Are you planning to embark on a construction or renovation project in South Africa?
If so, here’s a crucial piece of advice: make sure you choose a qualified and registered builder.
Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is also the key to ensuring that your building is constructed to the highest standards and complies with the National Building Regulations (NBR).
We will delve into the significance of using a qualified and registered builder, exploring the legal obligations, the assurance of quality, the establishment of trust with clients and investors, and the protection it provides for homeowners.
So, let’s discover why this decision is paramount for your construction endeavors.
Legal Requirements
According to the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998, all home builders and sub-contractors are required by law to register with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) before commencing any new home building project.
The NHBRC is responsible for ensuring that all new homes are built to the required standards and that builders comply with the NBR.
Only houses built by registered home builders and enrolled with the council are entitled to the remedies under the Act.
Quality Assurance
Using a qualified and registered builder ensures that the building is constructed to the highest standards and complies with the NBR.
The NBR were originally produced as a set of functional guidelines for anybody building any type of structure.
They were not intended to be prescriptive in terms of what people should build, but they do stipulate important dos and don’ts.
The NHBRC holds home builders accountable for the homes they build and provides sanctions for non-compliance.
Trust with Clients and Investors
As a registered NHBRC Company, you have the added credibility as an accredited home builder and there is less risk involved for your clients, as your building services will be regulated at different levels.
Because of this, there is an opportunity to gain more clients.
Protection for Homeowners
Using a qualified and registered builder also provides protection for homeowners.
The NHBRC offers a five-year Warranty Fund towards any structural defect that may manifest after occupation of a newly-built home.
Additionally, using an unregistered builder can invalidate insurance cover, and in the event of an electrical fire, the insurer can refuse to pay any claims if the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the property was issued fraudulently by a pirate contractor and/or is not valid and up-to-date to include all alterations that may have been done to the electrical installation.
Moreover, the protection provided to homeowners through warranties and compliance measures offers invaluable peace of mind.
So, when it comes to your construction endeavors, make the wise choice and select a qualified and registered builder – your assurance of a successful and compliant project.
