by Craig Jarvis | Jan 24, 2023 | BUCO, St Francis
Knowing how to select the right type of paint for your outdoor project can be the difference between walls that need regular maintenance, or a perfect looking exterior that can weather the elements and last a long time.
In this article, we’re going to help you brush up on your outdoor paint knowledge so you can get the product your project requires and land up with the final coat that you desire. Let’s look at the following topics concerning outdoor paint:
- What to consider when selecting your exterior paint.
- How to colour manage for an outdoor paint project.
- The 3 main steps to a successful outdoor paint selection.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING AN EXTERIOR PAINT
Lighter colours will generally make your house appear larger, and will also affect it more during different light conditions. Using a darker shade can make your house blend into the property and will make it look smaller.
Remember that your street value is relevant to the rest of your neighbourhood. In one neighbourhood your choice of colour scheme could make your house stick out like a sore thumb, in others your choice of colour could make you feel right at home.
Some of the standard options in exterior wall finishes include matt, eggshell, granular, suedette and even sandstone.
The natural elements and moisture levels your exterior walls will be exposed to will play a big role in deciding what qualities you need in your paint. Some products include ingredients such as quartz and mica, which gives the paint incredible strength and durability, as well as creating a weatherproof barrier over your walls.
- Will it be easy to keep clean? – Some exterior acrylic PVA paints include fungicide which makes it particularly stain, damp and dirt-resistant.
- How long should it last? – Most reputable exterior paint brands come with a guarantee, but your exterior walls will need periodic maintenance and touch-ups over the years. However most exterior paint products guarantee a long lasting weatherproof value of over 10 years.
The below article will give you more info and tips on how often you should repaint your home – to read click HERE.
- Don’t forget the exterior trimmings – These elements of the home’s exterior are often overlooked, but they require an equal amount of protection from the elements. If the trimmings are wood or metal, they will require special exterior paint suited to that surface, to ensure maximum value over time.
PROTIP: Exterior paints that contain a primer will require fewer coats, which means you use less paint, saving time and money.
HOW TO COLOUR MANAGE FOR AN OUTDOOR PROJECT
- First, choose your shade – Do you want a light, mid-tone, or dark home? This is a good starting point to help you decide on what kind of paint to buy.
- Then, the correct aesthetic and combination of colours
The perfect exterior colour scheme for a house consists of three things: A field colour that dominates the look, an accent colour that brings doors and windows to life, and the colour of the trimmings and fascia.
If your roof is black or neutral grey, then you won’t have a problem with colours. But if your roof is dark brown or green, then you have to be more selective with your exterior wall colours to avoid clashing. This is even more true roofs with for red, tan or blue grey undertones.
- Trim dark with contrasts – If your main colour is generally lighter shades of colour, then you can make the trimmings and fascia a darker colour to better accentuate the architectural facets of the home. This has the same effect for a home that generally has a darker exterior colour scheme, that is trimmed with a lighter colour.
Just like in interior paint projects, the paint colour can differ vastly between how it looks on the swatch and how it looks on the wall. It is a good idea to collect as many colour swatches as you can, but at some point choose an inconspicuous area of you house exterior, and test a few colours directly on the wall. That way you can see how the colour will look during different times of the day, and from further away.
- Less is more– Your exterior colour scheme should contain a maximum of three different colours or shades, to avoid it looking like a haphazard job.
THE 3 MAIN STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL OUTDOOR PAINT SELECTION:
- Factor in light:
Sunlight and UV exposure eventually fades most lighter colours a certain shade of cool blue. This means that to enhance and keep the original colour you intend for the exterior of your home, you will need to go a few shades ‘warmer’ than originally intended.
- Plan around the visual elements that will be the hardest to change
Unless you are planning to do a major renovation, some elements of your home’s exterior will remain in place, such as fascia, roof tiles, shingles, pathways and driveways. All of these extra elements will contribute to the outcome of the colour you choose for the exterior walls of the house. Look for an undertone of colour between these elements, and this might help inform your palette choice.
- Consider the visual effect you want in the end
Where does your home sit in relation to the street? Is it at the front of the property or in the middle? Is it open or surrounded by trees? If your home seems hidden or dark from a lot of surrounding elements, considering a lighter shade might make it stand out more.
Never attempt an exterior paint job during bad weather. If you apply the paint during a particularly sunny day, it will dry quicker and more evenly. Always use sunblock during exterior paint jobs.
Luckily, BUCO has a wide range of exterior paints available in-store & online, as well as expert assistance in-store, for all your outdoor paint project related queries. Visit us today to get your perfect exterior paint project under way.
SHOP a wide selection of paint products in our online store by clicking HERE.
For a full guide on SELECTING THE RIGHT KIND OF PAINT, read our article HERE.
For a full guide on INTERIOR PAINT, read our article HERE.
by admin | Jan 17, 2023 | BUCO, St Francis
Nothing saves money and brings instant personal character to your home quicker than a stylish craft or décor project, and it’s no secret that the best way to save tons on your monthly budget is to do as much DIY around the house as you can. To help you get those DIY jobs done quickly and efficiently, we’ve compiled a list of essential DIY tools for home décor projects. There are our Top 5 DIY Home Tools.
What tools should you have at home?
Sometimes the challenge of a project is lessened by as much as 80% by simply using the correct equipment and good quality tools. That’s why we’re going to show you how to assemble a toolbox worthy of a professional DIY enthusiast!
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TOP 5 DIY HOME TOOLS:
1) Hammer
The basic claw hammer is the most well-used tool in any toolbox. It’s best to avoid wooden handles and opt for a metal or fibreglass hammer instead. If you’re going to break through concrete, stone or tile, it is advisable to invest in a rubber mallet and chisel as well.
2) Screwdriver
The most basic addition to your toolbox will be one standard size Phillips head screwdriver and one Flathead screwdriver. Build onto this by adding smaller sizes and, if you’re going to be creating furniture for larger construction projects, one larger set. If you don’t use your screwdrivers, often there are also many interchangeable sets that carry a lot of different sized heads that all fit onto a single handle. If you tend to work in tight spaces where keeping a screw’s head steady isn’t always possible by hand, consider opting for magnetic tipped screwdrivers.
3) Pliers
A good set of pliers can be the most indispensable part of any toolbox. It is often better to opt for better quality tools and invest in single items instead. That way, you can focus your budget on spending only on top-notch tools that will last longer. That said, a lot of quality plier sets are available. Whether it’s needlenose pliers to get wiring and fine grip work done, or wire-cutting pliers, or locking pliers for gripping onto rusted nails or screws, a quality rubber grip and tough steel jaws are essential.
4) Wrenches
There are several different types of wrenches, and each serves a distinctly unique purpose. It’s a good idea to start with an adjustable wrench and an Allen key wrench. But you could also get an open-end wrench, combination wrench or socket wrench.
5) Measuring tape
A good quality measuring tape with a rust resistant coating, manual lock mechanism and easy retract action is a must for any DIYer.
ENTRY LEVEL TOOLBOX
This toolbox serves as the starting point for anyone who needs all the most essential go-to tools on-hand. Just starting out with DIY or craft? Then this is the toolbox you need!
Let’s build together, with the right tools.
Buco St Francis Bay
Fish Eagle Park, Tarragona Avenue, St Francis Bay
Humansdorp Eastern Cape. Tel: 042 294 0088
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Previous column: How To Protect Yourself From Loadshedding
by SFT | Jan 10, 2023 | BUCO, St Francis
South Africa is currently experiencing load shedding. While load shedding can be a major inconvenience, there are ways to protect your appliances, your property, and yourself. Read our blog for more tips on how to minimize the effects of load shedding on your life. Stay safe and stay informed!
Appliances such as TVs, microwaves, computers, printers, routers, gate motors, and electric garages often fall victim to the surges that occur during load shedding. You can do your best to plan around the national load shedding schedule, but as we all know (too well) that changes in a heartbeat.
The cost of replacing these sensitive pieces of equipment can run into the thousands, and quite often technicalities in your insurance policy may lead to a non-payment from your broker.
We’re here not only to supply you with great quality load shedding appliances and must-haves to keep you safe (and sane) during load shedding, but we also aim to keep you informed on how best to stay safe at home.
Which appliances are affected by load-shedding?
The most common electric appliances that are affected when the lights go off include;
- Electric geyser
- Gas systems that require electricity to ignite the flame
- Electric appliances
- Electric lights
- TV’s & Hi-fi’s
- Pool pumps
- Electrically motorised security gates
- Electric fences
- Air conditioning
- Electric alarm clocks
- Electric water pumps
Which appliances are not affected by load-shedding?
These appliances do not rely on the national electricity grid to operate;
- Security systems with backup batteries
- Electronic devices connected to a UPS
- Telephones that don’t require electricity to function
- Cell phones, tablets & laptops
- Battery-operated toys & appliances
What to do before the power goes off?
There is nothing worse than being caught off-guard by load shedding. It can be an issue for your plans, your comfort, and your safety. There are some steps you can take to ensure that you get the best load shedding protection possible;
Alternative power
- Consider installing or investing in a reserve power source. Reserve batteries can keep you running for up to 8 hours and can serve your most essential appliances from your security system to gate motors and lights.
- Invest in an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) or inverter which can keep your essential electronics, like your computer, internet router and alarm on the go during load shedding. It also protects these appliances from sudden surges so you can shut them down safely without losing work or damaging your system.
- Consider investing in a load shedding generator if you have a large power need for example if you run a business from home. Generators for load shedding work very efficiently and there are many different brands and sizes to choose from.
Conserve energy
- Install or retrofit your home and office with energy-efficient fittings and globes. Eco-friendly lighting has the added benefit of being both green energy and a money saver.
- If you have an in-home air conditioning system, consider adjusting it to 23 degrees Celsius and lower. Higher temperatures run the risk of also running up the power output on the grid. Replace outdoor lights with solar-powered motion sensor lights. This ensures both an alert system for when there’s movement outside plus saves you on running lights constantly.
Check the essentials
- Put torches at entry points or central points in your home, so you can easily find them when the lights go out.
- Test your alarm system regularly. The battery pack that supports the alarm system can wear out over time. A lot of insurance companies require you to do these checks in order to comply in the event of a claim.
- Be sure of your insurance claim details. Read the fine print and know all the ins and outs of your policy. Should you need anything covered that is not currently covered, speak to your insurance broker about alternative or added options. Know what you are covered for.
- Be prepared. Charge all your battery-operated appliances fully before the load shedding starts. Create a charging schedule so you can stay switched on when the time comes.
- Ensure that you have emergency cash, contact details, or any other essentials handy. Write down essential numbers in case your phone battery dies.
Concerning food
- Keep your frozen foods colder by keeping a bottle of water in the freezer next to them. The bottle will freeze up and keep your food from spoiling during extended periods without power.
- Ensure that you have a serviced extinguisher close to your kitchen and braai areas, just in case.
What to do when the power goes off?
If you are well prepared your household won’t have to be at the mercy of the load-shedding schedule. You can lengthen your period of power and save your appliances by resorting to some of these simple measures:
Unplug
- Unplug all your sensitive electrical equipment such as TVs, media players & fridges. This way they won’t receive a surge when the power comes back on.
- Not at home for a while? Switch off and unplug all non-essential household appliances, so they don’t get damaged by load shedding or power surges while you are away.
Candles
- Ensure that you always use a sturdy candle holder and that you keep candles away from flammable materials such as couches, curtains, and carpets. Always extinguish the candle as soon as the power comes back on. Candles are one of the main causes of serious house fires every year, alongside faulty outlets.
Security
- For your safety, learn how to operate your electronic gate manually so that you can safely enter your premises and lock the gate behind you with a padlocked chain.
- Some electronic gates can malfunction and open automatically when the power goes out. Be aware of this and always check your gate.
Food
- Keeping your fridge and freezer doors closed for as long as possible prevents any coldness from escaping. Try and retrieve items from the fridge as quickly as possible, especially if you’re planning for a long time without power.
What to do when the power comes back on?
The challenge does not end when the national grid is switched back on – in fact, this is when most occurrences of shortages and fires start, and when most expensive electronic items are damaged by power surges.
- Keep one light on so you can see when the power comes back on.
- To help the grid, try and put off switching on your lights and appliances for a while until after the peak periods.
BUCO keeps you switched on during load-shedding. Luckily, when it comes to expert advice and a full house of all the essentials you need to keep you on the go during load shedding, we are there for you.
Contact Us online today or visit a store near you.
About Power Surges
When the power comes back on after load-shedding, plugged-in appliances get a surge of current from the national grid. Sensitive equipment is most affected by this microsecond of surge that occurs when the electricity is switched on at the power station. If they are not protected against the extra load of surge coming in through your outlets, appliances can shut down, get damaged, or even combust.
- You can buy surge protection devices for DB boards. All Distribution Boards should have a standard surge protector device installed, to be compliant with all national home electrical standards. Class 1 surge protection devices are recommended, as they can also protect against lightning strikes.
- Invest in surge-protected plugs for all your sensitive devices. These plugs can divert the extra energy from the surge and protect your items, but they also need to be replaced over time.
General Safety Tips:
Conserve Energy
- Set your pool pump to run for a maximum of 4 hours a day. Make sure it is set to not run during the peak times of 5 – 9 PM.
- Do not run your pool pump and geyser at the same time. This can cause extreme amounts of power consumption at once and contribute to many problems from a short on your own system to a shutdown of the local power station.
- Switch off what you don’t need. This not only saves your appliances it also saves you money in power consumption.
Fire prevention
- Never place a generator in an enclosed space without ventilation. The emissions could cause severe breathing problems and the heat from the generator could spark a faulty connection and possibly cause a house fire. In a case such as this, most insurance companies will not pay out and chalk it up to ‘negligence’.
- Always switch the stove off at the wall, to ensure there is no charge coming through the outlet when the power surges back on.
- Always keep your gas-powered appliances and gas cylinders away from flammable materials and electrical outlets.
by admin | Dec 27, 2022 | BUCO, St Francis
Nothing can spoil your dinner plans quicker than load-shedding. However, if you’re prepared for cooking without electricity, then a power outage won’t put your dinner on pause.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to get your dinner going when the power is out.
Gas Cooking Essentials:
There’s no better way to grill, cook, boil, fry, simmer or stew than when cooking on a gas stove. When used with proper care, gas can be a handy, quick alternative to the extended task of starting a manual fire on the braai. With so many cooker options available, there’s no excuse to go with uncooked food during load-shedding – if you have all these gas cooking essentials:
- COOKER TOP ATTACHMENT
This simply attachment can be connected directly to the gas cylinder to provide you with an instant stove-like surface for cooking. This item is used for cooking single-pot meals, boiling water & “Skottel”-braaing.
- SINGLE BURNER TABLE
A basic attachment that provides your gas cylinder with a cooker attachment for pots & pans. This item is used for cooking smaller meals, or as a cheaper alternative to using an electric stove.
- 2 BURNER GAS STOVE
A more aesthetically-pleasing attachment that replaces the conventional stovetop with 2 gas burners, each with their own regulation dial. It is connected via a hose to the gas cylinder. This item is used for cooking larger meals & is an affordable alternative to using an electric stove.
- GAS CARTRIDGE STOVE
This portable stove is powered by a gas cartridge and provides a single top for cooking. This item is perfect for camping and cooking smaller meals or boiling water.
SAFETY FIRST
Always store your gas cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area. Ensure it is properly sealed and free from flammable materials or heavy piercing objects. Regularly check your cylinders for leaks, especially before and after use.
Braai Essentials:
It’s no secret that Southern Africans don’t need an excuse to braai, but what better excuse is there than load-shedding? Here is a list of all the essentials you need to get the grill going:
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MATCHES / LONG NECK LIGHTER
Matches can simply be struck and dropped into the fire without burning your hands, arms or face. Long-necked lighters allow you to ignite the fire while keeping your hands safely out of reach.
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FIRELIGHTERS
Everyone has their own braai style – love them or hate them, firelighters provide an easy start to any well-built fire.
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CHARCOAL & BRAAI WOOD
Wooden logs provide a longer burning time but need more heat to start burning, that’s why it is a good idea to combine twigs and charcoal when packing your fire.
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BRAAI TONGS
Braai tongs are an easy way to turn all kinds of loose pieces of food so they get cooked evenly on the fire. Braai grids assist in turning larger selections of meat all in one go.
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CAST IRON POTS & PANS
From cooking stews to searing meat, cooking on cast iron over a fire gives your food a uniquely delicious taste.
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GRID ACCESSORIES
There is a whole range of specialist cooking attachments available for your braai, which can introduce new methods of cooking, from rotisserie motors, smokers & griddles to rib stands & more.
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GRID BRUSH
It is essential to keep your braai grid clean & grease-free. This is not only for the health of your food but also for the health of your fire.
Any leftover grease on the grid can drip or fall into the fire and douse the flames or create unnecessary smoke. Using a grid brush, along with boiling water in a designated cleaning area can help keep your braai grid in good condition for longer.
BRAAIS IN EVERY SIZE
BUCO stocks a wide range of braais that will suit your every need. From the smallest kettle braai to the largest gas cooker – your braai needs are sorted.
STORAGE & CARE:
- USE A GRID BRUSH
It is essential to keep your braai grid clean & grease-free. This is not only for the health of your food but also for the health of your fire.
Any leftover grease on the grid can drip or fall into the fire and douse the flames or create unnecessary smoke. Using a grid brush, along with boiling water in a designated cleaning area can help keep your braai grid in good condition for longer.
- COVER YOUR BRAAI
If your braai area is uncovered, it is essential to get a cover for your braai so it does not get damaged and weathered over time. Many braais are sold along with their covers. If not, the covers can be bought separately.
SHOP BRAAIS & ACCESSORIES HERE
SAFETY FIRST
Always monitor your braai’s embers after the braaing is done. Never dispose of hot ash or coals into a dustbin bag. Douse your fire when done braaing if needed.
No braai or gas stove handy? Try building a mini rocket stove! This simple device can be made from basic materials and tools, plus it has the added benefit of burning away completely when done and it also uses organic materials.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
-
- Pine Par (16cm x 22cm x 22cm)
- Power drill
- 22mm spade drill bit
- Lighter/matches
- 2 x smaller blocks of wood
HOW TO MAKE THE MINI ROCKET STOVE:
- Drill a hole vertically, down the middle of the pine, up to about 2cm from the bottom.
- Turn the pine on its side, then drill a hole about 4cm from the bottom to meet up with the vertical hole, so there is an L-shaped hole in the block of pine. Your rocket stove is now ready.
- Collect the wood shavings and some twigs. Pile the wood shavings at the bottom inside the rocket stove. Stack the twigs vertically down the hole at the top of the pine block. Don’t stack the hole too tightly, otherwise, it will not burn properly.
- Light your shavings & the twigs and ensure the bottom hole is pointing towards a steady airflow, so that oxygen can keep moving through and keep the flame ignited.
- Use 2 smaller blocks of wood as struts at the top of the hole once your fire is going. This is where you will balance your pot, so that it does not douse the flame by cutting off the oxygen supply.
- A full medium pot of water will take approximately 35 minutes to boil on this simple little stove.
- Once it has done burning, get rid of any hot ashes safely and use the leftover wood on your next fire.
Visit BUCO St Francis Bay or shop online to get all the tools and products you need to keep cooking during load-shedding or on your next camping trip.
by admin | Dec 27, 2022 | BUCO, St Francis
Ensuring that your tools are in good condition is an investment you’ll never regret. While cleaning your tools can be a tiresome process, keeping them stain free and well-maintained can be a rewarding experience as your tools will last longer.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO CORRECTLY MAINTAIN AND STORE YOUR TOOLS:
HAND TOOLS
- Soak your tools in hot, soapy water and wipe them completely dry with a cloth.
- You can also use a wire brush to clean off dirty surfaces and leave the tools to dry. If stored wet, or in a moist environment, they stand a greater chance of developing rust.
- Ensure that any dirt or grease is removed and store your tools in a clean toolbox.
POWER TOOLS
- Always double check that your tool is unplugged prior to cleaning.
- Wipe your tools and materials clean with a cloth after every job, and store them in a clean toolbox.
- Don’t use a wet cloth, rather use a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Reach hard-to-clean areas with lightly oiled cotton swabs or other slender tools.
- Using an air compressor to blow air out of vents and crevices is the best way to remove dirt and dust from inside tools.
GARDEN TOOLS
- Wash or use a wet cloth to wipe off dust and grease, or soak your tools in soapy water as it will effectively clean the tools.
- Dry them to prevent moisture buildup which can lead to tools rusting.
- Wipe or spray tools with oil to prevent drying and cracking and then store them in a clean toolbox or shed.
We care about the way your tools are maintained. If your tools are beyond repair, visit any BUCO store nationwide. Find your nearest store.
Whether it’s your lawnmower or your screwdrivers, keeping your all tools in tip-top shape will ensure they last for a long time and give you their best effort. Whether you’re keen to keep the tools in your toolbox sharp or wanting to know the best way to carry out equipment maintenance on your bigger tools, we’ve got the best advice for you.
Here are our tips for maintaining tools at home, courtesy of the BUCO DIY-team
Tool Storage
Why should I maintain my tools?
There are a couple of really good reasons for keeping up with your tool maintenance.
- Tools and equipment will last longer when they are well-maintained
- Tools will remain sharper and more useful if kept in check
- You won’t lose or misplace tools if they are correctly stored
How do you prepare and maintain the good condition of your tools?
We’ve put together a few tips on the different kinds of tool maintenance.
TOOL MAINTENANCE AND TOOL STORAGE
When it comes to building tools and DIY tools like screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, and more make sure you clean them well after every use. It’s even a good idea to give them a quick wipe with regular motor oil to prevent rust from setting in.
In terms of storage, we think the best way to store tools is on an organised, hanging space. Create your very own Tool Wall using plasterboard with hooks or even a pegboard. This way you can display all your tools in the open and it will be easy to find the tool you want when you want it. It also prevents clutter on surfaces and in toolboxes. For smaller items like nuts, bolts, and screws, store them in boxes or bags for ease of use.
MAINTAINING HOME EQUIPMENT
Just like a car, larger pieces of equipment like lawnmowers, weed eaters, pressure washers, and even generators need to be maintained regularly in order to make sure they’re in good working order. Oil needs to be changed, nuts and bolts checked and a variety of other parts need to be replaced and checked too. Send your bigger pieces of machinery in for regular services to keep them in great working nick for a long time.
How to store your tools at home?
Storing your tools at home when you don’t have a lot of space can be tricky. If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, clean out a specific area that can be used specifically for your tools and their storage. By having a place for everything, you’ll be able to store your tools in a much more functional way ensuring they don’t just hang around everywhere and create clutter.
Larger items should be kept indoors, either in a garage or garden shed. Leaving equipment outside in the elements can result in them getting damaged and broken.
Planning on tidying up your garage or in need of some new tools, shop at BUCO today. Find your nearest store now or log on to BUCO online for easy, convenient online shopping.
Happy DIY-ing, from the BUCO Team.
by admin | Dec 20, 2022 | BUCO, St Francis
The importance of contingency planning
For the first-time DIYer and the experienced renovator alike, budgeting for a renovation project can be a daunting task. Impulsive decisions taken on a whim will quickly add to unplanned expenses, turning your dream home renovation into bloated beast of burden. The rule of thumb is that, no matter what, there should always be room to accommodate hidden and unexpected costs. Setting up a contingency budget is not just a good idea – it is absolutely essential.
A contingency budget is a budget that covers unexpected expenses such as unforeseen increases in costs and labour. Should problems arise, not having a contingency plan in place could delay the whole project or even prevent work from being completed.
In this article we’ll give you the basic outline of the contingency planning process and what it should contain.
Start by asking “What can go wrong?”
Be prepared by considering all the risk areas and unmeasurable aspects of your renovation project and ensure that you have a back-up plan in place. A prudent approach will prove profitable in the long run, so when drawing up your contingency plan, try to undertake the following:
- Contractors & Subcontractors – It’s a good idea to have a backup list of subcontractors ready – just in case one backs out at the last moment, or is not working out. Communication is key between you and the contractor especially prior to the project, this will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and outcomes.
- Hidden obstacles – Consult your home’s building plans and do a property inspection with a professional builder before you start budgeting. There may be some underlying issues within the walls, plumbing, ceiling or foundation that will require extra planning and materials to avoid disaster.
- Materials – Ensure that your contractor and subcontractors provide you with a complete breakdown list of all materials needs for every aspect of the project. If you need help projecting material costs, visit our instore Contractor’s Counter to speak to one of our specialists.
TIPS & INSIDER INFO:
Know the lingo and process:
There are 3 different ways to request pricing, to ensure the correct relationship is established between you & the contractor/subcontractor.
- RFQ (Request For Qualifications) – Simply requesting paperwork concerning qualifications or a portfolio of completed projects.
- RFP (Request For Proposal) – This is the next step and concerns requests about pricing, etc.
- Hard Bid – This is when all bid documents are complete and a lump sum is decided on.
IMPORTANT: Waiting for paperwork can be frustrating, especially when you’re running over schedule. It’s a good idea to factor in at least 6 weeks extra into your renovation schedule, to make room for resource and building consents.
HOW TO CALCULATE CONTINGENCY COST – THE 10% RULE
Calculating contingency is not an exact failproof science, however as a rule of thumb, most construction projects use a construction contingency percentage rate of between 5% and 10% of the total budget. It is always better to have a bigger margin – as mentioned before, not having a contingency plan in place could prevent work from being completed and delay the whole project.
Whether your renovation project is colossal or conservative, it’s always best to put a contingency plan in place. Luckily at BUCO, our cost estimation experts can assist you in the process of setting up a renovation budget, with all the contingencies in place.
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