Q: Hi, in a gated community in South Africa where the backyards are quite small, how close to the boundary wall can I build legally? A:In South Africa, building close to a boundary wall is regulated by local municipal by-laws, zoning schemes, and the National Building Regulations (NBR). While there are general guidelines, the exact…
from Deteriorating Infrastructure South African homeowners are facing increasing challenges due to the nation’s deteriorating public infrastructure, which may lead to significant risks not always covered by insurance policies. Molebatsi Langa, Head of Retail Strategic Accounts at Old Mutual Insure, emphasizes that 2025 is poised to be marked by escalating risks stemming from infrastructure failures….
What to do if your house building foundation trenches fill up with rainwater before pouring concrete? More things to consider: More things to consider Remember, maintaining a dry and stable foundation is crucial for the long-term structural integrity of your house. Taking proactive measures and seeking professional advice when needed can help mitigate any potential…
Owner Build Your Own House in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: To “Build my own house” can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, allowing you to design and create a home that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. In South Africa, the process to owner build your own house is certainly feasible, but it…
In South Africa, SANS 10400 refers to a set of building regulations known as the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. These regulations, formulated by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), provide guidelines and standards for the construction, maintenance, and demolition of buildings within the country. SANS 10400 plays a vital role in…
To Build without the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) in South Africa is not recommended, as it is a legal requirement to register with the NHBRC when constructing a new home. The NHBRC was established in South Africa to regulate the home building industry and ensure quality standards and consumer protection. While it might…
City of Cape Town Zoning Scheme Regulations We have included this Cape Town Zoning Scheme Regulations document to assist you with accessing the correct information so that you can make the right decisions when it comes to planning any construction, building, and renovation or the purchase of property with development in mind. This Town Planning…
Ways to cope with loadshedding Beleaguered South African Electricity consumers have latched onto a new social media meme when they install a solar panel or two and a battery. They then rush out to their favourite hang-out and proudly boast about how they are going “off-grid.” Then they quote a number, normally somewhere below R150,000.00….
Energy! The first phase, Starting Right, is already behind schedule. It seems that the SETs and other plans may only be developed later this year. Updated Climate Plan On 24 March 2021, Cabinet approved an updated draft NDC for public comment. It has been widely criticized for not being ambitious enough and falling short of…
Energy-efficient houses and buildings refer to the use of techniques and materials that reduce the amount of energy required to operate and maintain a structure. There are numerous benefits to incorporating energy-efficient features in buildings, ranging from economic to environmental advantages. In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of energy efficiency…
Danger of Tree Damage to Walls & Foundations – SANS 10400-H Annex-D Cracks and damage to walls and foundations are caused primarily by soils that contract and expand due to moisture content when the soil absorbs water and swells up and then shrinks when it dries out. This puts pressure on foundations, and if not designed…
Can you spot the electric fence violations in this picture? We spotted this electric fence installation recently and were shocked to think that a compliance certificate might have been issued. The alternative is that the owners or administrators of the wall used an unqualified electric fence installer, in which case there would be no compliance…
All about Roofs Roofs come in all shapes and forms, ranging from “flat” concrete roofs to steeply pitched roofs. Some roofs are tiled while others types of roofing is finished with sheeting of various types. Thatch is also used for roofing, though the structure of rafters and beams is completely different to that used for…
By Penny Swift Author Electricity is a charged subject that often shocks those who don’t realize how important compliance is. Home Security Just look at all the illegal electrical connections looming over informal settlements. Notice people on social media asking who can do electrical jobs cheaply. Do they even realize that only qualified, registered electricians…
By JANEK SZYMANOWSKI Air Gives False Readings Main picture above: Burst water pipe in Gauteng. Picture courtesy Pretoria East Record Every time a water pipe bursts, there’s a good chance that the municipality will rake in thousands of rands from false water meter readings. This is because air passing through consumers’ water meters and water…
The NHBRC CAN Send You to Jail. If you are in the home building industry then this is a must read. Here are some important things you and housing consumers should take into consideration regarding the NHBRC and how it will affect your home building process. The National Home Builders Registration Council is a government…
By PENNY SWIFT Building Not According to Approved Plans The City of Cape Town recently ordered builders to halt the construction of a Gordon’s Bay house because the project did not comply with the National Building Regulations (NBR) and is a non-compliant site. In fact, work has been stopped several times, and only after repeated…
How Construction Laws, National Building Regulations and South African National Standards Affect Homeowners Prior to 1985, various provinces and municipalities in South Africa had their own construction laws and regulations which, although similar, were not the same. Over a period of years, a committee of experts, including architects, builders, developers, and the Bureau of Standards (SABS) professionals researched and compiled…
What Are You Required to Do with the NHBRC as an Owner Builder? All new homes, by law, have to be registered with the NHBRC, some RDP houses are exempt from this. As an owner builder you may apply for an exemption from the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act with the NHBRC. There are certain…
What Is the SABS? What Does the SABS Do? The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) was established in terms of the Standards Act, 1945 (Act No. 24 of 1945) and now operates under the latest edition of the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 29 of 2008). This national body promotes and maintains the standards…
NHBRC Review of the Technical Requirements A major revision of the Technical Requirements and Home Building Manual will affect the home builders and may affect the rights of housing consumers and those engaged in the housing supply chain. Housing consumers and key players in the housing industry will therefore also be afforded the opportunity to…
NHBRC Review of the Warranty Scheme The NHBRC recently embarked upon a review process of the NHBRC Warranty Scheme which will result in three new documents being published, namely a set of Technical Requirements for issue as regulations by the Minister in terms of the Act; a Home Building Manual containing the technical requirements prescribed…
Here is a Classic Film Clip on How to Build a House This how to build a house film clip that was made back in 1946 is a must-watch for anyone contemplating doing any sort of building. Even though it was made so many years ago the process has more or less remained the same….
All About Insulation and Ventilation for Clean, Fresh Air We all need fresh air to live, but how can we ensure that there is always fresh, clean air in the buildings that we live and work in? The answer lies in well-designed ventilation systems that are developed by professionals to keep our buildings healthy and…
House Plan Submissions – What is the Process? The City of Cape Town has created an easy-to-follow infographic to explain how the process of house plan submissions works. No online submissions Plans cannot be submitted by post or online, they have to be “walked through” personally by the owner or his appointed qualified professional. The…
