Before starting to build a house, you must have: a site plan, layout drawings, a fire installation drawing, drainage installation drawings, particulars of any existing building or structure that is going to be demolished (and you need to state how it will be demolished), and any other plans and particulars that your local authority requires.
NHBRC is the National Home Builder's Registration Council. Its function are to keep a register of home builders, oversee the construction of residential homes to see to it that proper building standards are adhered to and to provide a warranty service for major structural defects. Any new build in SA requires you to have NHBRC registration.
The construction contract should include at least: the name of the contractor and contact information, the name of the homeowner and contact information, description of property in legal terms, the cost, description of the work, the completion date and the right to stop the project.
Extention to existing study and renovation of existing guest toilet to en-suite bathroom with shower. Repairs to boundry wall and additional paving in kitchen court yard. Enlarging current braai area in covered patio and adding water connections with waste to two areas outside.
The project is an extensive sqm+ double-storey exterior renovation. It focuses heavily on defect repair, damp-proofing up to 2m, and a complete resurfacing from rooftop to foundation to protect the structure from the elements. Phase 1: Surface Preparation & Paint RemovalScraping: Completely strip all loose, peeling, and degraded existing paint down to the raw plaster using high-pressure washing, mechanical grinders, or manual scrapers.Cleaning: Wash the walls to remove dust, dirt, and salts.Safety: Erect scaffolding or elevated platforms, as this is a double-storey building Phase 2: Crack Repair & SealingRaking Out: Widen existing cracks to allow for deep penetration of sealing materials.Sealing: Fill all cracks and voids using a flexible, waterproof elastomeric sealant or crack filler (extending from the rooftop to the base).Waterproofing Membranes: Embed reinforcing polyester membranes over larger joints and structural stress points for added durability. Phase 3: Waterproofing & Damp Protection (Base to 2m)Foundation Perimeter Excavation: Lightly expose the base of the exterior walls to ensure total coverage.Bituminous or Liquid Rubber Application: Apply a heavy-duty, rubberized bitumen or flexible liquid waterproofing membrane (like Sika or Plascon systems) around the base and up to the 2-meter mark on the ground-floor walls. This serves as an impenetrable barrier against rising damp and groundwater. Phase 4: Priming & PaintingSanding: Sand the newly repaired and waterproofed surfaces to create a smooth, even texture.Priming: Apply a high-quality alkali-resistant primer or plaster primer to bind the surface and prevent future paint peeling.Topcoats: Apply two coats of high-grade, UV-resistant exterior acrylic or textured waterproofing paint (e.g., Dulux Weatherguard or Plascon Wall & All).
