Well we bought a house and decided to renovate it. The cost of a new house is stupid money and the build quality of the new houses is shocking.

Why is it contractors in this country do not honour any deadlines. They get to it when they can. Even large plumbing compnaies are no different from the small guys.

DIY (if you have the experience)

This is kind of a general thing in SA. Service standards are atrocious. Nobody really gives a fuck anymore.

Well sadisticlobo... people do give a shit but when they do they go unheard! so basically this country is going to shit people don't or won't do their job or are to bloody lazy to get off their fat asses to sort some problems out... they all point fingers and another and no one is willing to take any initiative

P.S Silver6933 rather do what JuCa said DIY you'll save yourself tons of money and months of frustration from some incompentant fool who can't put together a bolt and nut.

Wehn I bought my house it took the first rains of the season to show up all the shoddy workmanship... 1 year and 200k later I have a beautiful home which value has increased.
If you are a first time buyer ask your parents and friends what to look for. Like drainage systems or quality of paint. If you can spot those flaws it usually means you can talk your way out of the retail price and into a discount.

It also depends on who you choose to work on your home. Obviosly some fat dude named Joe with torn jeans and chews gum is a bad choice full stop.
I'd rather the extra buck to make sure the job gets done right.

Ahh...The builder's stereotype. Don't forget builders bum now.

Luckily, my dad is an engineer, so all inspections are done by him, and he has friends everywhere that can do stuff I need it, fantastic knowing that my dad trusts them!

I agree with the entire do it yourself quote. That is if you can find the time.

And if you have the patience when you bang the hammer on your finger :ouch: