Home Improver - November 2021

Improver NOVEMBER | 2021

Step inside for our 15

reno guide 29

Also garden TO P R Einside: A D S • A RGreat C H I T E C T cleaning R E N OVAT I O Nhacks • T H E W•H Grow Y & H O WaOkitchen F A H O M E OV ERHAUL A U G U S T

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PICTURE SAMSON KATT

C O N TA C T U S

AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY

PUBLISHER: Vasantha Angamuthu Vasantha.angamuthu@inl.co.za EDITOR HOME IMPROVER: Vivian Warby vivian.warby@inl.co.za DESIGN: Kim Stone kim.stone@inl.co.za PRODUCTION: Renata Ford Renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Keshni Odayan Keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES: Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za

DO JOIN US ON: @homeimproverZA

LETTER FROM

THE

EDITOR

THE WORD “renovation” has the ability to conjure up pleasure and pain at the same time.

Anyone who has been through the experience of renovating a room, rooms or an entire home will know it often ends up being a tough time, sometimes even bringing the most placid of us into fight mode with contractors, family, suppliers – and even with ourselves.

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But it is also such a fun time of creativity. Finding out – and dreaming up – what you’d love your home to be and making it a reality is a wonderful thing to be able to do.

And then there is also the time after the renovation when all the anger and distress is forgotten and you are left with a home of which you once only dreamed.

This magazine is full of

advice on how to sail through a renovation and useful tips on how to avoid nasty surprises with your contractors.

It also takes you through a number of wonderful “before and after” transformations.

Happy renovating!

Vivian.Warby@inl.co.za

a Vivian W

rby

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021

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Letter

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A renovating mom tells all

Contents The top 4 renos Butterfly is bor n Reduce your stress The why and how of making changes Renovation checklist Dos and don’ts Contractor relations DIY toolkit A builder’s 3 makeovers Reno with a (re)purpose Summer cutting gardens N O V

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THE TOP

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RENO’S #homerenovations has attracted a total of 1.4 billion views on TikTok. Here are the spaces renovators are most obsessed with making over, according to a survey done by comparison site money.co.uk, using TikTok videos

1 KITCHENS These were the most popular videos among the renovation crew with more than 90 million unique users clocked.

2 B AT H R O O M S These rooms were second in line with up to 67.6 million views.

3 GARDENS With just under 22 million views, it seems long lockdowns saw people wanting to get outdoors – but in the safety of their own backyard.

4 LAUNDRY ROOMS For those with the square metres, a room away from the kitchen for the laundry seems to be a must and they scored over 21.3 million views.

Bedrooms were way down at 11.7 million views and living rooms even further down the ranking with just under 320 000 views.

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PICTURES SUPPLIED

The new Camissa House boutique hotel with the rooftop cocktail deck and Table Mountain behind. The building was previously a private house.

Butterfly is born

One of the rooms and exterior before its upmarket makeover.

Architect Lauren Bolus and the team from Make Studio transformed a private home into a magnificent boutique hotel WORDS VIVIEN HORLER AND VIVIAN WARBY

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AFTER: All the suites have views and the residents of this room look out over Signal Hill.

BELOW: The room before its transformation.

YOU might imagine architects prefer to design buildings from scratch but Lauren Bolus, from Fabian Architects & Make Studio, says for her this is not necessarily so. She loves renovations.

“Renovations are more challenging than a new build as certain parameters dictate some design thinking. However, the potential always exists and is just waiting to be unveiled,” says the wellknow local architect.

“I love watching renovations transform into something spectacular.

It’s always super-rewarding to look back at what was there and what we created.”

One of her favourite renovations, with partners Dennis Fabian and 0 6

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Andries Samuel, has been the magnificent Camissa House boutique hotel in Oranjezicht in Cape Town, and she relished the challenges the project posed.

The building was originally a sixbedroom private home in a beautiful position on the edge of a greenbelt, with mountain and sea views.

Bolus’s client Rhino Africa bought the building and the brief was to turn it into an eight-bedroom boutique hotel, with each suite capturing the views and incorporating mountainspecific fauna and flora into the interior design.

“The client has a quirky touch to his projects, which made it a lot of

AFTER: Bolus’s favourite part of the renovation was this sublime atrium.

BELOW: The old paired basins in the bathrooms were done away with.

fun, as we could incorporate a specific aesthetic, variety of colours and textures.”

When Bolus first saw the building she recognised its good bones and saw it had massive potential.

However, it was a challenging project.

“Working with an existing structure is always full of surprises.

Operationally, a hotel requires various spaces to make its functioning practical. Areas such as housekeeping and store areas were tricky to accommodate in an existing structure.”

Bolus made good use of the unique views each suite had.

“Sea-facing rooms capture harbour

vistas and the city lights, while the rooms facing Table Mountain capture the grand mountain face and the fauna and flora.

“Each room is themed and inspired by specific fauna and flora from that part of Table Mountain. Customised wallpapers were curated for each room.

“Large, private terraces to bedrooms allow guests to appreciate the views.

“The atrium, where guests eat their breakfast, faces a cascading landscape which terraces back towards the mountain.

“The pool terrace is a transition between inside and outside spaces.

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AFTER: Cool, clean lines draw the eye outwards to leafy views.

BELOW: Each suite has its own private terrace.

light changes as day turns to night.”

The atrium is the design feature Bolus is most proud of.

“We designed a glass and steel structure to enclose an existing external courtyard. The walls and landscaping contain this space and ensure interesting features wherever you look.”

So, how does she feel the project turned out?

“Each time I visit the hotel, I am reminded how much I love it,” she says.

What’s next? Make Studio is working on “some really exciting projects”, including being the interior architects for plant-clad The Fynbos 0 8

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I love renovations...

It’s always super-rewarding to look back at what was there and what we created ARCHITECT LAUREN BOLUS

AFTER: A sharp, elegant desk area in one of the suites leads to a crisp, modern bathroom.

BELOW: A building with a good bone structure is easier to renovate.

apartment development in Bree Street.

It is described as “a living, breathing building where the divide between nature and built blurs”.

It is said to be the first biophilic development in Africa.

Bolus would also like to work on safari lodges.

“I think this is because I am in love with being in the bush, where nature is so perfect, and architecture can emphasise this perfection, if executed in the right way.”

A B O U T B O L U S : When Bolus first considered a career, she knew she wanted to do something creative.

“I applied to study fine art, advertising and architecture. But, as I am an extremely practical person, architecture seemed to be a perfect fit as it combines creativity, practicality and a need for rational design thinking.”

After graduating from UCT in 2004 she did an internship in London and worked there for two years. Back in Cape Town, she worked for Fabian Architects for six years and 10 years ago started Make Studio in partnership with Fabian and Samuel.

Make Studio is the brand doing residential and boutique hotel projects while Fabian Architects do the commercial projects.

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AFTER: The decor of each room takes its inspiration from the surrounding flora.

BELOW: A gold-framed mirror adds a hint of glamour to this bathroom.

TOP RENOVATION TIPS FROM BOLUS: 1. Add value, improve views and light by ensuring the spacial planning is practical and incorporates aspects of the surroundings, such as views and nature.

2. If there is something special about an existing building, try to incorporate this into the design and enhance the feature.

3. Make the kitchen a feature. A kitchen is way more than a functional area. It deserves to be a focus and highlight of the home.

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LATEST TRENDS, ACCORDING TO BOLUS: Colour: I am surprised I would say such a thing, because I tend to design with a neutral palette, but lately we are using more colour, especially green, and I am loving how fresh and interesting our spaces are looking.

Make it personal: Don’t follow too many fashionable trends. Keep it simple, so it lasts.

Go green: Include permanent features of greenery internally and externally.

See more: https://www. makearchitects.co.za/

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PICTURE BLUE BIRD / PEXELS

Breathe in ...and then begin

There is no getting away from it – renovating your home is stressful. So the only thing is to be aware of this and take steps to reduce it as much as possible

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ERE is some advice to help you stay calm during renovations, so when you’re finally installed in your great new spaces, you can look back on the process without shuddering.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN A renovation starts long before a shovel goes into the ground. You need to know what you want, what you can afford; you’ll need plans drawn up, permissions granted. Then you will need to find a suitable contractor.

There’s a lot of planning to do. Don’t rush this phase, or you’ll go crazy later.

Where will you stay? Will you remain in your home amid the building chaos? Or will you stay with friends or family or rent somewhere?

Whatever you do, your routines will be upset and you and your family will be unsettled. Prepare for this.

Expect chaos No matter how well you plan your project or how good your contractor is, every home renovation project has variables.

Materials will be delayed, the weather might make work impossible for a few days, someone might put a pick through a water main…

Be philosophical.

H AV E A C O N T I N G E N C Y FUND Somewhere along the way, your builder is going to come to you and say these terrifying words: “We have a problem.” What, he actually means is you have a problem

and it is likely to cost you money.

A contingency fund means that, within reason, you’ll be able to pay to sort out the problem and keep the project on course.

Having no emergency money set aside could mean,

at best, sacrificing some of your plans or, at worst, stopping the whole project while you raise funds.

Experts recommend putting aside about 10% of the cost of the project.

I T ’ S O K AY T O B E OVERWHELMED Merely acknowledging you feel overwhelmed is a step in the right direction. It allows you to be real, and kind to yourself, and will also help others to know they should tread gently around you.

Everything does not have to be done yesterday Set up time frames – not everything is urgent. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, figure out if there’s anything you can delay or reschedule to give yourself breathing room.

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time Have a detailed to-do list on which you break down the entire renovation into do-able tasks and then break each task into smaller tasks.

Know what you want and know what your budget is Changing your mind about aspects of the reno while it is under way will lead to extra costs. It is better to have a very clear idea before building work starts – in fact before you sign the contract – and stick to it. Bright ideas halfway through cost money.

Be organised There are apps for things such as keeping track of how much you are

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spending which will help you stay within budget.

Have a place to keep all the contracts, a place to keep a track of everything you are buying or keep a book or drawer for the receipts so all the resources you need are at hand. This will help you get a grip on the project and help ease nerves.

Another tip: Keep receipts etc long after you have finished the project – you can claim for improvements you’ve made against capital gains tax when it’s time to sell the property.

Get help There are amazing online communities, such as Renovating Moms on Facebook, where followers give each other support and suggestions throughout the process. Make friends with others who’ve been through a renovation to get moral and other support.

Don’t micromanage Of course you want to make sure the builder is sticking to the brief, but don’t breathe down his neck.

He’s the expert here. You don’t want to make him so nervous he starts making mistakes. Keep an eye, but give him some space.

Keep the faith It will end, eventually. And provided you’ve been sensible about planning and money, the dust will be swept away, the rubble will be removed, and you’ll find yourself in your lovely new home.

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Priceless advice for all your home improvements Improver To advertise here contact C h a r l R e i n e ke | ch a r l . re i n e ke @ i n l . c o. z a V i v i a n Wa r by | v i v i a n . wa r by @ i n l . c o. z a

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PICTURE MILIVOJ KUHAR \ UNSPLASH

FOR SALE, FOR RENT OR FOR YOU?

Why are you renovating?

It’s important to understand the different imperatives here – what you like and want in your home might not be for everyone.

Here are some guidelines to help you when it comes to the reasons for your renovation plans.

WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

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Avoid busy wallpaper: With its designs and colours, wallpaper can be a bit much. When you’re getting your home ready for sale, cool and neutral wall coverings are the best bet so that buyers can imagine themselves in what will no longer be your home.

The same advice goes for bold and bright wall paints. Neutral and fresh is what you’re looking for.

Texture on the walls and ceilings: Avoid. It’s hard to get rid of and could put off potential buyers.

Quirky wall and floor tiles: They’re hard to ignore and expensive to get rid of. Go for white or neutral laminates.

Bathrooms: As with kitchens, a good bathroom renovation adds value. But forget fancy baths and Jacuzzis.

Home office: Do not spend money on this. If the buyers want to use a spare room as a home office, they can put in the necessary infrastructure. But they might well prefer an extra bedroom.

A pool: If it’s already there, make sure it’s sparkling and the pump works. Do not install a pool – many people don’t want one and think it’s a lot of bother.

Kerb appeal: Pots of flowers will make your home attractive but don’t go over the top. The buyers may not be natural gardeners and may fear the effort of keeping up a busy garden.

Kitchens: Sleek kitchens add value but don’t spend too much. Focus on what is looking tired and fix it. New cabinet handles can make a difference.

You can also paint melamine cabinets.

Again, you’re looking for fresh. Avoid spending a fortune on appliances.

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PICTURE CHASTITY CORTIJO \ UNSPLASH

FOR SALE

PICTURE JONATHAN BORBAU \ PEXELS

FOR RENT

Wallpaper: See advice in For Sale.

Like buyers, tenants want their home to reflect themselves, not you.

Texture on walls and ceilings: Avoid. See under For Sale.

Paint: See under For Sale. Fresh and neutral is what you want.

Quirky wall and floor tiles: Avoid.

Again, neutral white or tan laminates or tiles are best.

Kitchens: As under For Sale, focus on what is looking tired and fix it.

Otherwise leave well alone.

Bathrooms: Clean, fresh and not too fussy. It’s probably a good idea to keep a bath, as these suit families

with young children, but walk-in showers are also popular. You could install a shower fitting over a bath to have the best of both worlds.

Home office: Do not convert a spare room for this. Generally, people are keener on extra bedrooms than home offices, even in this time of working from home.

Tenants can always use a table in a spare bedroom for remote working.

Kerb appeal: A couple of pots of flowers are all very well but many a landlord’s heart has been broken when they see their pretty garden allowed to die by uncaring tenants.

Swimming pool: If it’s already there, ensure it’s clean and sparkling and functional.

Otherwise avoid.

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PICTURES SARAH CHAI \ PEXELS • JACEK DYLAG, DANE DEANER \ UNSPLASH

FOR YOU

Wallpaper: If you really love the wallpaper, and this is going to be your forever home, put up whatever paper you like.

Just remember that wallpaper can be hard to remove, and you might find what you thought gorgeous 10 years ago is definitely not a forever wallpaper.

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Textured walls and ceilings: If you think texture on the walls on ceilings looks great, go for it. But, generally, it’s a waning trend.

Quirky floor and wall tiles: Be sure you can live with these for years because they can become passé and are difficult to rip out. White floor tiles, while being wonderfully neutral, show up every hair 2 0 2 1

and paw print.

Kitchens: Go big. Do whatever you fancy and can afford. Avoid anything too trendy – you might get tired of it.

Bathrooms: Do what you like.

But even if your children are grown up, and you no longer need a bath, you might find in a few years that the visiting toddler grandchildren want to wallow.

Home office: In a time of working from home, a home office is a boon and the space can be claimed against tax.

Swimming pool: Are you sure you want one? Will you use it?

Kerb appeal: If you’re going to maintain your garden, by all means do what is necessary to create the prettiest or most water-wise garden that you can.

PICTURES SARAH CHAI \ PEXELS • JACEK DYLAG, DANE DEANER \ UNSPLASH

Name Sally Warncke Occupation I run a creative agency called ShowWorks, specialising in bespoke corporate events Mom to 15-month-old Benjamin Married to Jon Warncke

The magic of the makeover

It will be a nightmare, Sally Warncke’s friends warned when they overhauled their kitchen, family bathroom and en suite, however, it went well...

‘Super-happy’ Sally gives us her tips

KITCHEN BEFORE

KITCHEN AFTER N O V

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KITCHEN AFTER

KITCHEN MOOD BOARD

EN SUITE AFTER

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THIS WAS our first renovation experience.

When we bought this house, it was always with the intention of completely renovating the kitchen and bathrooms. I hated the revolting old-fashioned tiles, the cupboards, the colours.

The layout of the kitchen was all wrong and I couldn’t wait to change it.

After many hours of Pinteresting, researching, googling and scrolling posts on the Renovating Moms group on Facebook, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do and a 10-page mood board. My hubby was already bored of me talking about it and we hadn’t even begun!

We brought in the expertise of a project manager for the entire renovation. We planned to move out for a month, until the major demolition and building work had been done, and move back while they did the finishing touches.

Everyone told us we were dreaming, and that it would take double as long as promised (at least), it would cost way more than we budgeted and it would be a nightmare every step of the way.

There were some unexpected challenges for sure – such as a geyser and entire piping structure that needed replacing (not budgeted for); I couldn’t find matching floor tiles because they were old stock (action Tile Plan B); delays on materials due to factory hold-ups, etc.

But, credit to the team, we were able to move back in after the promised month. They stuck to their timeline amazingly well and they made the process pretty smooth throughout.

I loved the process of seeing it all come to life.

Once the fittings, sanware and tiles started arriving, it was so exciting. And I feel like I expanded my brain with knowledge about a whole lot of stuff I didn’t know about before.

It was fun but, yes, I am really glad now that it is over.

I am super-happy with our “bath palace”, our stylish new en suite and our beautiful, slick, openplan and way more functional kitchen layout.

FA M I LY B AT H R O O M BEFORE

FA M I LY B AT H R O O M A F T E R

Sally’s tips

FA M I LY B AT H R O O M M O O D B O A R D

 Do research beforehand to get ideas and inspiration.

Spend time googling, pinteresting, making mood boards – it really does help to fine-tune your ideas.  Then visit showrooms. Get samples and take them home and lay them in the space. Things look different in different lights and different spaces.  When choosing a bath (especially if it is your “hero piece”), don’t be shy to actually sit in the baths in the showrooms. You can’t judge the comfort and size of a bath by eye, you need to get in it, lie back and make sure it works for you.  Trust your gut. Contractors, friends and family will all have differing tastes, and give you opinions, and would all “do it differently”. Find a balance between taking valuable advice from others and sticking to your guns. You have to love it at the end of the day, so stay convicted.  Be prepared to go over budget. Have a contingency amount – you will end up using it because there will always be unexpected expenses.

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PICTURE OPTICAL SHADES MEDIA SANGROHA

R E N O VAT I O N

CHECKLIST We’ve all heard disaster stories of home renovations, of DIY projects gone wrong, of cowboy builders who leave halfway through and of poorly thought out ideas.

Here’s how to avoid them WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

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Be realistic and prepared to separate the nice-to-haves from the must-haves THERE IS always disruption, to a greater or lesser extent, when you’re having your home or individual rooms done up but with careful planning these projects can run relatively smoothly.

A RENOVATION CHECKLIST TO GET YOU STARTED Why are you renovating?

Doing up a place in order to sell it will call for different design decisions – perhaps painting the hall purple isn’t such a great idea – than if you are renovating for yourself and you love a purple hall. And there are other considerations if you are planning to let the property.

Gather ideas and inspiration: Look at magazines, go to retail stores, such as kitchen and bathroom shops, to pick up tips and see

what is available.

Create a mood board.

Figure how much you can afford: Be realistic and prepared to separate the nice-tohaves from the must-haves.

Avoid over-capitalising – a general rule of thumb is not to spend more than 10% of the value of the property.

If you’re planning a major overhaul of your home, you might need to sign up some professionals – in addition to the contractor – to ensure the process goes smoothly. You might need an architect to refine your design; a big project may call for the services of a quantity surveyor; an ambitious project should be run past a structural engineer. Will you supervise the project yourself or will you need a project manager?

Later in the process an

interior designer can make the most of the beautiful new spaces you have created.

For all but the smallest alterations you will need planning permission from your local authority. This means having plans drawn up and submitting them. Be aware that this can take months. If you fail to get planning permission, you could run into problems when you eventually try to sell the property.

Find a builder: Ask for references. Be clear about what you want and ask for a detailed quotation. Three quotes is always a good idea and the cheapest is not necessarily the best.

Draw up a detailed contract with timelines included. Be realistic with the timeline – some delays are inevitable.

Will you be able to stay in

your home while the project is under way? This can be extremely stressful; on the other hand moving in with family can be equally stressful and renting a place temporarily can be expensive.

Before the builders come on site, inform your insurance company you are having building work done. And after the project is completed, you might need to increase your building insurance premiums to take account of the value you have added.

Discuss security with your contractor: How will the site be protected? If you or some of your possessions remain in the house during the project, you will need to secure entrances and windows, for example, and board off your living area from where the work is being done.

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R E N O VAT I O N S TO AVO I D Going open plan. Open-plan homes are popular and allow light to flow from bright spaces into darker corners. But they mean knocking down walls and can be very expensive. Also in a time of working and schooling from home, private spaces might be more practical and efficient.

A similar warning is attached to a plan to extend a master bedroom by absorbing another bedroom or dressing room – especially if you plan to sell the house in a couple of years. Many buyers want bedrooms, not extra space in one bedroom. Some agents put the value of an extra bedroom at 15%.

Installing a swimming pool: If you’re certain you’re going to use it or have children of the right age who will, go ahead. But pools are expensive to sink and maintain, the installation can temporarily ruin a garden, and they take a lot of maintenance. Agents say the number of potential buyers who want a pool tends to be offset by a similar number who are firmly against a pool.

R E N O VAT I O N

dos & don’ts If you’re thinking of doing renovations without spending an absolute fortune, what is a good idea and what should you avoid?

WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

Minor kitchen remodel: Creating a modern and functional kitchen can add value to your home and make you happy. Experts say that when you sell you can expect to recoup about 72% of what you have spent.

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countertops, adding new flooring and painting the walls.

Beautifying the bathroom: Like kitchens, bathrooms get a lot of use which can lead to them looking tatty and even unhygienic. Avoid making major changes that affect pipes and plumbing, as that can be expensive, but it’s not too hard to cheer up a bathroom.

New taps and better lighting can make an enormous difference. Chipped cabinets can be replaced, tiles re-grouted and stained baths can be resurfaced. And in a bathroom that doesn’t have a shower, a fixture can be added over the bath.

The final touch would be to do up the walls with a fresh coat of paint.

Going green: With Cop26 to be held in Glasgow soon, it’s time to think seriously about doing all we can to live greener lives.

This can be an extremely expensive exercise, but you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t

have to do it all at once.

Estate agents say buyers are keen on the basics. With Eskom rates increasing, and the heating of water one of the biggest users of electricity in the home, it makes sense to install a solar geyser. You’re likely to recoup your outlay within three or four years and from then on your hot water is free.

Another relatively easy fix is saving on water by introducing tanks for watering the garden or sinking a borehole or wellpoint.

Depending on the water quality, this water can be used to top up swimming pools as well.

Fix the floors: Tired wooden floors can be sanded and sealed, making a big difference to a room. The chill of tiled floors can be offset by bright rugs. If you have a bit more money, putting down laminated or modern vinyl flooring can spruce up a home.

Kerb appeal: If you’re thinking of selling your home – even if you’re not – you can make it look brighter and fresher by improving visitors’ first impressions. A big job would be to repaint the exterior, which costs a fair bit, but signals that your home is smart and well-maintained.

If that’s a bit much, painting the front door and window frames can give fresh appeal and so can tarting up the garage door, which is often the first part of a property people see.

Finally, add pots full of flowers for a bright and welcoming look.

Plan ahead

Follow these guidelines to maintain a good relationship with your contractor WORDS DON MACALISTER AKA HANDY MAC

 Planning is important. Before calling in a contractor for a quotation, draw up a specific and detailed plan of what you want done and the amount you can afford.  For substantial work, obtain a detailed cost estimate and adjust requirements to suit your budget.  Find a qualified person to draw up plans, determine specifications and submit them to the local authority for approval.

 Choose a reliable building contractor.  Ensure your contractor is registered with the necessary legal and statutory bodies, such as workman’s compensation insurance, the bargaining council for the building industry and the receiver of revenue.  Obtain references from all contractors and be aware contractors are not obliged to be

members of Master Builders South Africa but that MBA membership will give you a level of protection.  Current legislation requires if you are building a new house, your contractor must be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).  Registration with the NHBRC for alterations, additions or renovations is not required. Registration takes about five weeks, so don’t be

caught out by starting to build and then finding out the bank wants a certificate of registration before making its first payment.  Be extremely wary of engaging people who claim to be “project managers” and say they can save you thousands by supervising your build. Always ensure a that someone who purports to be project manager, if not a member of the MBA, is at least in possession of a professional qualification.

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Renovation

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INGCO LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS DRILL WITH CHARGER AND BATTERY (20V) Loot price R1,250 Everyone needs a drill in their toolbox. This one has great specs which include: • Voltage: 20V • No-load speed: 0-400/0-1500/min • Max torque: 45NM • Chuck capacity: 0.8-10mm• Torque settings: 15+1 • Auto-lock keyless chuck• Mechanical 2-speed gear • Spindle lock function • Charge volts: 110V-240V~50/60Hz • Integrated work light • LED battery-power indicator Click here to buy it now

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1. THE SAME – BUT DIFFERENT A builder takes us through 3 projects starting with this restaurant WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

THE LIFTING of the lockdown last year that enabled builders to go back to work was an opportunity for Camps Bay restaurant Café Caprice.

The owner called on the services of Pieter Venter of Space Man, a Cape Town company specialising in in refurbishment, waterproofing painting, and general renovations.

Venter’s background is architectural design but he has worked as a builder and project manager for the past 20 years or so, and says he brings his experience to finding the sweet spot between what the client wants, what is doable and the budget. Here he takes us through three renovations.

“I’m a builder but I work in people’s spaces – hence the name of the company – to make them better and make them work for the client.”

Café Caprice had a overhaul.

“We built a new bar, refloored whole place, sorted out the damp, installed new lights, re-sanded and refurbished the wall cladding, put down real marble tiles on the stoep, and painted the whole place.

“It took three to four weeks, and as we finished restaurants were allowed to open again. We changed it completely but it looks the same – we retained the authenticity of Café Caprice, and the vibe is the same, but it is essentially a brand-new restaurant. We’re proud of that. And the client was happy.”

AFTER

LEFT: Before the team got to work on the popular beach-front Camps Bay restaurant. (Supplied)

BEFORE

RIGHT: The classy marble-tiled stoep of the totally refurbished Café Caprice. (Supplied)

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A F T E R : The bathroom today, with its modern free-standing bath, loo and frameless shower. By keeping the old layout, builder Pieter Venter was able to save money.

2 . O N - T R E N D B AT H R O O M Out with the old and in with the modern and practical for a Hout Bay home BELOW: The bathroom halfway through modernisation.

BEFORE

ABOVE: The bathroom in the Hout Bay home had a standard bath and loo before the renovation.

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OLDER HOUSES have an advantage when it comes to renovating bathrooms – they’re usually a good size so you can do more with them, according to Venter.

“Houses in modern developments tend to be very small, but the existing bathroom in House Rodrigues in Hout Bay was big.

“This enabled us to remove the old built-in bath and replace it with a deep, round free-standing bath.

These are very popular today.”

By putting the bath across the corner, Venter was able to install floor-mounted mixer taps where the previous taps had been, saving money.

The loo was replaced, but also kept in the same place.

“By keeping the layout of the

room the same, we were able to modernise the bathroom without wasting money on new plumbing and drainage.

“And we put in a frameless, walk-in shower, which is the trend today. You don’t have to step in.

“You don’t have the problem of water all over the floor because you go into the slab and tilt the shower floor just slightly, so the water runs into the drain.

“We could have had a wet room, which is a novel idea, but not very practical as you tend to get water everywhere.

“Sometimes – though not in this case – the client fancies a wet room and this is where I step in and explain the pros and cons,” Venter says.

BEFORE:

The breakfast bar was dated and the cupboards were bulky, taking up unnecessary space.

AFTER

The white breakfast bar is a lot smarter than the old curved one but is in the same place.

A wall-mounted TV means the cook can keep up with the news. Below: Note the slimmer cupboards and the white glass splashback.

3. SLEEK, MODERN KITCHEN Clever use of space and elements produced a redone room on budget A FEW years ago, House Rodrigues was a classic 1980s/1990s home, says Venter.

At one point it was run as a B&B and, about two years back, it was bought by a Joburg family who used to stay there in their holidays.

“The client called us to fix a collapsing boundary wall, leading to us getting a R2.5 million project to refurbish the entire property, turning it from three-star to five-star boutique hotel quality,” says Venter.

“But the house is no longer let – the family keep it as their exclusive holiday home.”

The kitchen was modernised, and new appliances were purchased, but all the elements essentially remained where they were.

“I didn’t enlarge the space at

all, but the room looks bigger by making better use of the cupboards – the old ones were bulky and brightly coloured.

“We installed pale cupboards and a white breakfast bar where the previous one had been. We replaced the lights hanging from the top with LED lights and put in a white glass splashback.

“That is one way to make a space look bigger – another is to use mirrors.

“As a result, of not moving the kitchen around, we could use existing electricity and plumbing points, which is one way to respect the budget and still have a supermodern kitchen.”

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RENO WITH A

(re)purpose Not only did a Camps Bay family get a sleek new deck, the wood from old one was used for panelling WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

IT

WAS satisfaction all round when carpenter Cornel Botha completed a new, integrated deck for clients in Camps Bay. Botha believes his work has made a huge improvement to the property and he reports that the clients love it.

“What they have now is all of a piece.”

Previously, a high pine deck led down to the garden and then, a few metres away, the kitchen door opened on to a couple of steps down to the garden and pool area.

The brief was to create a sweeping deck leading from the back door to the steps up to the old upper deck. From the new lower section, which was built over the unattractive concrete paving stones near the back door, new wide steps go down to garden level.

Botha, who also builds kitchen and bedroom cupboards, as well as furniture, says: “The new deck allows the transition between the house and pool area and down to the garage. It looks so much better than the concrete paving that was there.”

It ended up being a two-week job.

“The client wanted me to replace the decking on the old deck, as it was a bit unsafe and not in good shape, and then build the 3 0

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  Decking was extended to link the garage and step down to the pool area.  Treated pine was used for the structure of the deck as it is economical and protects against beetles and termites.  Extending the decking from the garage gave improved access to the pool area.

AFTER: The old decking planks were used as a feature wall in a garage which is to be turned into a bedroom.

AFTER: Balau, a wood imported from the tropics, was used for the decking as it is able to withstand weather.



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lower linking deck. So, I quoted on the tops, then realised some of the structure needed to be replaced too.”

The decking is balau, an all-weather wood imported from places like Malaysia and Borneo. When freshly cut it is golden in colour, but Botha says this will fade to silver in time. It is an extremely hardwearing wood, able to withstand anything the weather can throw at it without being varnished or finished.

The structure is varnished and treated South African pine – using balau for it would have been prohibitively expensive. Botha says the pine grown here is of good quality and that 95% of structural timbers in roofs is SA pine.

The old decking did not go to waste. The planks were stripped off and used to create a feature wall in the garage, which is to be turned into a new bedroom for the clients’ son.

The versatile Botha’s next project will be for children.

“I want to make rocking horses – but they won’t be horses, they will be more African-orientated: rocking rhinos, lions, an elephant and even a shark. I’m also thinking of some dinosaurs.”

Deck construction by High5. Contact Cornel Botha at 082 953 0954.

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A beautiful bouquet for an apartment, a pretty posy for a friend

or a country bunch for your house; plan a summer cutting garden

W O R D S K AY M O N T G O M E RY

in

THE VICTORIAN era, in order not to deplete the ornamental gardens of wealthy land owners, separate areas, usually walled, were set aside for cut floral material to decorate their stately homes.

In many of today’s properties, where garden space is limited, borders would quickly become depleted if plants were picked for floral work. The answer is to set aside part of your garden as a cutting garden where you can grow your favourite flowers for the vase.

THE RIGHT PLACE The cutting garden is a functional garden where appearances are not important; where seasonal annuals, perennials and bulbs are grown in a variety of colours, shapes and textures.

Screen the area from the rest of the garden with shrubs for picking that can also act as a windbreak. A trellis screen can be both decorative and practical as support for climbing roses,

clematis and sweet peas.

There is a wider choice of plant material if the cutting garden gets five to six hours of sunshine a day, with easy access to beds and water.

Soil should be free-draining with generous amounts of compost and a slow-release fertiliser to keep plants healthy through the season. Refresh the soil when planting new crops.

A grid of squared wire stretched across plants and

Pelargonium leaves make attractive edgings for posies and table arrangements. Pictured, Pelargonium exotica ‘Tricolor’. PICTURE: LUKAS OTTO

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PICTURE ALEKSANDRA BOGUSLAWSKA / UNSPLASH

SUMMER CUTTING GARDENS

Clematis does well as a cut flower. Clean off stems to ensure that no leaves are in the water.

PICTURE: JENNY SIMPSON

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TOP: A contrasting colour palette in the garden is eye-catching and some flowers can be snipped and enjoyed indoors in a vase. PICTURE: NEIL HEPWORTH ABOVE: Dahlias can be used as cut flowers. Dalina Midi Pinta.

PICTURE: LUKAS OTTO ABOVE RIGHT: Choose an agapanthus flower head with some closed buds – these will open in the vase.

PICTURE: LUKAS OTTO

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attached to stakes will keep flowers upright.

the ground where they are to flower.

THE FLOWER PALETTE In today’s floral world, there is a move from formal to natural and free-flowing, using flowers for a lighter touch and being adventurous with colour. Flowers with dark-plum burgundy and maroon foliage add depth and shadows to arrangements.

Seed: Clary sage (Salvia horminum), cosmos, baby’s breath (Gypsophila elegans), lavatera, marigold, salvia, sunflower, viscaria and zinnia.

Flowers for summer: Seed is the cheapest way to grow cut flowers.

Some can be sown in situ, which simply means sowing directly into

Perennials and bulbs: Achillea, agapanthus, alstroemeria, arum, canna, crocosmia, torch lilies (Kniphofia spp.), eucomis, gerbera,

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Seedlings: Aster, celosia, cleome, dianthus, echinacea, nicotiana, penstemon, Shasta daisy and zinnia.

hosta, liliums, tuberose and watsonia.

Dahlias are invaluable as cut flowers, for their range of colours and flower shapes, and tubers planted now will continue to flower well into autumn. Insert sturdy stakes when planting.

Early morning is the best time to cut flowers. Take a bucket of water into the cutting garden, make clean cuts with a sharp knife or secateurs and place cut stems in water.

THE FOLIAGE PALETTE The following foliage is useful for outlines and fillers: the

arching stems of abelia; the fine yellow or green foliage of coleonema; dark green needles of rosemary; colourful croton and leucadendron; ferny heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica); silver-grey artemisia; bold leaves of hosta, canna and arum; vertical leaves of iris and New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) and the whorled stems of lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus) and phlomis (Jerusalem sage).

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when picked and the cut ends seared, last well.

FORAGING Seeking plant material can open a new world of floral possibilities and perhaps spark a trend or innovative idea in the floral industry.

It becomes personal when you gather each part of your design, always leaving some flowers for pollinating insects and seeds for wildlife. Material that at first appears to have no merit can have unexpected qualities.

Search for branches for height and interesting outlines;

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curly ends of pride of De Kaap (Bauhinia galpinii); loops of dried wisteria stems; grass plumes and tassels; sprays of berries and fruits; feathery fennel; pine cones; palm spathes; feathers; seed heads and pods.

Foraging should be done ethically and legally and always with the permission of the landowner. It is illegal to remove plants growing on public and private property and in the wild.

Not only are you depleting and destroying wild plant habitats, you are also depriving future generations of their floral inheritance.

TOP: A cutting garden provides flowers in different colours, shapes and sizes for picking. PICTURE: LOUISE JENNER-CLARKE ABOVE: Climbing roses grown on trellis can be used to screen off a section of the garden. PICTURE: KAY MONTGOMERY ABOVE LEFT: Asparagus fern grows well in light shade and fronds can be used as greenery in a vase.

Pictured, ‘Green Ripple’.

PICTURE: LUKAS OTTO