Exploring Different Types of Roof Lines on Houses
Dive into this guide to understand how roof types influence house design.
Fashionable Fireplace Ideas From Cemcrete
A built-in fireplace is still one of the most popular and practical ways to heat a home and Cemcrete finishes give any fireplace a fashionable look whatever the style of the home.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Interior Architect
Here are a few reasons why hiring a professional interior architect is the best choice when remodelling a property.
4 Tips For DIY Wall Panelling
If you’ve never attempted DIY wall panelling project before, here are some tips to help you make the process stress-free and with more favourable outcomes.
Don't Regret your First-Time Home Purchase
When buying your first-time home, there can be plenty of things you overlook, things you might regret later.
Living Spaces with Wooden Beams Reflect Warmth and Texture
Adding rustic charm to a home, wooden beams can be found in residential properties around the globe, irrelevant of the style of the interior of a home.
Renovating a House of Stone
Derick and Renette Opperman realised a dream when they purchased and renovated a derelict stone building and transformed it into their home.
Staircase Designs for any Style of Home
A staircase is an essential element in any double-storey home, and one that should be selected to blend in with the style of a home and offer functionality whilst being attractive.
Why It Pays To Hire A Designer For Home Renovations
When deciding to tackle a total home renovation project, it might be in your best interests to look at hiring a designer to consult on unique features and interior design.
Home Improvements That Can Reduce A Property Value
There are some home improvements that need to be carefully considered if you don't want to reduce the value of your property.
Home Design 101: 4 Tips To Create A Professional Floor Plan
Having a professional floor plan is important because it's going to set the tone for your entire home.
Convert Your Attic Into Living Space For The Kids
Post 2020 and the Covid pandemic, more kids are staying at home with their parents, but what to do when there isn't enough living space for everyone?
Helpful Guide to A Home Renovation
One of the most important reasons why you should renovate your house is to simply enjoy the comfort of your own place and make it a visually appealing space.
Finance your home renovation
With the interest rate the lowest it has been for many years, homeowners are looking at the best way to finance home improvement projects and home renovations.
Loft Conversion Vs Moving Home: Which is Better?
Looking to move house, or perhaps you are wanting to upgrade your current residence? Whichever situation you have found yourself in, it is worth noting some key results that come with each choice.
StudioFour's White-On White House
Imagine a home that seamlessly blends indoors and outdoors - a home that is easy on the eye without any distracting features.
Lockdown Set to Bring About Increase in Home Improvements
The lockdown, and drop in interest rate, has homeowners considering home improvements that are needed to their homes.
Questions to Ask your Architect Before Building your Dream Home
Continue reading to know what questions you should ask your architect before starting with the process of constructing your dream home.
Install New Garage Door or Replace Old Door
One home improvement project that offers a guaranteed return on investment is fitting an automated garage door.
When is a Good Time to Replace Your Windows?
If you feel like giving your home an facelift, consider having your windows replaced.
Best Construction Management Softwares
Construction management used to be and still is a strenuous job, of which the complexity was brought down by the introduction of various innovations.
How can you create a detailed home renovation budget?
Not going over what you can spend while renovating can be a challenge, but it helps to create a budget.
Building A Home with Nature
As more and more homes are constructed in urban areas, let's not forget about the importance of nature in our everyday lives and build a home to incorporate this element.
How to add Glamour in your home with the best Glass Railing Tips
We provide some bright glass railing ideas that would make your home stand out.
Wooden Window Frames insulate and Add Value
While some homeowners are opting for uPVC and aluminium window frames, nothing beats the look and insulation offered by natural wood frames.
How to Repair Rotted Wood Doors
Your beautiful wood front door is the centerpiece of your entryway but it is not impervious to the elements and must be maintained to ensure years of life.
Increase the Value of your Property
If you are looking to sell your home, or just want to increase the value, you will find the following tips helpful.
Looking to bring in extra income?
If your home has a garage conversion, cottage or granny flat, you could be making extra money by renting it out.
Best in timber awards
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) recently hosted its highly-anticipated Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards in Cape Town.
What South African homeowners want in a home
A recent survey by Saint-Gobain Gyproc to better understand what South Africans want in their homes revealed that 79% of people want their homes to be more flexible, 75% like the versatility of working from home and 77% want their homes to be comfortable all year-round.
How your ceiling impacts on home comfort in winter
Heating and cooling homes with open floor plans can be challenging but you don’t have to give up comfort for space. "An open plan home needn’t mean giving up the creature comforts of a warm quiet living space during cooler months.
Move Out or Add On?
With a growing family, there comes a time when a home might become a bit of a squeeze and you need to decide whether to buy a bigger house, or extend the one you live in.
Power for less
Almost invisible on a roof, solar roof tiles incorporate a unique solar film, specifically designed for Tesla, that allow the tiles to efficiently convert sunlight to power a home.
A Beautiful Welcome
Give your home curb appeal and a beautiful welcome home by installing and finishing a solid wood door stained in your choice of wood tint.
Aluminium security shutters
Never have to compromise between security and beauty! Aluminium security shutters offer all of the functional benefits of both burglar proofing, privacy and light control in s single, beautiful combination.
Designer ceiling ideas
We share with you a selection of designer ceiling ideas that are used to transform the most beautiful rooms.
Why you need an Engineer
Following on from our article on 'Submit plans for approval' we look at why you need an Engineer for certain projects. What exactly does an Engineer sign off, and why is this required by legislation? What does an Engineer do for your project that an architect doesn’t?
Submit plans for improvements?
All building and alterations that adds on to - or alters - the structure of an existing building must be approved by City Planning in the form of plans. Failure to have plans approved could result in huge expenses or, in serious cases, a hefty fine.
Cemcrete Project of the Year 2015
Cemcrete's Project of the Year for 2015 is a modern home located in Johannesburg that is designed to integrate simplicity, plenty of natural light, and the use of natural materials and contrasting textures.
Make a door or window awning
Using your basic welding skills, or asking a friend to do a small welding project for you, allows you to make your own door or window awnings. An awning not only provides welcome shade during the hottest part of the day, but also adds decorative appeal to any home.
Decor and design is in the detail
Any home can be enhanced by adding architectural detailing with the installation of decorative mouldings. Dylan Miller from Swartland, offers some insight into how mouldings can add character and style to any space they grace.
Glazing, walk-on rooflights and skylights
There’s a real ‘feel good factor’ to a home which successfully brings the great outdoors indoors. Glazing is an instant and cost effective means of transforming the look and feel of a kitchen, open plan living space or family room.
Painted staircase
In an older double-storey home a wooden staircase is a traditional feature. If you are looking to remove carpet or update a staircase, here's a way to dress up a wood treads and risers for a modern look.
Add glass panel to hollow core door
I have done quite a few projects that look at how to dress up a plain hollow core door. I'm going to show you another way to dress up a standard hollow core door by cutting and fitting a frosted glass panel into the door.
Add decorative trim to hollow-core door
In this DIY project we’ll show you how easy it is to transform plain hollow-core doors into a feature using inexpensive pine moulding. It is a simple and affordable way to add detailing to boring doors and one that you can easily do in a day.
How to get rid of bumpy walls
For some reason there used to be a time when plasterers thought it was the 'in' thing to give walls a textured finish. That might have been the case then, but now we live with bumpy walls where dust collects and it just looks ugly. But there is a way to smooth those bumpy walls.
How to fit a door knob
We have covered fitting a door handle and lock to an exterior or interior door, but what if you prefer to fit a door knob. While the principle is basically the same, a door knob is easier to fit. Here are the instructions for fitting a door knob to any interior or exterior door.
Fit and install over-skirtings
No more ripping out skirtings boards! Now you can fit and install over-skirtings to add a decorative finish to a home. Over-skirtings are manufactured to fit over the top of most standard skirtings and are easily cut, glued and installed.
Adding a rope bannister to staircase
One of our DIY Diva, is busy doing improvements. One is to knock down the wall at the side of the staircase, as it blocks a lot of light and makes the staircase cramped. After looking at alternatives I stumbled upon a rope bannister as an affordable way to finish off a staircase...
Add decorative cornice to bathroom
In the bathroom they never bothered to fit a cornice around the top of the wall and it always looked unfinished. Thanks to the guys at DAS Products for supplying an easy solution for adding a decorative cornice to the bathroom.
Glass... sustainable design option for home interiors
Judging by the number of queries I receive, there are plenty of homeowners out there who are living with facebrick walls, especially with a fitted fireplace, that hate the look. While we have previously look at painting a facebrick wall, another option to consider is cladding the wall.
Clad a facebrick wall
Judging by the number of queries I receive, there are plenty of homeowners out there who are living with facebrick walls, especially with a fitted fireplace, that hate the look. While we have previously look at painting a facebrick wall, another option to consider is cladding the wall.
Repair & paint home exterior for lasting results
Way back in 2010, we took on the huge task of painting three home exteriors. The three in question, including my own, were full of exterior cracks, chips, and one home in particular had extensive peeling and bubbling paint and required damp proofing.
Door option for a home
Make a lasting impression and add value to your home by choosing doors that reflect style and personality. Choosing the right doors for a home is the difference between standard builders-grade doors, or a door that stands out and adds architectural interest.
Fit a new exterior door
You would actually be surprised at the selection and affordability of wood doors at your local Builders Warehouse, and once you get started you will realise that fitting is not as difficult as you originally thought.
Reclaimed timber ceiling
If you have a little DIY know-how, you can be creative with reclaimed timber and completely alter the look of a room in just one day. Many tend to overlook a ceiling, but here's how you can transform a ceiling using reclaimed timber.
Dress up a plain door with vinyl planks
Turn a simple sliding door into a feature by adding vinyl flooring planks. Today's vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of styles and you can match the door to your home decor.
Restore or add architectural detailing
I must admit to falling in love with moulding and trim, even though it's not as popular here in South Africa as it is in other countries. There is something elegant and dignified about a home that is fitted with trim.
Shutters - Style without compromise
Adjustable shutters allow you to control the amount of light you let into your home, depending upon the time of day and location of the sun, and still have air circulating through your home during the hot summer months.
How to lay self-levelling floor compound
A self-levelling cement screed is a quick setting concrete compound that is designed to level imperfect floors. You would use a self-levelling floor screed to finish off a concrete floor or screed floor as a base for tiling, vinyl or laminate floors.
DIY concrete countertops
When most people think of DIY concrete countertops, the first reaction is that making a concrete countertop is not easy. Well, there is a fair amount of work involved, but at the end of the day you could save yourself thousands of Rands with do-it-yourself concrete countertops.
Add wall cladding
Wall cladding is becoming a popular trend in homes as manufacturers introduce DIY alternatives to solid rock. Available locally, wall cladding in supplied in ready-made panels that resemble to look and feel of natural stone and rock.
Beautiful walls... naturally!
These days it's easy to have good looking walls without the hassle or fuss of installing tiles. Cementitious (cement-based) products are now easily available off-the-shelf for any savvy DIY home improvement enthusiast to tackle themselves.
Frameless glass windows and doors
Sit back and enjoy the view when you install frameless windows, frameless folding or sliding doors, as these offer an unobstructed and panoramic view of the surroundings.
Brick veneer wall cladding for indoors & outdoors
Not only does cladding with brick veneer add texture and architectural detail to walls, it's also a great way to cover up walls that are prone to hairline cracks, have a rough plastered finish, or blank walls that lack interest.
Install Gyproc plastered ceilings
A flush plastered ceiling consists of steel branders onto which Gyproc RhinoBoard is fixed. All joints are covered with Gyproc RhinoTape and the ceiling then plastered with a 3 - 6mm coat of RhinoLite or CreteStone.
Install Gyproc M-Strip ceilings
Finally, an informative step-by-step guide on how to install an M-Strip brandered ceiling. I have yet to get round to replacing my one ceiling and this detailed guide from Gyproc is comprehensive enough that even a beginner DIY-er can install his or her own ceilings.
Using RhinoLite and CreteStone finishes
I receive a lot of enquiries from homeowners who have used, or had work done in their homes using RhinoLite and CreteStone. Most of the problems arise from lack of product knowledge, either on the part of the homeowner, or on the part of the contractor.
How to add mosaic tile to kitchen countertop
I gave my kitchen countertop a makeover. After a couple of weeks of living with it, I decided I wasn't happy and wanted to consider another option - applying mosaic tile to a kitchen countertop.
How to remove and install new skirtings
In this article we show you how to replace standard skirting boards with skirting boards that provide an attractive finish and architectural detail to a room.
Don't tile when you can CemWash
Don't think that you have to tile bathroom walls and floors when there are so many other options to choose from.
Care for wooden windows & doors
There is a beauty to timber windows and the homes they grace, and if they are well maintained, they can last a lifetime. Charl Jacobz from Swartland offers some tips and advice on how to best maintain their beauty.
Rock wall cladding
I love the look of natural stone clad walls - both interior or exterior walls. It's a way to introduce texture and detail to an otherwise bland room. It's also a way to merge interior and exterior areas.
Glass blocks let in natural light
I have always considered glass blocks to be perfect for bathrooms - they let in plenty of natural light without any loss of privacy, and now that they are available in soft and bright colours, you can use glass blocks in even more creative ways.
Installing wooden windows and frames
Windows are an important element in how a home looks. From a design point of view window styles are suited to particular styles of homes.
Faux sandblasted effect for windows and doors
I have previously featured an article on how to create more privacy by using self-adhesive vinyl on glass. In this project I used the same self-adhesive vinyl to add a decorative effect to my sliding door, and at the same time add privacy.
Add architraves to windows
A simple frame and panel with applied mouldings gives an ordinary window an extraordinary appearance
Enhance a home with window shutters
Window and folding-door shutters are ideal for light, wind and ventilation control on a patio, garden room. or any room in the home. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, they will also increase the value.
Clad concrete or steel staircase
When you live in a double-storey home, or are adding an extra level onto you existing property, you're going to need a staircase. In my case the staircase was built using concrete slabs or lintels.
Revamp an ugly fireplace
Whether your fireplace gets used annually or is just a hole in the wall that hasn't been used for ages, most fireplaces are a focal point in a room. Make your fireplace a 'stand out' feature with paint, tile or with a new DIY fireplace surround.
Staircases with style and flair
When your home is a double-storey or more, a staircase is a main element. It might be tucked away in a corner, but at the end of the day any staircase takes up a lot of space and grabs a lot of attention.
Adding window trim
Having already started adding trim around door frames and to corners in my home, the next project I want to tackle is adding window trim. I just think that windows look so much nicer with added trim, and they look more polished and elegant as well.
Let more natural light into your home
If you find that your home has dark areas that don't receive any natural light, there are various home improvement projects that you could consider to let in more natural light, or allow natural light into dark areas.
Boring staircase becomes a "wow" feature
If I hadn't seen these pics for myself, I never would have believed that this was the same staircase. A fairly standard staircase is transformed into a dramatic feature in the entrance hall of this home.
Clever way to add decorative skirtings
This is one clever trick that I am sure many of you will appreciate, especially if you are looking to add a nice, high detailed trim to the base of your walls.
Add detailing to interior doors
Standard home - standard doors! There's nothing special about the boring interior doors that get fitted to most homes. But there is a way to transform them into a unique feature for your home.
Easy way to add crown moulding
Forget about a hammer and nails, you can easily install the new style polystyrene crown moulding and cornice with a tube or two of No More Nails and a caulking gun.
Install bi-fold closet doors
The level of effort in installing bi-fold doors really depends on the condition and type of door jambs you already have. In new construction this is pretty straight forward. You just trim out the door opening as if it were going to be a cased opening.
Hang a new interior door
Replacing a door in an existing door frame is easier and much cheaper than pulling out the trim and frame and installing a prehung door, because you have the old door as a template.
Restore pressed ceilings
Popularised as an architectural feature in Victorian homes during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, pressed ceilings remain a much admired and sought after element in many modern homes today.
Install wall panelling
There are various design styles that can be applied to walls in a home, whether it's for a lounge, dining room, bathroom or bedroom. Here are some tips on how to install or add panelling to your home...
Wrought iron detailing
Whether featuring the flamboyant swirls and curves of Art-Deco style or the clean lines of minimalist design, decorative ironwork makes a statement. Iron pieces may be hand-forged or ready-made, but they will set the tone in a room or add contrast to a design.
Wall panelling adds architectural detail
Add interest to a plain dining room with this faux moulding project. All you need for this project is a few strips of pine and skirting, and some satin paint to finish off.
Install crown moulding
Installing crown moulding, like playing the piano, takes practice. Unlike playing the piano, however, most people can get the hang of it with only a little practice.
Remove and replace skirtings
In an older home you may find that skirting boards need to be replaced either due to rotting, damage over time, or simply to update a home. In this do-it-yourself project we show you how to remove and replace skirting boards.
How to paint concrete
Don't live with a dingy, grey concrete slab when there are so many ways to update and give concrete a makeover.
Safely remove and dispose of asbestos
Lurking in many buildings, its safe removal and disposal is a must. But how do you spot it, and what do you do with it once it's found.
Freestanding fireplace for electric or gas fire
We have recently looked at how you can frame or makeover a built-in fireplace, but now look at building a fireplace surround for a freestanding electric or gas heater.
Revamp an ugly fireplace
Whether your fireplace gets used annually or is just a hole in the wall that hasn't been used for ages, most fireplaces are a focal point in a room. Make your fireplace a 'stand out' feature with paint, tile or with a new DIY fireplace surround.
Keep heat in and cold out this winter
You can switch on as much heat as you like to warm up a home, but if there are gaps under doors in your home, you're just wasting electricity. Install a door sweep to keep out cold draughts and your home - and family - will start to feel the heat.
Let more natural light into your home
If you find that your home has dark areas that don't receive any natural light, there are various home improvement projects that you could consider to let in more natural light, or allow natural light into dark areas.
DIY home renovations
These types are projects are not done in a weekend but they are projects that can be done by a DIY enthusiast who is prepared to put in the time and effort.
Window tinting & glass glazing
There is definitely some confusion between the terms 'window tinting' and 'window film' and we asked an expert window tinting company to explain the difference between these two window treatments.
Staircase ideas
When living in a double-storey townhouse or apartment, standard staircases fitted off-plan are usually as basic as they get. Timber beams and steps stained to match skirtings, windows and doors. But you don't have to live with standard fitted options when there are so many ways to dress up a staircase.
Home insulation saves you money
We've had a couple of very chilly days over the past two or three weeks. You can spend a lot of money on heating and cooling a home yet home insulation offers an affordable and more energy efficient way to keep a home cool or warm.
Solar tube skylights
Solar Tubes or Tubelites are an excellent way to get natural light into parts of your home that don’t have any windows, or rooms that are situated on the south-east side of a home. These skylights are one of the most popular home improvement projects being done right now.
Things to know about concrete countertops
I would like to share a few things we would do differently if we were to start over on our concrete countertops. Don't get me wrong, we love our concrete countertops but we have also done some experimenting and would make a few slight changes. I’m hoping these will help some other brave people out who might just attempt this monster project too.
Visually enlarge a room with mirror doors
Whether you closet is in your bedroom, or in a small walk-in, adding a full length mirror to the doors will increase the amount of light in the room and add the illusion of space.
Brick veneer wall cladding for indoors & outdoors
Not only does cladding with brick veneer add texture and architectural detail to walls, it's also a great way to cover up walls that are prone to hairline cracks, have a rough plastered finish, or blank walls that lack interest.
Outstanding DIY kitchen installation
This do-it-yourself kitchen shows how you can transform any space with just a few basic tools. Loraine and her husband Cobi transformed a boring space into a beautiful kitchen.
A Benoni kitchen goes modern
After some constant begging and pleading, Morne tackled a kitchen renovation project in his Benoni home. The original kitchen was outdated with its old-fashioned cabinet doors and badly scratched countertops.
Fireplace and wall cladding
Home-Dzine reader, Hilton Kinnear, installed a new fireplace in his home. Once installed, the next step was to add wall cladding to finish off the total look. The finished result is amazing!
Home-Dzine reader adds wall panelling
Home-Dzine reader, Donavan Packaree, transformed his living room with wall panelling, moulding and trim for a dramatic and affordable makeover.
Complete passage transformation
From a shabby old farmhouse with Novilon covering the kitchen and bathroom walls and even the toilet; it has been transformed into a home where one would be proud to have friends over.
Guest toilet makeover
Just to show it can be done, Grant transformed a ho-hum guest loo into a beautiful, modern space in just under two weeks.
Faux rock cladding
Home-Dzine has previously featured rock cladding for walls, both faux and genuine rock veneer. For a small outlay you can instantly change the look and feel of any room in a home - in a weekend.
Staircase renovation
I completely stripped this staircase, which was in a bad state of repair, and sanded the stairs down to the bare wood (all by hand and a small orbital sander).
Do-it-yourself kitchen renovation
Having the wood and materials cut to size for a new do-it-yourself kitchen makes the job much easier, plus the fact that you can save yourself thousands of Rands by doing it yourself.
5 Signs it's Time to Call in a Contractor
Here’s five reasons why you may need to call in the professionals to make some much-needed updates.
Difference between a Glass Extension and a Conservatory
The question most people ask is whether to go with a glass extension or just build a conservatory.
Important Considerations Before Hiring Luxury Home Builders
Here are a few considerations you need to take when hiring a luxury home builder.
Questions to ask architect before hiring.
Here are some basic questions you need to ask an architect before hiring one.
Pros of Choosing Replacement Windows over the Rest
With clear, beautiful windows, you can see outside your home and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Awning Windows vs. Sliding Windows
Many homeowners don't know the difference between sliding and awning Brampton windows. This guide gives you deep insights into these window styles.
7 Useful Tips For Window Replacement
When you’re opting for window replacement, it is highly useful to consider the benefits mentioned below.
All that you need to know when buying a skylight
There are a few things to consider before purchasing a skylight.
Add skylights to the roof – The essential benefits to consider
Working with a reputable roofing company will let you determine the best skylight applicable for your particular roof type.
Understanding Awning Windows
Have you ever considered installing awning windows in your home? Whether you have or not, here are some things you may want to know about them.
The Benefits Of 2 Storey Homes Vs. 1 Storey Homes
Two-storey homes offer many benefits over one-storey homes and we offer a few of these benefits.
Top 8 Best Reasons To Build A New Home
In this article, you will better understand why constructing a new home is more beneficial than buying an already built home.
Best Home Improvement Business Ideas To Start
In this article, we offer a few ideas to help you choose the best home improvement business.
When you should consider hiring a professional Architecture firm
For a construction project small or large, hiring an architectural firm is essential for bringing your individual needs to life.
Mistakes People Make When Remodeling Their Homes and How 3D Services Can Help Avoid Them
How to avoid some common mistakes when remodeling with the help of 3d rendering services.
Which is Best for Your Family: Single Storey vs Double Storey
We explain the PROS and CONS and important factors to consider to help you decide if a single-storey home or double-storey home is best for you.
Top 3 Special Advantages of Narrow Lot Living
Smaller lots have big advantages.
How To Effectively Relay Construction Project Information
In this post, we will explain to you how you can successfully communicate construction project information with your peers and teams so that each one of them knows their responsibilities.
Double hung windows
The classic model of double hung windows is a structure with a fixed top sash and a sliding bottom.
DIY: 5 steps to the log cabin of your dreams
We offer you some great advice and take you through the most important steps to make find your log cabin easier.
7 Tips For Using Reclaimed Wood For Home Building
We offer some tips to make use of reclaimed wood to highlight the authentic charm of your home.
4 Extension Ideas For Period Homes
If you're hunting out for some brilliant extension ideas, review the following suggestions.
5 Types of Outbuildings That will Enhance Your Home Functionality
Here are five popular outbuildings that can improve the functionality of your home.
Best door types
With so many door types to choose from, it is important to keep in mind that each type of door has its own advantages and disadvantages and it is important to do your research before making a decision.
The Best Garage Design Software: Your Options Explained
There is no shortage of dedicated garage design software out there on the market right now and below is our round-up of the best.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A New Garage?
Consider the factors to keep in mind if you are planning to build a new garage.
Top Features to Include in a Custom-Built House
If you have made a decision to build a custom house, you will want to ensure that the plans include everything you have ever wanted in a home.