Painters on call
A good paint job will instantly transform your home from looking old and dilapidated to new and modern by adding real character and personality. Painting your home is not only for enhancement purposes, but it also acts as a defence against weather, insects and other potential threats. Regular painting is an important aspect of home maintenance to keep your property protected and to retain its market value.
When the time comes to repair and paint your home, many homeowners tend to go for the cheapest quotation which many times result in disaster and end up to be more expensive than what it should be. Painting a home is not just about attractive colours and a few paint rollers. All paint projects require knowledge, experience and skills to ensure a long-lasting finish.
It’s all in the preparation
To guarantee a long-lasting paint job, certain steps need to be taken. If these steps are not taken correctly, paint manufacturers will simply void the paint guarantee.
It is common for interior and exterior walls and ceilings to crack due to certain weather conditions. There are many types of cracks caused by various reasons and it is therefore important to investigate the source of the problem first. Once the source has been established, be it through water damage, dampness or structural fault – only then can the damage be properly fixed with the correct material and in the correct manner. Therefore intense water and damp proofing should be carried out followed by painting. If any of these steps are missed, the same or more cracks will surface not long after the completed project, leaving the project in a poorer condition, which will also be more costly.
It is also very important to use specific paints on certain textures and structures. Using the incorrect paint will shorten the length of time in which you need to renovate again. Using the correct, high- quality paint will ultimately cost you less over a period of time.
Following Precautions
It’s been a while since we could just pick up our phones and make a quick call to our local handyman. Not just because of COVID restrictions, but also because we are afraid to let people into our homes.
You can be assured that all the 0861NUTSMAN employees are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment. Their staff have been thoroughly trained to sanitize and wash their hands frequently on the job. Team leaders ensure that all staff are monitored for COVID-19 symptoms and make sure their staff do not use public transport. You can also rest assured that all their equipment and tools are also disinfected after every job.
Did you know that 0861NUTSMAN is a vetted HOMEMAKERS supplier?
Keep an eye out for vetted clients in our directory!
Preventative Maintenance for Summer
There is truth in the saying that “prevention is better than cure”. Preventative home maintenance can save you thousands of Rands.
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Paying the plumber
Paying for plumbing repairs is really a grudge expense. There are hundreds of things that homeowners would rather do with their money. But things go wrong and everybody needs the services of a plumber at some point. Choosing a qualified plumber can save you a lot of money and headache along the line.
How to choose the right plumber installer or plumbing company?
If you are planning to hire a plumber or a subcontractor, you need to ask the right questions. This checklist will provide you with all the questions and information you need to make an informed decision when appointing a plumber.
Are you employing a qualified plumber or registered plumbing company?
A plumber must be qualified in order to carry out plumbing work, or a plumbing company must employ a qualified Plumber. In addition a plumber must be registered with the Plumbing Industries Registration Board (PIRB) to issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC).
Is the installer registered with the Plumbing Industries Registration board (PIRB) as well as the company with Institute of Plumbing a voluntary association?
For plumbing companies to be members of the institute of Plumbing SA they are required to be qualified or employ qualified plumbers. If a plumber is registered with the PIRB his work is inspected by the PIRB inspectorate and non-compliant work must be corrected or installers are deregistered.
Does the plumbing company have insurance?
Businesses that are serious about what they do will have insurance for possible incidents. Insurance cover should include, public liability, product liability, defective workmanship, vehicle and tools. This way, the consumer bears no responsibility for, and is in no way impacted by, the consequences of these incidents and subsequent consequences like delays and costs.
Is the Plumbing Company registered with Companies & Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)?
All installers should be registered with CIPC. In addition, make sure that you have your plumber’s residential addresses as well as their contact details.
How long has the company been operating for?
This will give you an indication of the company’s stability.
Is the company currently financially stable?
It does not matter how skilled a plumber may be, if the company is experiencing financial difficulties, the company will likely experience trouble managing the project. This often results in delays, cutting costs, and in some cases, plumbers absconding.
Does the company have references?
Contacting references for feedback on their experience of the company is recommended. Ask the company for information on the projects they are currently busy with. Visit the project site and speak to the company’s clients.
Did you get referrals from friends and family?
The best form of marketing is word of mouth, so if someone you know recommends a plumber, they would have had a good experience with them
Has the company’s management team participated in business training?
Most small companies or installers are tradesman with very little or no business experience. Depending on the size of your project, the more business training and experience the more likely your project will run smoothly.
Have you compiled a shortlist of plumbers and obtained at least three quotes before making your decision?
Ensure you have given all three plumbers the same information when asking them for quotes. This way, quotes can be accurately compared. Avoid “lump sum” quotes – having a quote breakdown of the various individual items gives you a better basis for comparison.
Do you have a plumbing contract?
If you are going to appoint a plumber, ensure that you have a contract that will protect not only the plumber, but you as a consumer as well. This will benefit you when managing the project especially if anything goes wrong. – www.iopsa.org.za
Browse our directory of Plumbing experts 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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