Although the quintessential notion of off-grid living typically involves a simpler rural lifestyle, there are numerous methods to achieve greater self-sufficiency even within an urban setting. Although it might not be possible for everyone to be completely self-sustainable, there are multiple reasons to attempt to adopt this lifestyle as far as possible. To start, the environmental benefits that...
The increase in loadshedding stages for longer periods has caused many buyers to add ‘load-shedding friendly’ to their property wish list. Adrian Goslett says that upgrading some features in the home could minimise frustrations and add resale value to the property....
Unsurprisingly, weight loss, improved self-care, doing more exercise, and saving money are among the most common new year’s resolutions people make. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with any of those, how about including resolutions for your property? “Property is a significant investment and one that bears looking after and setting ‘goals’ for how you manage and look after that...
Adrian Goslett, says that going solar can lower the cost of running your home and also has the potential to increase the resale value of the property. “In South Africa, green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, especially as a result of the ongoing load shedding and the prevalence of droughts in our country,” he explains....
After months of house hunting, a multitude of legalities, and reams of paperwork, you’re finally ready to realise your dream and move into your very own home but, as it’s also one of the largest financial investments you’ll ever make, it’s important to start off on the right footing....
We survived masks and lockdown restrictions during the pandemic, only to be confronted by a new challenge: load shedding. With Eskom’s aging infrastructure and the slow pace of the transition to renewable energy alternatives, load shedding is likely to become more frequent in the foreseeable future, and it will continue to affect the way we work, live, and play....
You have found the perfect fixer-upper - imagining what a room could look like with a fresh coat of paint and some upgrades. For many home buyers, this is an enticing scenario, and the plethora of home renovation shows and social media posts has romanticized the process of turning an old home into the perfect space even more. The reality, however, is that if you walk into buying a fixer-upper blindly, it...
All materials have a lifespan and even the most well-built homes will eventually start to show their age, as a homeowner, you need to know what signs to look for so you can step to prevent these issues from becoming long-term problems....
Over the years, South Africans have become accustomed to coping with occasional Stage 1 or 2 loadshedding, and have therefore only made minor concessions but, with Stage 4 and 6 now regular occurrences, we need to plan accordingly to minimise the stress and disruption to our lives....
From 1 July, you will be paying upwards of 15% more for your electricity, as municipal tariff increases kick in. Yet energy experts have cautioned that, without urgent intervention from the government and others, we will see load shedding intensify with Stages 6, 8, and even 10 a likelihood. Understandably, homeowners are considering alternative ways to keep the lights on....