Plan Ahead

WORDS DON MACALISTER AKA HANDY MAC

Follow these guidelines to maintain a good relationship with your contractor

� Planning is important. Before calling in a contractor for a quotation, draw up a specific and detailed plan of what you want done and the amount you can afford.

� For substantial work, obtain a detailed cost estimate and adjust requirements to suit your budget.

� Find a qualified person to draw up plans, determine specifications and submit them to the local authority for approval.

� Choose a reliable building contractor.

� Ensure your contractor is registered with the necessary legal and statutory bodies, such as workman’s compensation insurance, the bargaining council for the building industry and the receiver of revenue.

� Obtain references from all contractors and be aware contractors are not obliged to be members of Master Builders South Africa but that MBA membership will give you a level of protection.

� Current legislation requires if you are building a new house, your contractor must be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

� Registration with the NHBRC for alterations, additions or renovations is not required. Registration takes about five weeks, so don’t be caught out by starting to build and then finding out the bank wants a certificate of registration before making its first payment.

� Be extremely wary of engaging people who claim to be “project managers” and say they can save you thousands by supervising your build. Always ensure a that someone who purports to be project manager, if not a member of the MBA, is at least in possession of a professional qualification.