Almost everyone has heard the horror stories that accompany building, such as contractors absconding with deposits or not completing work that has already been paid for, and many have had their own bad experiences.
Executive director of the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC), Rob Johnson, says you need professional information and guidance to ensure you have a positive building experience.
“Before calling in a contractor for a quotation, draw up a specific, detailed plan of what you want done and the amount that you want to spend. Once you have finalised your plans and your budget, get quotations from at least three reputable contractors and ensure that each one quotes on the same written specifications and conditions and that these include VAT.
“When choosing a contractor, ensure he is registered with the necessary legal or statutory bodies such as the Building Industry Bargaining Council (if applicable in your area), the SA Revenue Service and the Commissioner for Occupational Injuries. Also, legislation requires that contractors be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) if you are building a new house, You should also ask the contractor for references of recent work, visit previous sites and speak with past clients.
“When you have decided on a contractor, you should sign acceptance of the written offer after ensuring that it covers all your requirements. Make sure it clearly identifies the work to be undertaken as well as the materials to be used and that the offer has been signed by the contractor too.”
The offer must include: the starting date; approximate duration of the work; expected completion date; cleaning up arrangements during the work including the disposal of waste or rubble; the order in which the contractor will proceed while on your premises as well as required payment details.
You can get formal contracts agreements for jobs of all sizes from your nearest MBA office and should insist that these are used. All too often the MBA receives consumer complaints only to find that no contract is in place leaving the organisation unable to assist, and the only form of recourse is expensive litigation.
“Time and time again people are taken in by contractors who claim that it’s necessary to pay deposits before work commences, but deposits should only be made to suppliers for specialised items,” says Johnson.
“With large jobs, it can be arranged in the contract agreement that interim payments be made on completion of certain sections. However, for small jobs taking less than one month, payment is normally made in one lump sum once the work has been completed satisfactorily.”
In addition, Johnson says the contractor should be insured to cover any possible damage to the existing building and its contents, and you should also inform your own insurance company about the work you are having done. He suggests that clients hire a contractor who is registered with one of the Master Builders Associations affiliated to Master Builders South Africa.
“We are trade associations for employers in the building industry and our primary objective is to ensure that the reputation of the building industry remains high. We do this by insisting that our members work to the highest possible standards aesthetically, technically and ethically. Clients have greater recourse when hiring an MBA member if things turn sour. Also, MBA Western Cape provides its members with an insurance scheme that covers a number of eventualities that might arise during construction contract work.
“It’s unfortunate that contractors have gained such a negative reputation as a result of unscrupulous individuals. However, these guidelines can help to prevent problems and ensure a successful relationship between client and contractor,” says Johnson.
