FAQ's

We provide fully itemized quotations. Our quotations take a little longer than other's because our quotations are very descriptive and accurate. You will have exact measurements plus wastage calculations where applicable and the rate per sqm for items requiring a rate per square metre (such as tiling; bricklaying and painting); there are no lump sum amounts and no hidden building costs. "You get what you pay for" and what was described in the itemized quotation. Synchronously if it is not in the quotation; the quotation will have to be revised or if the project has already begun; a variance order given.

Can you provide a Project Management Only Service?

Yes, we can provide Project Management as a stand alone service to:

Industrial Projects: The upgrade; fit-out or revamp of your industrial complex or warehouse into offices. We can provide Industrial Project Managements Services.

Commercial Projects: Offices requiring an upgrade; fit out; alterations or revamp. We can assist you with Project Management Services from Design; Build and or Project Management Services only.

Residential Projects: Building your own home or require a Construction Project Management Company with the expertise to ensure your home build goes according to specifications and budget. We will Provide Construction Management or Project Management Services.

See our Construction Blog on how to save on "Build Your Own House".

Do you provide Full Turnkey Services?

Yes we do Full Turnkey Service's. From project management; design to completion. We can manage all aspects of your project. Including managing any client appointed contractor's you appoint us to manage on your behalf.

We also provide inspections. Applications for zoning or re-zoning; construction permits and council submissions on your behalf.

What construction process or structure do you follow?

We generally follow the flow of the itemized quotations we provide; each item is numbered which allows you an easy follow on the project's progress.

We do provide estimated time to completion with each quotation sent. Any unforeseen delays caused by unforeseen circumstances will be discussed with the client and timelines adjusted if mutually agreed.

For Larger Projects with many stakeholders; which we may be appointed as Principal Project Management; a WBS Work Breakdown Structure or CPA Crtical Path Analysis will be provided.

Can you provide a construction quotation to suit our budget?

Yes, we can provide you with a quotation that suits most budgets. However; we reserve the right to choose what projects we wish undertake and provide quotations for.

We recommend you do Not tell contractor's what your budget is before you have received a quotation from them first. It keeps them from inflating their prices to meet your budget.

Do you provide free call outs for construction quotation purposes?

We will ask relevant questions before we come out to your site to discuss your requirements.

Generally, We do not charge for call out's if the site visit is within 15-20kms from the City Centre.

If the site is further out of town we will discuss this with you beforehand.

Do I require building plans before you can give me a quotation?

If you are doing additions or renovations; We can provide quotations for you based on the requirements discussed on site.

If you are doing a completely new build we will need plans to be able to provide an accurate quotation.

We do not do any building work without local council approved architectural plans.

Our reputation is important to us. Under no circumstances will we build without approved plans.

** It is the local authority that governs exactly what can be done in terms of zoning regulations and the NBR National Building Regulator. So it is they that give approval (or deny it) for all building work and renovations on ALL properties. “Minor building work” is viewed differently and most municipalities will be more lenient when it comes to minor building work. **

My building plans are old or outdated to suit the new requirements, can they be updated?

Each case has it's own set of requirements but we suggest the following as the usual route to take:

If you have old building plans, they may be good enough to be scanned and digitized and all noise removed to a point of acceptability.

If you require additions made to those plans, we can arrange architects to do new drawings for you or add the additions onto the scanned plans.

This varies between architects but most will agree to this if their not that busy.

What is the average labor cost for building work in South Africa?

Generally; the labor percentage cost on all building work is 40% of total cost, but also varies between dirty works and finishings.

Finishing's for example would be plastering; tiling; painting etc.

What is the best design when planning to build a house?

The most economical way of reducing costs on building a house is to build the rooms square. They will require less brickwork for the same amount of square meter area. Less brickwork means less materials and less labor required; reducing your building cost per room drastically.

See the following example to understand this better.

I only require Project Management Services, can you assist me with my project needs?

We do provide Project Management as a stand-alone service for any build or project you wish to undertake.

Do I need plans to remove internal walls of my house or apartment?

If in the case of a house that you own or renting (with owner approval of-course). Yes you can remove internal walls. These walls however may not be structural. Meaning they cannot be walls in support to other structures such as the roof or a concrete slab above. This will have to be determined either by looking at existing plans or a site visit will need to be arranged.

What if the internal walls are structural and I still want them removed?

If in the case of a house, the wall is a structural supporting wall. It may be possible to have it removed. This is a case by case determination and a site visit will need to be conducted.

Further; this change will have to be approved by a structural engineer; who will develop a method statement as to how it should be done to minimize risk of structural failure during demolition and construction phases.

Normal call out for Structural Engineer per hour with 25kms from home base, starting at R1,500 - R2,900 per hour. Total cost of small structural changes range from R8,500 to R16,500 per project. This includes call out to site; measurement; structural method statement of demolition; new structural support requirements and engineer's report signed by qualified engineer.

Most architects consult with structural engineers directly on a daily basis to consult on their construction drawings. They may provide better rates through their own contacts.

Do I need council approved plans to remove an internal wall?

Structural Walls : Yes, you require council approved plans with architectural drawings indicating before and after removal.

Internal Non Structural Wall in a House : No plans required but it is advised to either inspect that the walls is not a supporting wall before attempting to remove.

Internal Non Structural Wall in an Apartment : Yes, unfortunately you will need to seek advice from your building body corporate rules or guidelines. You may also require an engineer's report stating the wall to be removed is non supporting to any floor above or below your apartment.

Construction company payment terms?

Our Payment terms are 60% Deposit on or before we arrive on site; a 20% Progress payment at 80% completion of contracted work (This may include or exclude sub-contractors if applicable). 10% Progress Payment on Practical Completion with 1st and 2nd Draught Snags lists received; with the final payment within 7 days of completion.

No Certificate; Warrantees or Guarantee will be honored until final payment has been made.

I'm on the top floor with a roof above in an apartment building, can I remove non supporting walls?

Yes, but unfortunately again you will most probably need to seek advice from your building body corporate to discuss the building rules or regulations.

You may also require an engineer's report stating the wall to be removed is non supporting to any floor above or below your apartment.

I don't have any house plans; my local council also doe not have my house plans.

Can you assist with house plans and how much will it cost to have house plans drawn up?

Yes, we can assist you with making up house plans as built for your house. Architect's generally charge per sqm for new house plans.

If you require the plans to be drawn up and approved by council; this will have to be costed for per project basis.

Costing varies from region to region and architect to architect and is also based on how many floors there; the sqm area.

According to the "standard rates" Architects charge approximately 8% for full service on a typical 400m² house, assuming an average building cost of approximately R12 500/m². This can be allocated as follows: 5% for municipal approved plans, and 3% for site supervision and acting as Principal Agent.

What could happen if I build without approved plans?

The lack of approved plans could lead a municipality to refuse to allow any further renovations a purchaser might have had planned. In the worst case scenario the municipality could order that the illegally erected structure or additions be demolished.

A (latent or patent) defect that is of a significant nature, and affects the use and enjoyment of the property, does allow the purchaser certain remedies. The most far-reaching of these is cancellation of the agreement, which he is entitled to do, if the purchaser can prove that the defect is so serious that he would not have bought the property had he known this. Other courses of action include the reduction in purchase price or a claim for damages, depending on the seriousness of the defect and the specific circumstances involved.

In many cases an offer to purchase a house will be dependent on the purchaser obtaining home-loan finance from a bank or other institution. And in most instances the financial institution will want to see approved plans before finance will be granted. If the plans lodged with council do not match the house as it stands (as built), then the sale could fall through and set the seller’s plans back for quite a length of time, together with additional costs to rectify the problem.

The local authority is also entitled to levy fines on any “illegal” building work that was done without approval.

The Definition of “minor building work” in Terms South African Law?

a) the erection of:

poultry houses that are no more than ten square metres in size,
aviaries that are no bigger than 20 square metres,
solid fuel stores (for storing wood, coal, anthracite or similar) that are no more than ten square metres in area and no higher than two metres,
tool sheds that are smaller than ten square metres,
childrens’ playhouses that are no more than five square metres,
cycle sheds no more than five square metres,
greenhouses that are a maximum 15 square metres,
open-sided car, caravan or boat shelters or carports that do not exceed 40 square metres in size,
any freestanding wall built with masonry, concrete, steel, aluminum, or timber or any wire fence that does not exceed 1,8 m in height at any point above ground level and does not retain soil,
any pergola,
private swimming pool (although most local authorities do insist on plans),
change room at a private swimming pool not exceeding 10 sq m in area.

b) the replacement of a roof (or part of a roof) with the same or similar materials,

c) the conversion of a door into a window, or a window into a door, without increasing the width of the opening.