House-Building-team
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10 most important things for the Homeowner

The 10 most important things that the South African homeowner should be aware of and look out for when building a house: Additional Considerations: Remember, building a house is a journey, not just a destination. By being proactive, informed, and well-prepared, you can significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful building experience. Don’t…

build without the nhbrc
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The Truth About Building Without NHBRC. It is illegal.

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…

sans 10400-black-red-house-blue
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What is The Latest Version of SANS 10400?

The latest version of SANS 10400 in South Africa is SANS 10400:2011, also known as the National Building Regulations (NBR). However, please note that regulations and standards are subject to updates and revisions, and there may have been newer versions released since then. “The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is revising its home-building manual…

electric fence
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Shocking Truth: Are You Breaking Electric Fence Laws?

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…

PAJA is set in this court
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SA’s Secret Weapon: The PAJA Law You Should Know About

The PAJA: The SA Law that Protects Your Rights We get questions daily about buildings blocking views, balconies overlooking neighbours’ bedrooms, building approval without neighbours’ consent, developers not putting in correct storm-water drains; complaints that the neighbours wall is on “my” property; the list goes on and on. People also want to know who they…

Engineers report on Riga Maxima supermark
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Engineer Specs: Your Blueprint for Building Confidence & Quality

The Photograph above: By Valenciano – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29802079 Engineers Design Buildings for a Purpose Engineers around the world will design a structure based on the brief given to them by a developer. The basis for any good design is to have a structure that is “fit for purpose” for which it is…

Nkandla is Probably the Most Costly Owner Building Project
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Nkandla is Probably the Most Costly Owner Building Project

Nkandla – At What Cost? Traditions come and go, and it seems once again to be a growing trend to have extended family living together in one home. But the numbers have grown out of hand at Zumaville, with the President’s brothers, many wives, and who knows who else living in the outrageously expensive “compound”….

Why national building regulations for this house
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Guaranteed Quality: Understanding The Role Of National Building Codes

We Rely on National Building Regulations Why National Building regulations is a question asked many times. Both international and national standards and Building Regulations are fundamental to successful building and construction projects, both big and small.It doesn’t matter whether you are building a garden shed out of timber, a modest family home from bricks and…

The NHBRC manuals sans 10400 regulations
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The NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council)

About the NHBRC The National Home Builders Registration Council (The NHBRC) was established in 1998 as a regulatory body for the home building industry. Their mandate is to protect house-building consumers and to make sure that building industry standards and regulations are followed. Their stated aim is to protect housing consumers who use contractors who…

Competent person drawing
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Avoid Delays: Ensure Your Plans Have A Qualified Designer

Understanding the Concept of Competent Persons & Competency When South Africa’s National Building Regulations were updated in 2008, several new definitions were added to the legislation, and some were rewritten. One of the most important changes was to the term competent person, because a “competent person” is now required to draw up plans and submit them…

FAQ
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The NHBRC – 8 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

The NHBRC – FAQs The NHBRC used to have a page with a number of FAQ (questions and answers) that we now give you on this website. The most common questions and answers we have listed here below. We must point out to all homeowners and potential homeowners, as well as all contractors and homebuilders,…

Permits Made Easy: Avoid Building Work Delays
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Permits Made Easy: Avoid Building Work Delays

You Don’t Need Plans for Minor Building Work … But you DO Need Permission to Build Anything you build on your property needs plans unless it is defined as “minor building work”. However, the Act states very clearly in Part A: General Principles and Requirements (this was previously Part A: Administration), that any structural building…

Project manager house build
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The Secret Weapon Of Successful Owner Builders: Project Management

Take Charge of Your Home Building Venture as Project Manager Anybody who is serious about owner building will want to have a degree of control to ensure that the project stays on track. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be hands-on. Taking on the role of project manager simply means that you are…