How to Choose a Good Builder
You can not be too careful when choosing a contractor or sub-contractor, go the extra mile and make sure you feel confident that you have chosen wisely before you start building.
We’ve all heard about construction nightmares — whether it be the architect who fails to submit plans to Council, to builders absconding with deposits and shoddy/dangerous workmanship. The irony is that it costs more to put right mistakes than it does to build/design properly in the first place.
So how do you go about finding reliable & knowledgeable Contractors ?
Obviously word of mouth recommendations are the best. Your Architect / Designer will know of reliable, good builders. Look around your neighbourhood for builders currently working on projects and chat to the home owners and get their opinion on them. Alternatively get referrals from your friends and associates. Shortlist at least 3 builders from whom you can obtain quotes.
The Master Builders Association and the NHBRC (National Home Builders Regulatory Council) are a good place to start when looking for a reputable builder. You can also check in local publications and newspapers for builders who advertise their services, they are more likely to be reputable and contactable.
NHBRC — National Home Builders Regulatory Council — www.nhbrc.co.za.
Master Builders South Africa — www.mbsa.org.za
I’ve got more useful links for you at the end of this article.
Obtain and check the potential builder’s references. Obtain the addresses and contact numbers of at least 3 previous projects that he has worked on.
Do not appoint any builder who is unable to supply you with contactable references. Ask for information on the project he is currently busy with.
Visit the site and speak to the owner. If the builder is in financial difficulty on that project then chances are that he needs your project to finance the completion of that one.
Make sure that you have your builder’s business and residential addresses and full contact details. Check that your builder has a valid insurance policy in place to adequately cover the project and personal liability.
Find out where your builder gets his main building materials supplies from and check on his credit-worthiness with that supplier.
Remember that a Health and Safety Plan is required for your project (it’s illegal to build without one not only that the fines and jail time are hectic). It’s vital to ensure that your building contractor is able to produce and comply with one.
Let’s talk Money!
It is wise to present your short-listed builders with a drawing, a specification and a pricing schedule.
This will ensure that the quotes can easily be compared. Your Architect can assist you in this regard.
Be aware of items that have been deliberately excluded by the builder from his quote. You will have to install and pay for those items yourself.
Make sure the specification covers most of the cost of provisional items. Be aware of provisional cost items with regard to quality — if you haven’t specified certain taps for example make sure that your builder has priced a reasonable quality product in the quote.
Avoid lump sum quotes, having a breakdown of the various items gives you better control and a better basis for comparison.
Apart from the quote that your builder will give you, which you will be expected to sign, make sure that you have a valid building contract signed by your builder and yourself in place. It’s vitally important that you have a payment schedule worked out before you sign any contracts.
Now the latest — banks and mortgage bond originators are starting to stipulate that all building work (not just new builds but alterations and additions as well) is done by an NHBRC registered building contractor and the project is registered with the NHBRC.
Not only that before a mortgage can be approved and a sale of a house made the building must be inspected by a registered Building Inspector — try the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors — InterNACHI for a list of Inspectors in your area — https://www.nachi.org/
Let’s face it wouldn’t you be relieved knowing ahead of purchasing a new home that there won’t be any skeletons falling out of the closet once it’s registered in your name and you have lived there for a few months?
You will be investing a lot of money in your building project. Protect yourself by following the advice in this article and make your project a good experience instead of a nightmare.
Call Claire +27 82 399 0180 / Whatsapp — +27 66 232 3776
bluedesigns5@gmail.com
I love Architecture. I think it’s vital to talk about all aspects of Architecture — whether it be planning, construction, design or green building. I have written 3 E-Books & over 110 articles. Please feel free to let me know if you have any queries regarding architecture, planning & construction & I will assist you.
I am originally from the UK and moved to South Africa in 1999. I started Blue Designs in 2004 after working as a driver for Avalon Construction on a luxury home in the Featherbrook Estate. In my spare time I am an artist and writer (The Naked Architect https://www.bebee.com/group/the-naked-architect & https://www.facebook.com/groups/258263907906727/ ).
Other Articles I have written include :-
Building Green? Here are some tips.
Common Mistakes People make when Designing a House
The Advantages of Sustainable Building
Considering Buying or Renovating a Heritage Home? Pros and Cons
Renovation vs New Construction — which is Greener and Better for the Environment?
Bizarre Buildings Part Two — Space Age Fantasy
Weird and Wonderful Buildings Part Three — Three Buildings that make Music
Please follow me on :-
https://www.bebee.com/bee/claire-cardwell
https://www.bebee.com/group/the-naked-architect / https://www.facebook.com/groups/258263907906727/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCardwell
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#Architecture #Architect #Clairecardwell #Clairelcardwell #Bluedesigns #Bluedesignsarchitecturaldesigners #Architecturaldesigner #Design #thenakedarchitect #nakedarchitect #southafrica #builders #construction #building #findingabuilder #nhbrc #masterbuilders
Useful Articles -
Manage Your Home Renovation Budget
How Much is My Home Renovation going to Cost?
5 Things You Need to Know When Building a New House
Common Mistakes People Make When Designing a House
Top 8 Design Strategies for Smaller Homes
How Long does it take to Design a New Home?
Useful links -
Builders Contract Agreement
http://www.bluedesigns.org/builders-contract-agreement.php
NHBRC Builders Contract Agreement
http://www.bluedesigns.org/nhbrc-builders-contract-agreement.php
Housing Consumers Protection Act — NHBRC
http://www.bluedesigns.org/housing-consumers-protection-measures-act---nhbrc.php
Timber Frame Construction
http://www.bluedesigns.org/timber-frame-construction.php
Gas Installation Requirements — http://www.bluedesigns.org/gas-installation-requirements.php
Professional Associations
Architects / Designers
GIFA — Gauteng Institute for Architecture — www.gifa.org.za
SAIA — South African Institute of Architects — www.saia.org.za
SAIAT — South African Institute of Architectural Technologists — www.saiat.org.za
Builders
Master Builders South Africa — www.mbsa.org.za
Chartered Institute of Building — CIOB — www.ciob.co.za
Institute for Timber Construction South Africa — www.itc-sa.org
Timber Frame Builders Association — www.tfba.co.za
National Pool & Spa Institute of South Africa — NSPI — www.nspi.co.za
Engineers
Consulting Engineers South Africa — CESA — www.cesa.co.za
Engineering Council of South Africa — ECSA — www.ecsa.co.za
South African Institute of Electrical Engineers SAICE — www.saice.org.za
Building Inspectors
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors — InterNACHI
Electricians
Electrical Contractors Association of Southern Africa — www.ecasa.co.za
Quantity Surveyors
Association of South African Quantity Surveyors — www.asaqs.co.za
Town Planners
South African Association of Consulting Professional Planners — www.saacpp.org.za
Project Managers
South African Council for Project & Construction Management Professions — www.sacpcmp.co.za
Interior Designers
SA Guild of Interior Design — www.sagid.co.za
Landscape Architects / Designers
South African Landscapers Institute — www.sali.co.za
Kitchens
Kitchen Specialists Association — KSA — www.ksa.co.za
Also :
Institute for Professional Handymen — IPH — www.iph.co.za
South African Council for Professional & Technical Surveyors — www.plato.org.za
Waterproofing Federation of SA — www.waterproofingfederation.co.za
South African Glass & Glazing Association SAGGA — Email — saga@aaamsa.com
