where necessary.
November
Check the grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
Check for small leaks in plumbing and taps
EVERY MONTH
Check, clean and if necessary change air conditioning filters.
Clean sink disposal using vinegar ice cubes (this cleans the disposal and sharpens the blades).
Clean stove extractor fan filter with degreaser and hot water.
TWICE A YEAR
Test geyser or other water heater pressure relief valve.
Do a deep clean: Thoroughly clean appliances, windows and surfaces.
Vacuum refrigerator coils. Dirty coils cause fridges to run less efficiently and use more electricity.
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