When it comes to buying, building and maintaining a home, there are so many factors to consider. We asked some of our community’s leading experts to share their advice…
Jen Mckenzie – Interior designer and creative consultant at Abide Creative
Q: What is your specialisation?
A: I am a qualified interior designer with a passion for illustration. Through my business, I have merged these two loves: designing bespoke interiors and creating customisable wallpapers to assist in creating unforgettable spaces.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: At Abide Creative, we provide interior design and decorating services. We have you covered from the initial planning, through construction, to the fitout and decor styling of your space. We also offer consultations to assist you in making confident decisions in your interior.
Q: Please share your top tip related to your industry.
A: My design philosophy is that a successful interior needs to be visually interesting, full of fun and, above all, functional.
Details: www.abidecreative.co.za; [email protected]; IG: @abide_creative
Peter Barnard – Partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys
Q: What is your specialisation?
A: I primarily deal with engineering, construction and procurement-related law matters such as tenders and building and engineering contracts, including the associated issues; adjudications, arbitrations, proceeding to court and dealing with disputes and claims.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: Drafting contracts and dealing with contractual disputes in the built environment industry.
Q: Please share your top tip related to your industry.
A: The cost of preparing and understanding building contracts is much lower than the costs incurred at the end of a project when a dispute is unfolding. Grasping additional costs, claims for additional time, penalties, and risk is crucial for successful project completion by all parties.
Details: 031 536 8516; [email protected]
Alma Vorster – Founder and CEO at Bella Beton
Q: What is your specialisation?
A: As approved applicators of many cement and resin manufacturers, we specialise in decorative micro cement walls and floors. Our slogan is ‘inspiring spaces with screeds and plaster’ and this is what we pride ourselves on.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: Our core business is cement overlay systems, creating authentic coloured mottled floors.
We also do feature walls and whole rooms. Other services include epoxy, polyurethane or diamond grinded floors. We can assist with counters and we love fire pits!
Q: Please share your top tip related to your industry.
A: Use soap-free products and look after the sealers to prevent stains. Use carpet protectors under all furniture. Never ever use a high-pressure cleaner on any cement product! The best top tip is to make sure you get a qualified contractor to do your decorative cement work.
Details: www.bellabeton.co.za; 083 6540694; [email protected]; IG: @bellabetonsa
Pam Naidu – Director of marketing and sales at Devmco Realty
Q: What is your specialisation?
A: I am the director of marketing and sales for Devmco Realty, overseeing our strategic marketing initiatives and sales operations.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: We specialise in the city’s finest coastal, luxury, executive and upmarket real estate and offer residential sales, rentals, and off-plan development sales direct from the developer. We have the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions with the vast array of products and services.
Q: Please share your top tip related to your industry.
A: Being pre-approved for a mortgage gives you a significant advantage. It shows sellers that you are a serious buyer with financial backing. Before you start shopping, work with a lender to determine how much you can afford. A pre-approval letter can make your offers more appealing and streamline the buying process.
Details: www.devmcorealty.co.za; 087 550 1300; IG: @devmco_realty; FB: Devmco Realty
Michele Gorrie – Interior designer and project manager at MG Collective
Q: What is your specialisation?
A: MG Collective’s specialisation is a turn-key offering for homes and offices working with both interior and exterior spaces. Together with architects and building teams, we take away the stress for clients by assisting with project managing their preferred suppliers while working with our own.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: MG Collective offers all services relating to design in the home and office space from bathroom builds and renovations, kitchen transformations, bedroom and living space design, lighting, garden design, panelling and mirror options for walls and built-in design units.
Q: Please share your top tip related to your industry.
A: Incorporate things you have and love into your space. Statement pieces can take a home from simple to striking: pick pieces that can multitask and stick to a simple wood stain. Stay away from the trends – they come and go, so rather focus on what you love.
Details: [email protected]; IG: @mg_collective_; FB: MG Collective
