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| 11 Thursday, 31 October 2013 byINSIDE OUT

F r e e T h i s W e e k W i t h Y o u r

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10 Really Easy DIY Tips pg12

F r e e T h i s W e e k W i t h Y o u r

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Designing a Wet Room

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Thursday, 31 October 201312 | byINSIDE OUT

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops Searching for the perfect surface for doesn't have to

be difficult. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.

Welcome to Inside Out

We are delighted to present to you the very first edition of Inside Out, the coast’s only house and home publication. We aim to inspire our readers to turn their houses into homes that dazzle their friends and nurture their loved ones.

Therefore, Inside Out is more than just an average House and Home magazine. We will tell you everything there is to know about buying, owning and caring for a house, property or investment. We will go beyond ordinary décor tips and open your eyes to a world full of opportunities.

Part of those opportunities will be great discounts and specials by our loyal advertisers, so make sure to get your copy every month!

We thank our advertisers and loyal readers for your support in this initiative and hope that together, we will succeed in building loving homes and caring neighbourhoods.

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The Namib Independent Team

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Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.

Find a good fitHomeowners have to assess the way

they live before settling on a countertop surface - If you have three kids and your making peanut butter and jam sandwiches on the countertops every day, you might not want to go with that white granite.

Countertop choices The good news is, if homeowners have

their hearts set on a certain look but the material just doesn't match with their lifestyle, odds are there's another material that does.

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables,

including colour, finish and origin of the stone.

Obviously, granite that's relatively easy to get, should be affordable, however, if you choose a granite that has to be imported from Timbuktu, and only ships once a year, that can be pretty expensive.

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colours than natural stone countertops, are more durable and are a cinch to maintain. However, engineered stone won't save any money over granite: the two materials cost roughly the same.

Solid surface countertops have a lot of appeal. They come in countless colours, are seamless, resist stains and scratches can be buffed out. One word of caution, though: Hot pans can damage solid-surface countertops.

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customised with pigments, are gaining popularity. Concrete is available in several different finishes: trowel (smooth), ground (sanded to expose the sand aggregate) and pressed

(a tool is used to reveal marble-like veining). Extreme or abrupt changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp or curl, damp sponges left on the counter can cause discoloration and acidic spills may etch the surface. To keep a concrete countertop looking its best, it's advisable to seal them up to four times per year and wax with a paste every two to three months.

Wood countertops, like butcher block, instantly warm up a kitchen. They are easy to clean and any scratches can be sanded out. Water damages butcher block quite easily, though, so wood countertops must be oiled frequently to seal the surface.

Laminate is the most affordable countertop material on the market and comes in an array of colours and designs. Laminate can scorch if a hot pan touches the surface and has a reputation for scratching easily. However, the product has made strides in scratch-resistance in recent years.

On the edge Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges like radius, bull nose, bevel, egg and ogee - while a bit more expensive - are another way to customize a kitchen. Availability of edges varies based on countertop materials.

Mix and match Can't decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. But before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting a showroom or viewing samples in-home.

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Turn a T-Shirt into a Work-Out Tank top

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Designing a Wet Room - five things that you should considerWet room drainage When creating a wet room the shower area and surrounding floor are formed as one continuous surface.

Consequently a wet room drain will often be positioned lower than drains of shower tray or bath and for this reason the location of the shower waste and drain pipe should be carefully considered.

There must be adequate space below the wet room floor in order to achieve a fall of 1:40 on the drainage waste pipe and when constructing a wet room on top of a suspended floor the position of the floor joists must be considered so that they do not impact on the waste position.

Selecting the correct wet room kit and floor former There are many different types of wet-room formers (sometimes referred to as wet room shower trays) available on the market so it is important to select a former and wet room tanking kit suitable for your particular application.

The choice of wet room floor former will be dictated by the substrate, commonly solid concrete or suspended wooden joists, and the waterproof tanking membrane should be suitable for the floor and wall material, usually stone or lightweight stud construction.

Wet room shower screens and shower head position In a wet room the choice of shower

screen and shower head position should

be carefully considered.

If you are planning an open wet room

without a shower screen, or alternatively a small wet room where space may preclude the use of a screen, the wet floor former will need to be large enough to collect and channel the water to the wet room drain.Commonly a frameless glass wet room screen or shower enclosure is installed to contain the water within the wet area.

If a fixed walk-in shower screen is used, ensure that it is large enough to contain water deflected from the body when showering and that the shower head is either ceiling mounted and away from the open end of the screen or wall mounted adjacent to the shower screen. A walk-in shower screen should only be considered a water deflector and therefore some degree of moisture will escape into the outer wet room.

A full frameless shower enclosure can look stunning and will contain the moisture within the wet floor area. It is still advisable to position the shower head and drain away from the shower door if at all possible as this will help to clear the water and minimise transfer to the outer bathroom floor.

Wet room flooring It is possible to install a low maintenance vinyl floor in a wet room, although tiles are most commonly used for wet room flooring. Vinyl floors provide slip resistance and are easy to clean. However, they are often found in commercial applications and can look a little industrial, unless this is the look that you are after.

When selecting wet room floor tiles slip resistance is an important consideration;

a suitable tile should carry a high slip resistance.

Within the area of the wet room floor former the tiles have to be shaped to create the fall to the drain gully.

Mosaic tiles will generally be slightly easier to lay and provide a greater degree of slip resistance, however they require more grouting and maintenance. Larger format tiles with narrower grout lines will be easier to keep clean and allow water to drain more easily than mosaics.

If you are using a standard cement based grout ensure that it is flexible, suitable for wet rooms and of high quality.Do not be tempted to cut costs here.

However, it should be noted that cement based grout is NOT waterproof and should only be considered water resistant. For a completely water proof solution, an epoxy based grout should be used.

Professional installation is recom-mended as epoxy based grout is hard to apply, making a high quality finish difficult to achieve.

Maintaining your wet roomDrying the wet room floor with a

squeegee after showering will prevent water soaking into cement based grouts, which can cause it to degrade and crack.

In hard water areas, calcium deposits can form on cement grouts and this can be difficult to clean.

On a final note, natural stone wet room floors should be cleaned and sealed regularly to maintain their condition and prevent saturation.

A wet room will turn any bath or shower room into a luxurious and practical space. If you are planning your own wet room project, there are some important factors that should be considered. Here is Inside Out’s guide to five important wet room planning considerations.

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Harsh weather conditions at the coast are a well-known problem for all outside appliances, especially air conditioners.

A unique, innovative design by John Kotze from Technicool, however, offers an easy solution to the challenge as it manifests itself in the air conditioning sector.

Since its inception in May 2003, Technicool has become a major contributor to the coastal refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

Working mainly with air conditioners, Technicool thought it imperative to protect these investments from harsh climatic conditions.

In the past, wooden covers were often used to provide some means of protection. However, they were expensive, required high maintenance, and did not successfully keep moisture, dust and mica away.

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Designing a Wet Room - five things that you should consider

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These covers were manufactured from durable ripstop canvas and included a high-density net for airflow in necessary areas.

The “Technicover” formed an exclusive add-on service for Technicool’s customers, but other companies soon followed suit. Thus John decided to apply for exclusive patent rights.

Technicover has since then been registered with the Namibian Patent Authority and is the cheapest, most convenient way to protect airconditioning units by repelling moisture, salt and mica.

Custom designs provide a snugly fit and are functional at the same time, for they do not need to be removed when the unit is in use.

According to John, Techicool has acquired an industrial sewing machine, bulk canvas and netting as well as trained staff to manufacture “Technicovers.” This allows them to provide excellent service to their customers, tailor-made to their specific wishes.

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ChandeliersThe most classic of all living room lighting fixtures is

the chandelier. Generally positioned in the centre of the room directly over the main seating area, these elaborate lighting fixtures are at once the room's main source of illumination and, at the same time, works of art.

Their sculptural shapes fill the void between the ceiling and the living space, and their twinkling, often candle-

Living Room Lighting Ideas

Whether it's for reading or relaxing, the right lighting helps us do all our living better. Add instant style and function to your living spaces with these ideas for accent lighting, chandeliers, sconces, and more.

shape bulbs provide a multipoint illumination that softens shadows and makes the room's highlights sparkle.

Dimmer switches in the chandelier's lighting circuit allow varying light levels.

SconcesSconces are lighting fixtures that attach to the wall

rather than the ceiling. They might be equipped with shades or with glass diffusers to soften their light, as they're often installed at or near eye level.

In living rooms, sconces are often installed in pairs, typically over the mantlepiece or on both sides of the fireplace.

There they help define the room's focal point, and provide accent lighting that complements firelight

when a low light level is appropriate, such as hosting after-dinner gatherings.

Decorative SconcesNot all light fixtures are designed primarily for

illumination. Some chandelier-style sconces, for example, are

accent lighting primarily designed to add shape, texture, and contrast to walls. Most sconces are symmetrically placed, flanking a focal point such as a fireplace or large mirror.

Recessed LightingFor lots of light from an unobtrusive source it's hard

to beat recessed lighting. With illumination provided by halogen, incandescent, or compact fluorescent


bulbs, recessed can lights allow you to position a focused, downward-facing beam exactly where you need it. You can also overlap beams for overall lighting from a virtually invisible source. Dimmers and separate switches for various light banks allow you to change the character and emphasis of a room's illumination.

Floor LampsFloor lamps come in many styles; are portable, allowing

for flexibility in use; and cast light up, down, and out simultaneously, producing an even light that minimizes harsh shadows.

Floor lamps create interest at eye level, and their availability in many materials and designs means they fit any style of decor.

Fan LightsNot to be confused with "fanlights" - fan-shape windows,

typically located above the entry doors on many houses - fan lights refer to lighting fixtures attached to ceiling fans.

These latter-day fan lights come in many varieties. They include multiple lamps on three or more arms extending from the bottom of the fan, or even contemporary-style mini spotlights that can be selectively aimed similar to track lighting.

Tip: Special bulbs rated for fan light use are recommended, as these are resistant to the vibration caused by the fan -- something that can cause regular bulbs to fail prematurely.

Living Room SkylightsSkylights are a dramatic way to bring daylight into a

living room, and they are especially effective at adding sunshine to areas that window light can't reach. Because they face upward, skylights bring in a great deal of light

for their size.Consider a tubular skylight to bring light into a room in

an area without much ceiling space. These fixtures pipe daylight in from a collector on the roof to a diffuser in the room's ceiling, without the expense of building a finished skylight well.

Track LightingVersatile track lighting has many virtues: It can act as a

downright, a flood light, a spotlight, and an accent light. Fitted with enough light fixtures, a track lighting system can also serve as a room's overall illumination system.

Track lighting is flexible, allowing you to change the location and direction of the individual fixtures to suit any room arrangement.

The tracks themselves offer at least two decorating options: Paint them to match the ceiling, and they practically disappear, paint them in a contrasting colour to function as decorative trim work, forming a border around the ceiling.

Windows for Natural LightIn many ways, the oldest lighting fixture - the window

- is still the best. A window brings lots of broad-spectrum daylight into a room.

A window's shape, trim work, mountings, and mouldings add interest to the wall, and offer a view that makes the room seem as big as the outdoors. South-facing windows offer passive solar heat gains that can keep a living warm and welcoming in cold climes.

If you're considering replacement windows, think big: Group a variety of window styles to add architectural interest to a room while allowing plenty of wall space on which to hang artwork.

(Source: Better Homes)

Living Room Lighting Ideas

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How To Paint A Garage Floor

Painting your garage floor with epoxy paint will

help keep it free of stains and deterioration,

and give your garage floor a tough finish for a

showroom look.

Step 1Make Sure the Work Area is well Ventilated

The garage in the "before" image has cracks in the floor as well as stains and deterioration showing.

This project requires epoxy paint, a tough finish that will hold up longer to wear and resist cracking and peeling. The garage floor will be easier to maintain.

Since this project will involve paints and cleaners that may produce harmful fumes, make sure that your work area is well ventilated. Wear eye protection and protective gloves to protect your eyes and hands against caustic chemicals.

Step 2Clean the Concrete Floor

Before you begin painting, sweep and clean the floor thoroughly. Then, to remove stains, use a 3-to-1 water-to-bleach mixture or a commercially prepared concrete or driveway cleaner.

Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection. Spray the cleaner on the stains, allow it to soak in for a few minutes, and then scrub the stain using a stiff-bristle brush.

After you've scrubbed the floor, rinse the entire area well with clean water -- starting at the back of the garage and moving forward. For tough stains, you may want to use a pressure washer to clean the concrete quickly and thoroughly. Pressure washers are available at most rental centres.

Step 3Repair the Cracks

Once the floor is clean and dry, repair any cracks in the concrete using concrete/mortar-repair compound for smaller cracks or concrete patch for larger ones.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure that the cracks are very clean and dry before applying the compound.

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Step 4Etch the Surface

Next, you may need to etch the surface of the concrete -- a process that opens the pores of the concrete surface so that the paint can be absorbed better.

To check whether your floor needs to be etched, sprinkle a small amount of water on the floor. If it is absorbed into the concrete quickly, the floor probably doesn't need etching. If the water does not absorb quickly, apply a commercial concrete etcher following the manufacturer's instructions.

A "fizzing" as the etcher is applied indicates that it's working.

After etching, allow the floor to dry thoroughly (at least overnight) before you begin painting. Fans will help speed the drying process. The properly prepared surface will have a texture roughly similar to medium-grit sandpaper.

Step 5Apply the Primer

Before applying paint, apply a primer coat using a long-handled paint roller.

A good primer coat is the key to a long-lasting paint job. Allow the primer to dry for at least 8 hours before applying the paint top-coat.

Step 6: Apply the First Coat of Paint

There are many types of paint and primer products available for this type of job.

Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the ones you select.

Make sure that the paint is well mixed and apply a thin even first coat.

Allow the first coat to dry for about 24 hours before deciding whether you want to apply a second coat.

Important: To apply the paint, be sure to use nylon brushes and lint-free, all-purpose, solvent- and water-resistant roller covers.

Avoid applying more than two coats. Wait about 24 hours before walking on the newly painted surface, and wait about a week before driving on it.

You'll likely need to do touch-up work on the heavy-traffic areas of the floor every year or so.

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