NPR

I always thought Builders go straight to hell. Now I understand why


I am a pensioner and decided to go smaller. After a lot of researching the local market I decided that buying a plot and build us cheaper then the market.
Bigger was my surprise going the owner builder route. Time isn't a problem at all.

Example Builders quote around R12,000 per square metre for material and labour. If the buy the material they milk you with front up advantages.


Owner builder you pay them after work has been done. Wet building (Fondation and wall structure) then roof and windows then finishing (plaster and tiling) , you pay the plummer and electrian.

Buying materials, getting quotes, organize delivery. Hold you money in your own hand.

You can save half of the R12,000 and pay R6,000 x 200 = R1,2 million.

Never to old to learn.

How much for the empty stand?

average joe wrote: Mon Nov 14, 2022 8:16 am How much for the empty stand?

The cheapest stand in Struisbaai is from R600,000.

Why wouldn't you hire an architect or project manager do it on your behalf?

assfly wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:40 am Why wouldn't you hire an architect or project manager do it on your behalf?

He's retired. Plenty of spare time to shout at labourers.

Sandstorm wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:05 am He's retired. Plenty of spare time to shout at labourers.

Sure, but who is going to minute the shouting, and do follow up shouting?

assfly wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:53 am

Sandstorm wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:05 am He's retired. Plenty of spare time to shout at labourers.

Sure, but who is going to minute the shouting, and do follow up shouting?

nah no shouting. What is the architect, project managers % fees nowadays?

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:34 am

assfly wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:53 am

Sandstorm wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:05 am He's retired. Plenty of spare time to shout at labourers.

Sure, but who is going to minute the shouting, and do follow up shouting?

nah no shouting. What is the architect, project managers % fees nowadays?

Still cheaper than paying Roos to ride the pine every week.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 6:35 am

average joe wrote: Mon Nov 14, 2022 8:16 am How much for the empty stand?

The cheapest stand in Struisbaai is from R600,000.

So, you're looking at 2bar? Easier to just look for an already built place in that region, no?

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:34 am What is the architect, project managers % fees nowadays?

I have no idea what the rates are like in SA. But out here it's about 3-5% for a decent firm that can do both.

assfly wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:50 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 11:34 am What is the architect, project managers % fees nowadays?

I have no idea what the rates are like in SA. But out here it's about 3-5% for a decent firm that can do both.

Think SA is higher then that.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 12:41 pm Think SA is higher then that.

Possibly. A good one could save you a lot of money.

assfly wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 12:43 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Nov 17, 2022 12:41 pm Think SA is higher then that.

Possibly. A good one could save you a lot of money.

That's exactly what I try to tell. 90% holiday houses in Struisbaai. Oom may start this here. I did project management for years.

Job not finished in December. Ending up far over my budget and on the edge of bankruptcy. Great trek from tomorrow. At least have a nice deck and a one room flat to rent out.

Sorry to hear that, Oom.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:20 pm Job not finished in December. Ending up far over my budget and on the edge of bankruptcy.

Did you hire a project manager?

assfly wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 5:41 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:20 pm Job not finished in December. Ending up far over my budget and on the edge of bankruptcy.

Did you hire a project manager?

It's myself.

I look forward to seeing you on Grand Designs.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 11:49 am

assfly wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 5:41 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:20 pm Job not finished in December. Ending up far over my budget and on the edge of bankruptcy.

Did you hire a project manager?

It's myself.

Sorry to say this. But if you're not a builder or involved in the building trade, you've only yourself to blame...Not going to rub anymore salt into the wound..

JM2K6 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:22 pm I look forward to seeing you on Grand Designs.

Hate that you posted that - I am now on my fourth episode today. Ex-Scots Guards Officer blowing £4m on a house in a graveyard, absolute top tier TV

Paddington Bear wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 9:41 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:22 pm I look forward to seeing you on Grand Designs.

Hate that you posted that - I am now on my fourth episode today. Ex-Scots Guards Officer blowing £4m on a house in a graveyard, absolute top tier TV

This Twitter bot likely disappearing thanks to the API changes is essentially a war crime by Musk

TB63 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:42 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 11:49 am

assfly wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 5:41 am

Did you hire a project manager?

It's myself.

Sorry to say this. But if you're not a builder or involved in the building trade, you've only yourself to blame...Not going to rub anymore salt into the wound..

Ja I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Myself like to budget but getting the right info from your contractors was my biggest mistake.
Firstly SS is very expensive for the foundation.

My plot was a bit skew. So I could fit in another room for my self catering flat at the bottom iso of a lot of filling.

I want it finish before builders closing in December, so had to rush costs to get it finished.

See it as an experience. Altho I went over the budget , if I put it in the market I can still make a good profit.

TB63 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:11 am

Just needs a good skim coat.

No safety equipment

I cant believe how you need architect plans for everything.
I just want to extend a 1.8m wall to 3.0m . Fit a few windows and French doors, ceiling and roof.....the plans show 1.8m.

Now if I just go ahead and decide to sell , I would probably need to knock it down.

TB63 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:11 am

Looks like the brickwork on the extension next door to me.

TB63 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:11 am

I like it. Obviously heavily influenced by Gaudi. Or booze.

inactionman wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 11:43 am

TB63 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:11 am

I like it. Obviously heavily influenced by Gaudi. Or booze.

Pretty poor by any stretcher the imagination.

Bloody puns...

Bet there's mortar come...

TB63 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:11 am

Looks lime Yanks braai.