Tips worth reading before you make any bathroom renovations

those leaks again, especially if you do your pre-winter checks next year. Roofing contractors have probably collected more tennis balls, dead pigeons and sundry rubbish from gutters and downpipes than they have in a long time.

The obsession with saving money on building contracts has led to, among other things, roofs being fitted at a lower pitch and covered with sheeting that just meets the specification for that pitch. A slight blockage at the gutter or downpipe means a build-up of water on the covering which eventually overflows in areas that are usually leak-free. Keep checking for blockages and obstructions because there’s a fair bit of winter left.

Last week I attended the Master Builders Association’s annual members dinner, mixing with old friends from the industry and hearing positive comments about this column and what we have been trying to achieve.

However, I am worried about the lack of complaints that I receive from all sides. We have opened avenues to Master Builders Associations, insurance companies and recently to the City of Cape Town for you to vent your frustrations or to ask questions, but they are few and far between. Does this mean the industry is better than we think?

It has been a while since I looked at a specific building renovation. Geberit have been kind enough to send some tips on renovating bathrooms. They are worth the read.

Find a reputable plumber who has a plumber’s card approved by the local authorities

Ask the plumber for references and call them.

Negotiate paying an upfront deposit of 30 percent, a further 30 percent halfway through the project and the final 40 percent on completion, when you are satisfied everything works.

It is a good idea to add 10 percent to your total budget for unforeseen expenses.

Plumbing renovations mean water interruptions, so make arrangements beforehand.

Check with your plumber that he will be responsible for the removal of all rubble.

If the plumber tries to talk you out of a product you have chosen, chances are he doesn’t know how to install it. All reputable plumbing product manufacturers have technical support available; let the plumber use this opportunity as it should be a free service.

When choosing plumbing products, check that there are spares readily available.

Confirm with the retailer what the product’s warranty covers. Warranties normally don’t cover wear-and-tear parts such as seals, cartridges and so on.

To protect your plumbing appliances and geysers, ask your plumber to install an inline strainer/filter.

Don’t have any exposed copper pipes on the exterior of the building – they may be stolen.

Be aware that while products from different brands may be similar, they are not the same.

When buying a new lavatory choose a dual-flush option. It saves water.

Concealed cisterns can save you up to 200mm of space in the bathroom. Using wall-hung toilets creates an elegant and spacious feeling. They are also hygienic as you can clean underneath and around them

Floor-even showers are ideal options as they create the feeling of more space while giving you a different and stylish look, without a big expense.

Installing a hand shower in the bath or shower is useful.

Even if your renovation is a small project, involve an interior planner or architect to help you maximise the space and create the ambience you want. Tips of the week Following on from my puppy and sprinkler story of last week, I bumped into a reader who came up with interesting advice. Collect a bag of lion droppings from a lion park, mix with water and spread on the area to be protected from your pets. He swears it works.

I seldom venture into social media sites, but I noticed this on Facebook and the many positive replies is encouraging. It’s for a home-made tile grout cleaning mixture: Take 7 cups water, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup vinegar. Pour into a spray bottle and spray your floor, let it sit for a minute or two – and then scrub. Questions and answers Due to a lack of space, nothing this week, but there is plenty pending for next week.

Please keep your questions or comments coming to don@macalister.co.za or SMS only to 082 4463 859