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 questions that they ask and have to be satisfactorily answered before the exemption is granted.
There is a link at the bottom of this post so you can download the questionnaire.
The NHBRC’s Nomawethu Maqetuka has published a letter outlining some of the requirements:
Thanks you very much for enquiring about the owner builder process.
Owner Builder
It is a legislative requirement that anyone who wishes to be exempt from the provisions of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act on the basis of being an owner builder must make submission to the Council prior to the commencement of construction.
Further is a requirement that the applicant proves, inter alia, that he displays the appropriate financial, technical, construction and management capacity to construct the residential unit.
A commissioned motivation by the Applicant:
The following information must be included in the motivation:
- Will the applicant be employing a contractor (“a person appointed by the owner builder to assist in the construction of a home or installation of subsidiary services to a home”) / skilled artisans to assist him? If so, the names of the contractors must be confirmed together with the terms of conditions. Include a copy of the contract/agreement;
- Is the Applicant the owner of the property? If so, provide the title deed.
- If the Applicant is not the owner of the property, but will only be assisting the owner in the building of the latter’s home (as per the definition of owner builder), provide the Title Deed and Power of Attorney (Annexure D) authorising the Applicant to bring the application for exemption and to build the house on his behalf.
- Details of any experience in or knowledge of the built industry (include any certified copies of the qualifications, past experience, knowledge of Home Builders Manuals etc.);
- The applicant must agree to write the Technical
- Who will be occupying the home;
- Has the applicant applied for owner builder exemption on any other property previously, or does he intend to do so in future? Provide details of property and circumstances.
Kind Regards
Nomawethu Maqetuka
Benefits of being an owner builder
Being a house owner builder in South Africa comes with several benefits.
Firstly, owning a home is an important investment and building your own home can increase its value. Building your own home allows you to customize the design and features to your specific needs and preferences, making it a personal and unique space.
Secondly, building your own home provides you with greater control over the construction process and timeline. This can result in a more efficient and cost-effective process, as you can make decisions and changes as needed, rather than relying on a contractor.
Thirdly, as a house owner builder, you have the opportunity to choose the materials, products and suppliers you want to use, which can result in significant cost savings. Additionally, you can oversee the workmanship and quality of the construction, ensuring that your home is built to your standards.
Furthermore, being a house owner builder can provide you with valuable knowledge and experience in the construction industry, which can be useful for future projects or investments. It also provides a sense of pride and accomplishment in having built your own home.
Overall, building your own home in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, both financially and personally. However, it is important to consider the responsibilities and requirements involved in the process, including obtaining the necessary permits, meeting building codes, and managing the construction process.
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Read more on Owner Building & Project Management
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