Breaking Ground, Breaking Laws: South Africa’s Construction Mafia Crisis
A Nation Held Hostage by Criminal Networks When the excavators rolled onto a housing development site in Cape Town in […]
National Building Regulations (SA)
How Close to a Boundary Wall Can You Build in a Gated Community in South Africa?
Q: Hi, in a gated community in South Africa where the backyards are quite small, how close to the boundary
Home Risk Exposed: Old Mutual Insure’s Expert Guide to Protection
from Deteriorating Infrastructure South African homeowners are facing increasing challenges due to the nation’s deteriorating public infrastructure, which may lead
Fix for trenches filled with rainwater?
What to do if your house building foundation trenches fill up with rainwater before pouring concrete? More things to consider:
Can I owner build my own house in South Africa?
Owner Build Your Own House in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: To “Build my own house” can be an
What does SANS 10400 stand for?
In South Africa, SANS 10400 refers to a set of building regulations known as the National Building Regulations and Building
Can I Build Without the NHBRC
To Build without the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) in South Africa is not recommended, as it is a
Zoning Scheme Cape Town 3 Chapters
City of Cape Town Zoning Scheme Regulations We have included this Cape Town Zoning Scheme Regulations document to assist you
When is “Off-Grid” Actually “Off-Grid”? Expert Advice with 4 Options
Ways to cope with loadshedding Beleaguered South African Electricity consumers have latched onto a new social media meme when they
Will SA’s Low Emission Energy Development Strategy for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Succeed?
Energy! The first phase, Starting Right, is already behind schedule. It seems that the SETs and other plans may only
Energy-Efficient Buildings
Energy-efficient houses and buildings refer to the use of techniques and materials that reduce the amount of energy required to
Tree Damage to Walls & Foundations – SANS10400-H Annex-D
Danger of Tree Damage to Walls & Foundations – SANS 10400-H Annex-D Cracks and damage to walls and foundations are
Is This Electric Fence Legal and Compliant?
Can you spot the electric fence violations in this picture? We spotted this electric fence installation recently and were shocked
Roofs and Roofing – Expert Advice
All about Roofs Roofs come in all shapes and forms, ranging from “flat” concrete roofs to steeply pitched roofs. Some
Implications of Non-Compliant Electric Fencing and Outdated Certificates of Compliance
By Penny Swift Author Electricity is a charged subject that often shocks those who don’t realize how important compliance is.
Burst Water Pipes, You Pay For Fresh Air On The Bill
By JANEK SZYMANOWSKI Air Gives False Readings Main picture above: Burst water pipe in Gauteng. Picture courtesy Pretoria East Record
Did you Know the NHBRC Can Send You to Jail?
The NHBRC CAN Send You to Jail. If you are in the home building industry then this is a must
Building Stopped on Non-Compliant Site After Complaints
By PENNY SWIFT Building Not According to Approved Plans The City of Cape Town recently ordered builders to halt the
Construction Laws & SANS 10400 Official Report
How Construction Laws, National Building Regulations and South African National Standards Affect Homeowners Prior to 1985, various provinces and municipalities in South Africa had
Owner Builder Requirements – NHBRC
What Are You Required to Do with the NHBRC as an Owner Builder? All new homes, by law, have to
What Is the SABS? Official Standards Set Here.
What Is the SABS? What Does the SABS Do? The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) was established in terms
NHBRC Technical Requirements Best Key Review
NHBRC Review of the Technical Requirements A major revision of the Technical Requirements and Home Building Manual will affect the
NHBRC Warranty Scheme Review 2 PDF’s
NHBRC Review of the Warranty Scheme The NHBRC recently embarked upon a review process of the NHBRC Warranty Scheme which
Build a House: Watch this Fascinating 10 min Classic Film Clip
Here is a Classic Film Clip on How to Build a House This how to build a house film clip
Looking for Clean, Fresh Air
All About Insulation and Ventilation for Clean, Fresh Air We all need fresh air to live, but how can we