A bricklayer using a spirit level and string line to set out the first bricks on a new foundation, beside a precast concrete boundary wall

Granny Flat Rules in Cape Town: What the Zoning Scheme Allows

October 10, 2026

Setting out the first courses of new brickwork beside a precast boundary wall. How close a granny flat can go to that wall…

A bricklayer bedding a brick in mortar on a low garden wall, with a wheelbarrow beside him and a glazed covered patio across the lawn behind.

Boundary Wall Height in Cape Town: The Current Rules, Plans and Permits

October 10, 2026

A bricklayer bedding bricks on a low garden wall. Whatever its height, a wall only stays up with a proper foundation, piers and…

A painter in overalls rolling a fresh coat of paint onto an interior wall, with drop sheets and paint tins on the tiled floor

Rising Damp in South Africa: How to Spot It, Fix It and Stop It Coming Back

October 10, 2026

A fresh coat going onto an interior wall. On a damp wall, paint is the last step: only once the water source is…

A plasterer smoothing render over an exterior wall around a window opening, wheelbarrow of mix nearby, on a real Cape Town jobsite.

How to Fix Cracks in Walls in South Africa (and When to Worry)

October 10, 2026

Fresh plaster going onto an exterior wall around a window. When old plaster has lost its bond, cutting it out and replastering is…

A painter on a ladder finishing an exterior wall on a Cape Town home, garage and entrance pillar in view.

Do You Need Council Approval to Renovate in Cape Town?

September 8, 2026

A finish coat going up on a Cape Town home — the part everyone sees. What’s changing underneath the surface is what actually…

A bricklayer building up a new window opening course by course, brick and mortar mid-installation, new window unit still wrapped in protective film.

How Long Does a Home Renovation Actually Take in Cape Town?

September 8, 2026

A new window opening built up course by course — the kind of structural work that adds real weeks to a timeline, permits…

What Are the Biggest Home Renovation Mistakes?

September 8, 2026

Plastering an exterior wall around a window opening — the kind of sequenced trade work that has to happen in the right order,…

A tradesperson measuring and cutting a large floor tile on-site before installation, with a step ladder and building materials laid out nearby.

What Is a Realistic Renovation Budget?

September 8, 2026

Measuring and cutting to size before the visible work begins — the deliberate, planned stage a realistic budget is built around. A realistic…

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in Cape Town?

September 8, 2026

A bathroom renovation in progress — new tiling and fittings installed, snagging still underway. Renovation costs in Cape Town vary enormously because “renovation”…

Blog

Book a Free Site Visit