The Facilitators has launched it's new website aimed at the building industry.
The website advertises the services of The Facilitators to the building industry in particular the NHBRC.
The Facilitators initiate your:
* NHBRC Registrations
* NHBRC Enrolments
* NHBRC Renewals
* NHBRC Status Upliftments
* NHBRC Late Enrolments
* NHBRC Technical Interviews
* Dolomite & Lime Stone
* Selling Price Upliftments
* Building Contracts
* Quotations
* Cluster Developments
* Sectional Title Projects (Phased)
* Cancellations
* Owner Builder Exemption
* Account Reconciliation
* Method Of Payments
For more information on how The Facilitators can assist you with all NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council), please visit our new website.
The site was designed and developed by I-Tech Web Design.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
NHBRC Update - National Home Builders Registration Council
Summer is here in its full glory. What a privilege it is to witness nature unfolding in all her glory! Along with this The Facilitators are witnessing the unfolding of NHBRC activities after a long and difficult “winter recession”. We have experienced a steady increase in new developments as well as in single dwellings.
The NHBRC is only closing 24 December 2010. We want to use this extended period of service by the NHBRC to assist you in your early January 2011 enrolments, renewals or any other NHBRC related activities before 24th December 2010. Our experience is that NHBRC employee’s leave carries through into late January as their leave starts late December. Finalizing activities as soon as possible will ensure that no delays will be experienced when we return early January 2011.
It is now a requirement by the NHBRC and Financial Institutions that Developers also has to be registered with the NHBRC and that all residential units must be enrolled in the name of the Developers and not in the Sub Contractors name. The Sub Contractors employed by the Developers must also be registered as Building Contractors with the NHBRC.
All new homes must be enrolled with the NHBRC, whether build for cash, mortgaged, or in speculation 14 (Fourteen) days prior to construction (The Act – Government Gazette R1406 dated December 1999 – Page 51 (12.1)).
Owner Builders have to apply for exemption not to enroll his house. The Owner is not allowed to commence building his house until he has been exempted in writing by the NHBRC. Please note there are stringent regulations to be exempted as Owner Builder.
The Home Builder is not allowed to start construction until the enrolment certificate has been obtained from the NHBRC for the specified property to be constructed. Should construction commence prior to the issue of the NHBRC enrolment certificate, the enrolment will be regarded as a “Late Enrolment” together with financial guarantees varying between 10% - 30% of the Sales value.
Should the property be occupied for 90 days or more the NHBRC will not enroll it.
Local Council will from now on request NHBRC enrolment certificates before they issue Occupation Certificates.
Attorneys are being instructed by law to ensure NHBRC enrolment certificates for all new houses on or before transfer at the Deeds Office.
Undeclared Late Enrolments to the NHBRC are a criminal offence which can result in a fine of up to R25, 000 plus one year jail sentence. (The Act – Gov. Gazette R19418 Nov 1998 page 30/31 (21(1)(a)(b)).
Do note, regardless of the above The Facilitators are there to assist and resolve any problems you may encounter.
National Tel: 0861 2 ENROL \ 0861 2 36765
Fax: 086 696 3882
Website: www.the-facilitators.com
The NHBRC is only closing 24 December 2010. We want to use this extended period of service by the NHBRC to assist you in your early January 2011 enrolments, renewals or any other NHBRC related activities before 24th December 2010. Our experience is that NHBRC employee’s leave carries through into late January as their leave starts late December. Finalizing activities as soon as possible will ensure that no delays will be experienced when we return early January 2011.
It is now a requirement by the NHBRC and Financial Institutions that Developers also has to be registered with the NHBRC and that all residential units must be enrolled in the name of the Developers and not in the Sub Contractors name. The Sub Contractors employed by the Developers must also be registered as Building Contractors with the NHBRC.
All new homes must be enrolled with the NHBRC, whether build for cash, mortgaged, or in speculation 14 (Fourteen) days prior to construction (The Act – Government Gazette R1406 dated December 1999 – Page 51 (12.1)).
Owner Builders have to apply for exemption not to enroll his house. The Owner is not allowed to commence building his house until he has been exempted in writing by the NHBRC. Please note there are stringent regulations to be exempted as Owner Builder.
The Home Builder is not allowed to start construction until the enrolment certificate has been obtained from the NHBRC for the specified property to be constructed. Should construction commence prior to the issue of the NHBRC enrolment certificate, the enrolment will be regarded as a “Late Enrolment” together with financial guarantees varying between 10% - 30% of the Sales value.
Should the property be occupied for 90 days or more the NHBRC will not enroll it.
Local Council will from now on request NHBRC enrolment certificates before they issue Occupation Certificates.
Attorneys are being instructed by law to ensure NHBRC enrolment certificates for all new houses on or before transfer at the Deeds Office.
Undeclared Late Enrolments to the NHBRC are a criminal offence which can result in a fine of up to R25, 000 plus one year jail sentence. (The Act – Gov. Gazette R19418 Nov 1998 page 30/31 (21(1)(a)(b)).
Do note, regardless of the above The Facilitators are there to assist and resolve any problems you may encounter.
National Tel: 0861 2 ENROL \ 0861 2 36765
Fax: 086 696 3882
Website: www.the-facilitators.com
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Banks must revise home loan policies
WINDHOEK – The average “man on the street” is denied the basic right of owning his/her own home due to commercial banks that fail to come up with innovative ideas and products to accommodate basic-salary income earners.
According to the Kavango Block Brick (K-Brick) company, a major gap exists where income earners get too much for government housing, yet too little for commercial home financing.
“The direct result is many first-time home buyers are unable to enter the housing market at an early stage in life. Even combined household incomes of N$15 000 per month put you in the so-called ‘poor’ bracket. This is due to the fact that joint incomes are not sufficient for home loan finance for conventional housing as prices are too high.
“Banks are not innovative in their thinking. At the end of the day, the banks and legal practitioners are best friends,” Heinrich Schroeder of K-Brick said.
According to Schroeder, commercial banks need to stay well informed about modern building trends and consult experts in the building industry to be able to provide tailor-made home loan packages for different income earners.
He said: “South African commercial banks have seen the gap and home loan packages are more ‘tailor made’ to accommodate people who have been previously excluded from the housing market.”
An initiative which ABSA Bank South Africa recently undertook was to evaluate different innovative housing systems by hosting and being one of the main sponsors of the 2009 International housing competition involving innovative building systems around the world.
Schroeder, who advocates usage of cheaper and environmentally-friendly housing materials, said focus of the competition was to evaluate the sustainability of various innovative non-conventional building systems which scored high marks with regard to social acceptance and structural performance.
He noted that structures were monitored on a daily basis to ensure that construction was in accordance with building regulations and also met the minimum requirements of the National Home Builders Regulation Council (NHBRC).
NHBRC provides a five-year warranty on structural performance. As a direct result of the competition, successful building systems are now listed on ABSA’s approval list for home loan finance, including Namibia’s own innovative Kavango Block Brick.
A similar project consisting of an innovative show village was initiated by the City of Cape Town in 2008.
Schroeder explained that the project was a clear example of the commercial banking sector working in conjunction with the local government to showcase innovative housing, specifically for first-time home buyers who had previously been excluded from the market, either as a result of earning too little for bank finance, yet too much for a government subsidy.
“Such projects, a direct result of South African banks working with the various local government departments, has led to the creation of the ‘GAP’ housing market which Namibian banks need to start addressing as this is the market level which most first-time home buyers fit into. Serious transformation with respect to home loan finance is needed before many Namibians are able to enter the housing market,” the entrepreneur was of the opinion.
Schroeder noted that by introducing a building regulatory body in Namibia, similar to that of the NHBRC in South Africa, the risk factor can largely be shifted from commercial banks, which would hopefully change the mindset of commercial banks to provide finance for affordable housing for all Namibians.
According to Schroeder, commercial banks in Namibia need a serious “shake-up” and the Bank of Namibia needs to put pressure on commercial banks to revise their home loan policies to accommodate the average “man on the street”.
Kavango Block Brick started the long road to success as a small to medium enterprise (SME).
“When approaching one of Namibia’s famous commercial banks for funding, it was clear that Kavango Block Brick was not going to obtain financial assistance. Vision and dedication and not the commercial banks have been the secret of Kavango Block Brick’s success,” he revealed.
According to Schreoder, once success was reached, the Development Bank of Namibia joined hands with Kavango Block Brick to reach the next level.
“K-Brick will be able to deliver in 2011 thanks to the DBN seeing the potential in the internationally-accepted Namibian building technology,” he added.
He advises Namibian SMEs associated with the construction industry to make sure that they have the expertise in line with what they are doing, and ensure they get the correct advice to protect their intellectual property, if they have an invention.
“Ensure you have a clear vision and see the success beforehand. The only way to eat an African elephant is bit by bit. Further advice is to make sure you have no debt.
“Make sure your municipal accounts are up to date and that you have some form of secure income to take care of your family. Forget commercial banks if you have any outstanding debts even if debts are directly related to getting your business off the ground!
“Commercial banks cause many potential emerging SMEs to flap like fish out of the water, as they just cannot get off the ground due to lack of financing,” said Schroeder.
According to the entrepreneur, K-Brick having reached international acclaim is set to demonstrate to the world that Namibians are sitting with the best building systems.
The K-Brick academy will provide training to SMEs in construction to work with the Kavango Block Brick building system.
K-Brick will showcase their different housing options and will launch it in the form of a show village on Namibian soil.
As a launch special, K-Brick will launch a four-bedroom family home that compares to the price of a two-bedroom house.
“It will be a historic occasion, as CNN has been invited to feature our Namibian revolutionary construction system on the programme ‘Inside Africa’,” an excited Schroeder said.
Kavango Block Brick will release its entire product range in the form of an easy-to-follow booklet towards the end of January 2011.
by Irene !Hoaës
www.newera.com.na
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
According to the Kavango Block Brick (K-Brick) company, a major gap exists where income earners get too much for government housing, yet too little for commercial home financing.
“The direct result is many first-time home buyers are unable to enter the housing market at an early stage in life. Even combined household incomes of N$15 000 per month put you in the so-called ‘poor’ bracket. This is due to the fact that joint incomes are not sufficient for home loan finance for conventional housing as prices are too high.
“Banks are not innovative in their thinking. At the end of the day, the banks and legal practitioners are best friends,” Heinrich Schroeder of K-Brick said.
According to Schroeder, commercial banks need to stay well informed about modern building trends and consult experts in the building industry to be able to provide tailor-made home loan packages for different income earners.
He said: “South African commercial banks have seen the gap and home loan packages are more ‘tailor made’ to accommodate people who have been previously excluded from the housing market.”
An initiative which ABSA Bank South Africa recently undertook was to evaluate different innovative housing systems by hosting and being one of the main sponsors of the 2009 International housing competition involving innovative building systems around the world.
Schroeder, who advocates usage of cheaper and environmentally-friendly housing materials, said focus of the competition was to evaluate the sustainability of various innovative non-conventional building systems which scored high marks with regard to social acceptance and structural performance.
He noted that structures were monitored on a daily basis to ensure that construction was in accordance with building regulations and also met the minimum requirements of the National Home Builders Regulation Council (NHBRC).
NHBRC provides a five-year warranty on structural performance. As a direct result of the competition, successful building systems are now listed on ABSA’s approval list for home loan finance, including Namibia’s own innovative Kavango Block Brick.
A similar project consisting of an innovative show village was initiated by the City of Cape Town in 2008.
Schroeder explained that the project was a clear example of the commercial banking sector working in conjunction with the local government to showcase innovative housing, specifically for first-time home buyers who had previously been excluded from the market, either as a result of earning too little for bank finance, yet too much for a government subsidy.
“Such projects, a direct result of South African banks working with the various local government departments, has led to the creation of the ‘GAP’ housing market which Namibian banks need to start addressing as this is the market level which most first-time home buyers fit into. Serious transformation with respect to home loan finance is needed before many Namibians are able to enter the housing market,” the entrepreneur was of the opinion.
Schroeder noted that by introducing a building regulatory body in Namibia, similar to that of the NHBRC in South Africa, the risk factor can largely be shifted from commercial banks, which would hopefully change the mindset of commercial banks to provide finance for affordable housing for all Namibians.
According to Schroeder, commercial banks in Namibia need a serious “shake-up” and the Bank of Namibia needs to put pressure on commercial banks to revise their home loan policies to accommodate the average “man on the street”.
Kavango Block Brick started the long road to success as a small to medium enterprise (SME).
“When approaching one of Namibia’s famous commercial banks for funding, it was clear that Kavango Block Brick was not going to obtain financial assistance. Vision and dedication and not the commercial banks have been the secret of Kavango Block Brick’s success,” he revealed.
According to Schreoder, once success was reached, the Development Bank of Namibia joined hands with Kavango Block Brick to reach the next level.
“K-Brick will be able to deliver in 2011 thanks to the DBN seeing the potential in the internationally-accepted Namibian building technology,” he added.
He advises Namibian SMEs associated with the construction industry to make sure that they have the expertise in line with what they are doing, and ensure they get the correct advice to protect their intellectual property, if they have an invention.
“Ensure you have a clear vision and see the success beforehand. The only way to eat an African elephant is bit by bit. Further advice is to make sure you have no debt.
“Make sure your municipal accounts are up to date and that you have some form of secure income to take care of your family. Forget commercial banks if you have any outstanding debts even if debts are directly related to getting your business off the ground!
“Commercial banks cause many potential emerging SMEs to flap like fish out of the water, as they just cannot get off the ground due to lack of financing,” said Schroeder.
According to the entrepreneur, K-Brick having reached international acclaim is set to demonstrate to the world that Namibians are sitting with the best building systems.
The K-Brick academy will provide training to SMEs in construction to work with the Kavango Block Brick building system.
K-Brick will showcase their different housing options and will launch it in the form of a show village on Namibian soil.
As a launch special, K-Brick will launch a four-bedroom family home that compares to the price of a two-bedroom house.
“It will be a historic occasion, as CNN has been invited to feature our Namibian revolutionary construction system on the programme ‘Inside Africa’,” an excited Schroeder said.
Kavango Block Brick will release its entire product range in the form of an easy-to-follow booklet towards the end of January 2011.
by Irene !Hoaës
www.newera.com.na
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Monday, 15 November 2010
Solid move to fix RDP mess
A FORENSIC audit is under way to determine how much money is needed to complete hundreds of RDP houses that were abandoned by contractors, the Limpopo department of local government and housing has said.
The department has appointed the National Home Builders Registration Council to conduct the audit and advise it on the costs and how to handle the project.
The NHBRC, which is a statutory construction body for builders, has charged the department R800000 to give advice on the mess created by construction companies that were paid millions of rands and then disappeared without completing the job.
Departmental spokesperson Clayson Monyela said: "We are doing an audit of the housing projects because we do not know how much is needed to finish them.
"Communities are still phoning in to complain that their houses are incomplete, hence the action we have taken. The NHBRC will report back next month."
Some beneficiaries of RDP houses were left high and dry when their poorly built houses were brought down by winds and storms owing to bad workmanship by the contractors.
Earlier the department had said these houses were death traps, and that some needed to be rebuilt.
Monyela said the course of action would be determined by the NHBRC's findings.
"Should the NHBRC say we must complete the structures, we will abide by their call.
"And if they say we must demolish and rebuild, we will also do so."
Costs are expected to rise and will impact on other beneficiaries because the government will now be expected to push two projects; building new houses while also rebuilding the ones that were abandoned by the contractors.
By Chester Makana
www.sowetanlive.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
The department has appointed the National Home Builders Registration Council to conduct the audit and advise it on the costs and how to handle the project.
The NHBRC, which is a statutory construction body for builders, has charged the department R800000 to give advice on the mess created by construction companies that were paid millions of rands and then disappeared without completing the job.
Departmental spokesperson Clayson Monyela said: "We are doing an audit of the housing projects because we do not know how much is needed to finish them.
"Communities are still phoning in to complain that their houses are incomplete, hence the action we have taken. The NHBRC will report back next month."
Some beneficiaries of RDP houses were left high and dry when their poorly built houses were brought down by winds and storms owing to bad workmanship by the contractors.
Earlier the department had said these houses were death traps, and that some needed to be rebuilt.
Monyela said the course of action would be determined by the NHBRC's findings.
"Should the NHBRC say we must complete the structures, we will abide by their call.
"And if they say we must demolish and rebuild, we will also do so."
Costs are expected to rise and will impact on other beneficiaries because the government will now be expected to push two projects; building new houses while also rebuilding the ones that were abandoned by the contractors.
By Chester Makana
www.sowetanlive.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Friday, 05 November 2010
Hefty fines to be imposed on builders who do sub-standard work
Primedia Broadcasting - Eyewitness News
The National Home Builders Registration Council on Thursday warned that builders who continue erecting sub-standard homes will be fined R25,000 per offence or be jailed.
Homebuilders gathered in Cape Town in order to tackle challenges facing the sector and the NHBRC said improving the quality of both the public and private-funded homes remains a top priority.
The council issued a stern warning to home builders to refrain from producing sub-standard work.
It said while it’s been able to solve some disputes it wants consumers to know the track record of their builders. This includes checking that the builder is registered with the NHBRC and adheres to its regulations.
The council’s Portia Mabunda said builders who fail to comply will be forced to rebuild the house at their own expense and can also be jailed.
(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)
Malungelo Booi
www.eyewitnessnews.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
The National Home Builders Registration Council on Thursday warned that builders who continue erecting sub-standard homes will be fined R25,000 per offence or be jailed.
Homebuilders gathered in Cape Town in order to tackle challenges facing the sector and the NHBRC said improving the quality of both the public and private-funded homes remains a top priority.
The council issued a stern warning to home builders to refrain from producing sub-standard work.
It said while it’s been able to solve some disputes it wants consumers to know the track record of their builders. This includes checking that the builder is registered with the NHBRC and adheres to its regulations.
The council’s Portia Mabunda said builders who fail to comply will be forced to rebuild the house at their own expense and can also be jailed.
(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)
Malungelo Booi
www.eyewitnessnews.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
NHBRC Insurance Needs Complete Overhaul
The operations and ambit of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), which was set up 10 years ago to protect unsophisticated consumers against unscrupulous developers in the social housing context, urgently need to be reviewed and amended, says Leon Cohen MD of Rabie Property Group, one of the country’s top, award-winning developers.
He said while the NHBRC was initially set up to protect consumers of homes costing less than R250 000, this was soon extended to include all residential developments, regardless of value, while the NHBRC still capped its exposure to R500 000 per unit.
“The last set of NHBRC financial statements to be made public were for 2008 and these reflected the NHBRC had in excess of R2.5 billion invested.
“With further enrolments and interest that amount should now be in excess of R3,5billion.
“There is no way the NHBRC can ever spend all this money as they must be earning about R180million in interest alone on the funds they hold. The 2008 financial statements reflect that they paid out a paltry R4,5million in that year to remedy defects,” he said.
He points out the NHBRC’s risk was further reduced by the fact that developers with a bad track record are prevented from registering with the Council and that those developers that refused to rectify defects were suspended from their developer’s list.
“Since 2003 Rabie Property Group has, like many other developers, paid in excess of R40million to the NHBRC for which it has received little or no benefit.
“It is highly unlikely that any claims against reputable developers will ever have to be paid out by the NHBRC as any such problems are sorted out by the developer who has a reputation to uphold and who wishes to stay in business.”
Cohen says that over five years ago, the NHBRC promised to reduce enrolment fees but to date they still have not done so.
“In addition, Section 23(9) of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, 95 of 1998 provides that the Council Advisory Committee must after five years after commencement of the Act, submit proposals to the Council for recommendation to the Minister regarding introducing outside insurers. This has also not been forthcoming.”
In the early years the NHBRC, he said, continuously quoted the United Kingdom and Australia as providing examples of similar institutions.
“However, those institutions are only in respect of single and double story buildings – not for high rise, large sectional title projects where a full professional team is involved and where these consultants all have their own professional indemnity anyhow. In these instances the NHBRC serves no purpose as many of the building contractors for these developments are listed on the JSE.”
Cohen said unlike other organizations such as SAPOA which provide a hugely valuable service to the property industry, the NHBRC appeared only to be interested in collecting money and running an expensive overhead structure which at the end of the day impacted negatively on property prices and the consumer.
“Furthermore there continues to be a total lack of communication and meaningful interaction by the NHBRC with regards to developers even though promises have been made by them to improve this.”
Cohen said at the very least the NHBRC should pay no claim bonuses or rebates to those developers who had contributed to the fund for years but against whom few if any claims had had to be paid out by the NHBRC.
“Furthermore, there is a dearth of skills in the development sector and the SETA has failed to adequately address the shortage due to lack of funds. It would benefit both the industry and job creation if the NHBRC was to earmark some of its funds to this greatly needed area and look at the reintroduction of apprenticeship training which was so successful years ago.”
Cohen added that a further anomaly was that in most cases the developer was the seller and the link between the contractor and the consumer and were themselves not responsible for the construction of the building.
“Yet developers and not contractors are the party obligated to contract with the NHBRC,” he said.
http://wap.cbn.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
He said while the NHBRC was initially set up to protect consumers of homes costing less than R250 000, this was soon extended to include all residential developments, regardless of value, while the NHBRC still capped its exposure to R500 000 per unit.
“The last set of NHBRC financial statements to be made public were for 2008 and these reflected the NHBRC had in excess of R2.5 billion invested.
“With further enrolments and interest that amount should now be in excess of R3,5billion.
“There is no way the NHBRC can ever spend all this money as they must be earning about R180million in interest alone on the funds they hold. The 2008 financial statements reflect that they paid out a paltry R4,5million in that year to remedy defects,” he said.
He points out the NHBRC’s risk was further reduced by the fact that developers with a bad track record are prevented from registering with the Council and that those developers that refused to rectify defects were suspended from their developer’s list.
“Since 2003 Rabie Property Group has, like many other developers, paid in excess of R40million to the NHBRC for which it has received little or no benefit.
“It is highly unlikely that any claims against reputable developers will ever have to be paid out by the NHBRC as any such problems are sorted out by the developer who has a reputation to uphold and who wishes to stay in business.”
Cohen says that over five years ago, the NHBRC promised to reduce enrolment fees but to date they still have not done so.
“In addition, Section 23(9) of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, 95 of 1998 provides that the Council Advisory Committee must after five years after commencement of the Act, submit proposals to the Council for recommendation to the Minister regarding introducing outside insurers. This has also not been forthcoming.”
In the early years the NHBRC, he said, continuously quoted the United Kingdom and Australia as providing examples of similar institutions.
“However, those institutions are only in respect of single and double story buildings – not for high rise, large sectional title projects where a full professional team is involved and where these consultants all have their own professional indemnity anyhow. In these instances the NHBRC serves no purpose as many of the building contractors for these developments are listed on the JSE.”
Cohen said unlike other organizations such as SAPOA which provide a hugely valuable service to the property industry, the NHBRC appeared only to be interested in collecting money and running an expensive overhead structure which at the end of the day impacted negatively on property prices and the consumer.
“Furthermore there continues to be a total lack of communication and meaningful interaction by the NHBRC with regards to developers even though promises have been made by them to improve this.”
Cohen said at the very least the NHBRC should pay no claim bonuses or rebates to those developers who had contributed to the fund for years but against whom few if any claims had had to be paid out by the NHBRC.
“Furthermore, there is a dearth of skills in the development sector and the SETA has failed to adequately address the shortage due to lack of funds. It would benefit both the industry and job creation if the NHBRC was to earmark some of its funds to this greatly needed area and look at the reintroduction of apprenticeship training which was so successful years ago.”
Cohen added that a further anomaly was that in most cases the developer was the seller and the link between the contractor and the consumer and were themselves not responsible for the construction of the building.
“Yet developers and not contractors are the party obligated to contract with the NHBRC,” he said.
http://wap.cbn.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Thursday, 21 October 2010
I’d rather the rain came in!
ZOLEKA Simandla, a 44-year-old factory worker, has been renting shacks in backyards in Mdantsane most of her life – but would rather live in her one-room shack than move into one of the “plastic” RDP houses the government is offering her community.
Her dilapidated shack in Manyano Tembelihle informal settlement in NU9 is so small it can hardly accommodate her and three children.
Water drips from the roof when it rains and it has neither toilets nor running water.
Despite her desperate situation, Simandla is among the dozens in her community who have rejected a new type of housing that replaces bricks.
“I’d rather die of cold in this shack than live in a plastic house. I don’t want it because I don’t know how long they last. I’ve never heard of a plastic house in my life,” she said.
“We were never told about these types of houses before. We want brick houses, as Mandela promised.”
What started out as a project that could change lives for the better has now divided the Manyano Tembelihle community, with one group against the project and others looking forward to moving into the new houses next year.
At the centre of the controversy is the Imison technology used to build the homes, which gives them a look similar to prefabricated structures.
About 850 Imison houses were to be built for more than 560 indigent beneficiaries in Manyano Tembelihle. The R33million project is a collaboration between Buffalo City Municipality and the provincial Department of Human Settlements.
At its launch in April, attended by BCM’s Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku and the province’s Human Settlements MEC, Nombulelo Mabandla, about 1500 jobs were expected to be created through the project while construction was to be wrapped up by February28, 2011.
However, it is unlikely that deadline will be met as only a sample house was completed in April.
Those who have indicated interest in the houses have been moved to temporary shelters close to Manyano Tembelihle, while the opposing group remains in shacks.
One of the beneficiaries, Vuyiswa Qalani, said misinformation had caused the confusion.
“I’ve lived for 20 years in a shack in Manyano and I want that house because it’s far better than a shack. People must stop being controlled by their egos,” said Qalani.
Afrinaissance Property Developments CEO Siva Govender, who has been hired to build the houses, said it would be impossible to meet the February deadline. “We are waiting for a go- ahead from BCM and the provincial office. At this stage we have not heard from them, but I can vow that these houses are an alternative and stronger than brick houses.
“This thing is about changing the mindset of people, because they have not been informed about the houses,” said Govender.
Lwandile Sicwetsha, spokesperson for Human Settlements, said there were various reasons for the delay. “There were delays relating to the beneficiary list, enrolling the project with NHBRC (National Home Builders’ Registration Council) for quality checks on its completion, but all those have been sorted out now.
“Also, social facilitation to inform and educate people about the technology to be used in building the houses, since we intended to utilise alternative technology,” he said.
Sicwetsha added that the decision to go for the Imison method was largely influenced by the need to address the housing backlog in the province and finding quicker methods than brick structures.
“Those who don’t want alternative technology will get houses built by brick and mortar,” he said.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the community was aware of the houses as they were given a presentation in June. He said the beneficiary registration process had started.
civic@dispatch.co.za
www.dispatch.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Her dilapidated shack in Manyano Tembelihle informal settlement in NU9 is so small it can hardly accommodate her and three children.
Water drips from the roof when it rains and it has neither toilets nor running water.
Despite her desperate situation, Simandla is among the dozens in her community who have rejected a new type of housing that replaces bricks.
“I’d rather die of cold in this shack than live in a plastic house. I don’t want it because I don’t know how long they last. I’ve never heard of a plastic house in my life,” she said.
“We were never told about these types of houses before. We want brick houses, as Mandela promised.”
What started out as a project that could change lives for the better has now divided the Manyano Tembelihle community, with one group against the project and others looking forward to moving into the new houses next year.
At the centre of the controversy is the Imison technology used to build the homes, which gives them a look similar to prefabricated structures.
About 850 Imison houses were to be built for more than 560 indigent beneficiaries in Manyano Tembelihle. The R33million project is a collaboration between Buffalo City Municipality and the provincial Department of Human Settlements.
At its launch in April, attended by BCM’s Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku and the province’s Human Settlements MEC, Nombulelo Mabandla, about 1500 jobs were expected to be created through the project while construction was to be wrapped up by February28, 2011.
However, it is unlikely that deadline will be met as only a sample house was completed in April.
Those who have indicated interest in the houses have been moved to temporary shelters close to Manyano Tembelihle, while the opposing group remains in shacks.
One of the beneficiaries, Vuyiswa Qalani, said misinformation had caused the confusion.
“I’ve lived for 20 years in a shack in Manyano and I want that house because it’s far better than a shack. People must stop being controlled by their egos,” said Qalani.
Afrinaissance Property Developments CEO Siva Govender, who has been hired to build the houses, said it would be impossible to meet the February deadline. “We are waiting for a go- ahead from BCM and the provincial office. At this stage we have not heard from them, but I can vow that these houses are an alternative and stronger than brick houses.
“This thing is about changing the mindset of people, because they have not been informed about the houses,” said Govender.
Lwandile Sicwetsha, spokesperson for Human Settlements, said there were various reasons for the delay. “There were delays relating to the beneficiary list, enrolling the project with NHBRC (National Home Builders’ Registration Council) for quality checks on its completion, but all those have been sorted out now.
“Also, social facilitation to inform and educate people about the technology to be used in building the houses, since we intended to utilise alternative technology,” he said.
Sicwetsha added that the decision to go for the Imison method was largely influenced by the need to address the housing backlog in the province and finding quicker methods than brick structures.
“Those who don’t want alternative technology will get houses built by brick and mortar,” he said.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the community was aware of the houses as they were given a presentation in June. He said the beneficiary registration process had started.
civic@dispatch.co.za
www.dispatch.co.za
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Friday, 03 September 2010
Conference on protecting housing consumers held
Windhoek – Kavango Block Brick, a Namibian construction company in partnership with the Development Bank of Namibia, the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Namibia Standards Institute this week held a conference on the basic minimum requirements for housing in order to protect housing consumers.
At the event, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) a South African company shared key experiences with the Namibian construction industry on the regulatory function of the NHBRC in the Home Building Industry in South Africa, specifically offering protection for the housing consumer and ensuring quality standards.
The NHBRC is an organ of the South African government established to protect the interests of housing consumers and to regulate the homebuilding industry in terms of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998 in South Africa).
Speaking at the event was the NHBRC Chief Executive Officer Sipho Mashinini who said the objects of his council are among others to regulate the homebuilding industry and to provide protection to housing consumers in respect of the failure of home builders to comply with their obligation in terms of Section 3 of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act.
The conference was an initiative of the Kavango Block Brick with the focus to bring all stakeholders in the field of construction to the table to learn from experts in the field of regulating the home building industry to protect the housing consumer. Also speaking at the event was the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport Andrew Mwazi, on behalf Works and Transport Minister Erkki Ngimtina. He said the conference has come at a better time as Namibia's government is looking for innovative ways to improve the livelihood of the country's people trough providing affordable housing.
The aim of the conference is to learn from South Africa on how the building industry is regulated and controlled in their country.
'I am certain, that if our building industry is coordinated and regulated properly our people in this country will have access to affordable local building materials, thus enabling them to construct their own houses,' Ngimtina said. Through establishing a similar regulatory body the building industry in Namibia will ensure not only affordable opportunities to construct their own houses but also sustainable quality housing the minister said.
The Southern Times
www.southerntimesafrica.com
At the event, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) a South African company shared key experiences with the Namibian construction industry on the regulatory function of the NHBRC in the Home Building Industry in South Africa, specifically offering protection for the housing consumer and ensuring quality standards.
The NHBRC is an organ of the South African government established to protect the interests of housing consumers and to regulate the homebuilding industry in terms of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998 in South Africa).
Speaking at the event was the NHBRC Chief Executive Officer Sipho Mashinini who said the objects of his council are among others to regulate the homebuilding industry and to provide protection to housing consumers in respect of the failure of home builders to comply with their obligation in terms of Section 3 of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act.
The conference was an initiative of the Kavango Block Brick with the focus to bring all stakeholders in the field of construction to the table to learn from experts in the field of regulating the home building industry to protect the housing consumer. Also speaking at the event was the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport Andrew Mwazi, on behalf Works and Transport Minister Erkki Ngimtina. He said the conference has come at a better time as Namibia's government is looking for innovative ways to improve the livelihood of the country's people trough providing affordable housing.
The aim of the conference is to learn from South Africa on how the building industry is regulated and controlled in their country.
'I am certain, that if our building industry is coordinated and regulated properly our people in this country will have access to affordable local building materials, thus enabling them to construct their own houses,' Ngimtina said. Through establishing a similar regulatory body the building industry in Namibia will ensure not only affordable opportunities to construct their own houses but also sustainable quality housing the minister said.
The Southern Times
www.southerntimesafrica.com
Wednesday, 01 September 2010
North West volunteer builders to receive training
Pretoria - The 80 female volunteers who helped build 54 houses in the North West province as part of Women's Month, are to receive training that will equip them to start their own construction companies.
The North West Department of Human Settlements said it plans on hosting a training programme for the women who participated in the Women's Build Programme, which saw them help build houses for vulnerable families in Coligny, North West.
The women will be trained in financial literacy by FNB and will also get a week's training in Life Orientation by the National Youth Development Agency.
The women will also receive three months training from the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) during which time they will be taught technical skills and undergo practical training.
"On completion of the training, volunteers will be issued with NHBRC accreditation certificates which will then give them opportunities to create jobs for themselves or establish their own construction companies," the department said.
The training programme is an initiative of Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and North West Human Settlements MEC Desbo Mohono. - BuaNews
www.buanews.gov.za
The North West Department of Human Settlements said it plans on hosting a training programme for the women who participated in the Women's Build Programme, which saw them help build houses for vulnerable families in Coligny, North West.
The women will be trained in financial literacy by FNB and will also get a week's training in Life Orientation by the National Youth Development Agency.
The women will also receive three months training from the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) during which time they will be taught technical skills and undergo practical training.
"On completion of the training, volunteers will be issued with NHBRC accreditation certificates which will then give them opportunities to create jobs for themselves or establish their own construction companies," the department said.
The training programme is an initiative of Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and North West Human Settlements MEC Desbo Mohono. - BuaNews
www.buanews.gov.za
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Tips on hiring contractors
THE Crusaders have received an increasing number of complaints against contractors and handymen.
This week the Crusaders wrote about alleged dodgy deal-maker John Wittstock after receiving at least 20 complaints about the contractor, many of which could have been avoided if more East London residents had done their homework.
How can you find a reliable contractor, and lessen your chances of becoming a victim?
The Crusaders consulted a policeman from the commercial crime division, and the building industry’s regulatory body the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC), this week to answer this question.
These are some of the tips they suggest prospective clients take into consideration:
Before hiring any contractor or handyman, make sure he is legitimate and registered with a builders’ regulatory body.
The cheapest option is not always best – often, quality work comes with a more expensive price tag. Rather pay the price for an experienced and accountable contractor than for someone who may duck-and-dive with your hard-earned cash.
Inspect the contractors’ previous work before you come to any agreement with them - and don’t rely on what your friends or family members tell you. Go see the work for yourself. And don’t ask the contractor to direct you to clients he’s worked for in the past - he will send you in the direction of his best work.
Make sure the contractor signs a contract that you are happy to sign, and that you are always provided with a receipt for every payment made, as well as a receipt for every purchase the contractor makes on your behalf. No receipt, no payment.
Work out a system of “progress payment” with your contractor – pay in proportion to the projected work to be completed each week. Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front.
We recommend you do not pay a contractor for materials unless you have done some homework and got quotes of your own. If you are able, accompany the contractor when he collects the materials and pay for it yourself. Some contractors and suppliers may collude to inflate prices for materials, and con an unwitting client, said the commercial crimes division policeman.
Lastly, if problems do surface, send your contractor a complaint in writing within seven days. Thereafter, if the contractor fails to respond, contact the NHBRC at 0800200824. — Michelle Solomon
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
This week the Crusaders wrote about alleged dodgy deal-maker John Wittstock after receiving at least 20 complaints about the contractor, many of which could have been avoided if more East London residents had done their homework.
How can you find a reliable contractor, and lessen your chances of becoming a victim?
The Crusaders consulted a policeman from the commercial crime division, and the building industry’s regulatory body the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC), this week to answer this question.
These are some of the tips they suggest prospective clients take into consideration:
Before hiring any contractor or handyman, make sure he is legitimate and registered with a builders’ regulatory body.
The cheapest option is not always best – often, quality work comes with a more expensive price tag. Rather pay the price for an experienced and accountable contractor than for someone who may duck-and-dive with your hard-earned cash.
Inspect the contractors’ previous work before you come to any agreement with them - and don’t rely on what your friends or family members tell you. Go see the work for yourself. And don’t ask the contractor to direct you to clients he’s worked for in the past - he will send you in the direction of his best work.
Make sure the contractor signs a contract that you are happy to sign, and that you are always provided with a receipt for every payment made, as well as a receipt for every purchase the contractor makes on your behalf. No receipt, no payment.
Work out a system of “progress payment” with your contractor – pay in proportion to the projected work to be completed each week. Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front.
We recommend you do not pay a contractor for materials unless you have done some homework and got quotes of your own. If you are able, accompany the contractor when he collects the materials and pay for it yourself. Some contractors and suppliers may collude to inflate prices for materials, and con an unwitting client, said the commercial crimes division policeman.
Lastly, if problems do surface, send your contractor a complaint in writing within seven days. Thereafter, if the contractor fails to respond, contact the NHBRC at 0800200824. — Michelle Solomon
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Sunday, 04 July 2010
Zuma, Amaha hand over houses
Veteran kwaito musician and Amaha (African Musicians against HIV-Aids) chairperson Doc Shebeleza will consider the end of business tomorrow as the start of great achievements.
Shebeleza says tomorrow marks a milestone on the long road to build a great future for poor families, when President Jacob Zuma will hand over houses to families at Willers Farm in Ennerdale, south of Jozi.
The beneficiaries of the houses are Enoch Vilakazi, Busisiwe Mlotshwa, the Msimanga family and Xolisa Ngomane.
Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Jozi mayor Amos Masondo will also attend the ceremony.
Shebeleza says: “Tomorrow we are handing the houses to their owners and launching the project.
“Initially we wanted to build 50 houses in each province each year.
“Our target is to build 400 houses by 2013.”
Amaha has completed three three-bedroomed homes in Willers Farm and a two-bedroomed house in Snake Park in Dobsonville, Soweto.
“The houses were completed during the week and we also put furniture in them,” Shebeleza says.
He says they are proud as musicians that they are contributing to society.
“Every musician will look at this year with pride – that we are living up to expectations as role models.
“Instead of being in the public eye for all the wrong reasons, we can now claim our stake and be in the public eye for a good cause,” he says.
Although he says their plan is in place, he pleads with companies to join them in helping to build up needy communities.
“Apart from the sponsors we have, government departments came on board when we needed them,” Shebeleza says.
Other departments partnering Amaha are health , education , human settlements and arts and culture .
The project is run in partnership with Sunday World, the SABC, the NHBRC, Mabkol Project, Riaphela Construction, JR Sekwele and Associates and Mazotsho.
“We’ll also give the families groceries as part of the package ,” Shebeleza says.
Amaha will spend R6m on houses for the poor, particularly in rural areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Norman Masungwini
Sunday World
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Shebeleza says tomorrow marks a milestone on the long road to build a great future for poor families, when President Jacob Zuma will hand over houses to families at Willers Farm in Ennerdale, south of Jozi.
The beneficiaries of the houses are Enoch Vilakazi, Busisiwe Mlotshwa, the Msimanga family and Xolisa Ngomane.
Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Jozi mayor Amos Masondo will also attend the ceremony.
Shebeleza says: “Tomorrow we are handing the houses to their owners and launching the project.
“Initially we wanted to build 50 houses in each province each year.
“Our target is to build 400 houses by 2013.”
Amaha has completed three three-bedroomed homes in Willers Farm and a two-bedroomed house in Snake Park in Dobsonville, Soweto.
“The houses were completed during the week and we also put furniture in them,” Shebeleza says.
He says they are proud as musicians that they are contributing to society.
“Every musician will look at this year with pride – that we are living up to expectations as role models.
“Instead of being in the public eye for all the wrong reasons, we can now claim our stake and be in the public eye for a good cause,” he says.
Although he says their plan is in place, he pleads with companies to join them in helping to build up needy communities.
“Apart from the sponsors we have, government departments came on board when we needed them,” Shebeleza says.
Other departments partnering Amaha are health , education , human settlements and arts and culture .
The project is run in partnership with Sunday World, the SABC, the NHBRC, Mabkol Project, Riaphela Construction, JR Sekwele and Associates and Mazotsho.
“We’ll also give the families groceries as part of the package ,” Shebeleza says.
Amaha will spend R6m on houses for the poor, particularly in rural areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Norman Masungwini
Sunday World
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Builders who do shoddy work, beware
The National Home Builders Registration Council is clamping down on developers flouting rules and cutting corners.
The council, which protects the interests of homeowners and regulates the home-building industry, is investigating 22 cases.
"These 22 matters," said marketing manager Beatrice Motsisi, "have been tabled before the disciplinary committee for prosecutions."
Since last April, 41 builders have been prosecuted. Penalties range from a warning to a R25000 fine or having registration being withdrawn.
The council's new chief executive, Sipho Mashinini, has declared war on builders and developers flouting technical guidelines as specified in the council's home-building manual.
"Home builders are compelled to register with the NHBRC in order to practise as builders. In this way we can monitor workmanship and prosecute those flouting regulations.
"We are committed to the maintenance of standards and are going on a nationwide education drive to ensure housing consumers understand their rights and are protected from shoddy work by home builders," Mashinini said.
He added that all new homes must be enrolled with the council 15 days prior to commencement of construction, so that housing consumers obtain protection from the five-year warranty scheme provided by the council. "However, many housing consumers are unaware of their rights, which is why we are launching a massive education drive as part of our strategy."
Bargains get young buyers onto ladders
Young working professional couples are searching for bargains as the country's property market recovers after a three-year cooling period caused by soaring household debt, interest rate hikes and the partial introduction of the National Credit Act.
The country now has an excess of housing stock, particularly in certain price categories, due to repossessions and houses being put up for sale by owners who are financially over-extended, said Lew Geffen, chairman of Sotheby's International Realty SA.
Middle-class houses, which were once in short supply and out of reach for many young professional, are now within their sights.
The young couples are negotiating with estate agents and sellers for entry-level prices for homes in traditionally middle-class suburbs in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town - where homes are valued at between R900000 and R5-million. Although these prices may seem out of reach for many, the young, ambitious house hunters are bargaining for entry-level and average prices.
Today, R900000 will get the buyer a little fix-me-upper in a good suburb or a smaller cluster home in some of the most sought-after middle-class enclaves.
The latest house price index compiled by Absa, one of the country's biggest mortgage lenders, puts the price of an average middle-class home - measuring between 141m² and 220m² - at R998600, compared with R917600 last June.
But some savvy young buyers are negotiating with desperate sellers and walking away with bargains, according to estate agents. However, some buyers are settling for smaller homes in good suburbs, boosting average prices.
Smaller houses - measuring between 80m² and 140m² - now boast average prices of about R843700, compared with R653000 about 12 months ago. Both these types of properties - mostly little fix-me-uppers - have topped the demand list among young couples.
Jacques du Toit, Absa's senior property analyst, said: "This is because, while many households are still under financial pressure, mortgage interest rates are at their lowest level since the mid-'70s and banks' lending criteria less stringent than a year ago.
"So, as a result of these latter conditions, demand for housing has picked up but financial stress has forced people who want to buy property to look at more affordable, thus smaller, housing.
He said: "Rising electricity prices, water tariffs, property rates and taxes linked to owning a property also have to be considered (when buying)."
Average prices for large houses - measuring 221m² to 400m² - are about R1.4-million.
"Home ownership is, of course, a great way to start building wealth, and most financial advisers will tell you it is never too early to get on to the property ladder," said Martin Schultheiss, CEO of Harcourts Africa.
"But the truth is that the average age of first-time home buyers has risen steadily in recent years, from 27 to 33 in the US, for example; from 27 to 34 in the UK and here in SA from 28 to 35, according to the latest available figures."
This trend, he said, was due to the fact that many young adults now worried about being able to keep up the repayments on a home of their own if their circumstances or the financial climate were to change. Suburbs which are attracting young couples, according to Pam Golding Properties, include:
* Johannesburg: Brackendowns, south of Johannesburg, where entry level prices average R700000, while entry prices in Kensington, east of Johannesburg, start at about R900000.
* Pretoria: Eldoraigne, where the entry price is R950000, while in Rooihuiskraal entry prices average R800000.
* Cape Town: Peers Hill and Silverglades in Fish Hoek boast several homes featuring entry-level prices of about R950000. In Sunningdale and Parklands, prices range from R800000.
* Durban: Entry-level prices in Glenwood start at about R750000. A bachelor apartment can cost R350000, while a one-bedroom apartment would sell for about R450000. A two-bedroom would cost about R650000, while a three-bedroom one can fetch R750000.
* Pinetown: About 10km from Durban, entry-level properties vary from R350000 to R500000.
* East London: Beacon Bay, which consists of about 3500 homes, the entry-price tag is about R850000, while the entry-level price in nearby Vincent is R1-million.
Pam Golding Properties this week sold a three-bedroom home in Beacon Bay's Edge Road for R1.3-million within two days, to a young couple.
Times LIVE
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
The council, which protects the interests of homeowners and regulates the home-building industry, is investigating 22 cases.
"These 22 matters," said marketing manager Beatrice Motsisi, "have been tabled before the disciplinary committee for prosecutions."
Since last April, 41 builders have been prosecuted. Penalties range from a warning to a R25000 fine or having registration being withdrawn.
The council's new chief executive, Sipho Mashinini, has declared war on builders and developers flouting technical guidelines as specified in the council's home-building manual.
"Home builders are compelled to register with the NHBRC in order to practise as builders. In this way we can monitor workmanship and prosecute those flouting regulations.
"We are committed to the maintenance of standards and are going on a nationwide education drive to ensure housing consumers understand their rights and are protected from shoddy work by home builders," Mashinini said.
He added that all new homes must be enrolled with the council 15 days prior to commencement of construction, so that housing consumers obtain protection from the five-year warranty scheme provided by the council. "However, many housing consumers are unaware of their rights, which is why we are launching a massive education drive as part of our strategy."
Bargains get young buyers onto ladders
Young working professional couples are searching for bargains as the country's property market recovers after a three-year cooling period caused by soaring household debt, interest rate hikes and the partial introduction of the National Credit Act.
The country now has an excess of housing stock, particularly in certain price categories, due to repossessions and houses being put up for sale by owners who are financially over-extended, said Lew Geffen, chairman of Sotheby's International Realty SA.
Middle-class houses, which were once in short supply and out of reach for many young professional, are now within their sights.
The young couples are negotiating with estate agents and sellers for entry-level prices for homes in traditionally middle-class suburbs in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town - where homes are valued at between R900000 and R5-million. Although these prices may seem out of reach for many, the young, ambitious house hunters are bargaining for entry-level and average prices.
Today, R900000 will get the buyer a little fix-me-upper in a good suburb or a smaller cluster home in some of the most sought-after middle-class enclaves.
The latest house price index compiled by Absa, one of the country's biggest mortgage lenders, puts the price of an average middle-class home - measuring between 141m² and 220m² - at R998600, compared with R917600 last June.
But some savvy young buyers are negotiating with desperate sellers and walking away with bargains, according to estate agents. However, some buyers are settling for smaller homes in good suburbs, boosting average prices.
Smaller houses - measuring between 80m² and 140m² - now boast average prices of about R843700, compared with R653000 about 12 months ago. Both these types of properties - mostly little fix-me-uppers - have topped the demand list among young couples.
Jacques du Toit, Absa's senior property analyst, said: "This is because, while many households are still under financial pressure, mortgage interest rates are at their lowest level since the mid-'70s and banks' lending criteria less stringent than a year ago.
"So, as a result of these latter conditions, demand for housing has picked up but financial stress has forced people who want to buy property to look at more affordable, thus smaller, housing.
He said: "Rising electricity prices, water tariffs, property rates and taxes linked to owning a property also have to be considered (when buying)."
Average prices for large houses - measuring 221m² to 400m² - are about R1.4-million.
"Home ownership is, of course, a great way to start building wealth, and most financial advisers will tell you it is never too early to get on to the property ladder," said Martin Schultheiss, CEO of Harcourts Africa.
"But the truth is that the average age of first-time home buyers has risen steadily in recent years, from 27 to 33 in the US, for example; from 27 to 34 in the UK and here in SA from 28 to 35, according to the latest available figures."
This trend, he said, was due to the fact that many young adults now worried about being able to keep up the repayments on a home of their own if their circumstances or the financial climate were to change. Suburbs which are attracting young couples, according to Pam Golding Properties, include:
* Johannesburg: Brackendowns, south of Johannesburg, where entry level prices average R700000, while entry prices in Kensington, east of Johannesburg, start at about R900000.
* Pretoria: Eldoraigne, where the entry price is R950000, while in Rooihuiskraal entry prices average R800000.
* Cape Town: Peers Hill and Silverglades in Fish Hoek boast several homes featuring entry-level prices of about R950000. In Sunningdale and Parklands, prices range from R800000.
* Durban: Entry-level prices in Glenwood start at about R750000. A bachelor apartment can cost R350000, while a one-bedroom apartment would sell for about R450000. A two-bedroom would cost about R650000, while a three-bedroom one can fetch R750000.
* Pinetown: About 10km from Durban, entry-level properties vary from R350000 to R500000.
* East London: Beacon Bay, which consists of about 3500 homes, the entry-price tag is about R850000, while the entry-level price in nearby Vincent is R1-million.
Pam Golding Properties this week sold a three-bedroom home in Beacon Bay's Edge Road for R1.3-million within two days, to a young couple.
Times LIVE
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
NHBRC to crackdown on unregistered home builders
The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) warned industry on Wednesday that it has been "given teeth" by South Africa's Department of Human Settlements to shutdown unregistered home builders.
This comes after Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale announced in his department's 2010 budget speech that South Africa will have to fork out R1,3-billion, or 10% of the department's budget, to rectify badly built reconstruction and development programme houses.
Newly appointed NHBRC CEO Sipho Mashinini told Engineering News Online at a media breakfast in Johannesburg that the council was already reviewing about 40 projects in KwaZulu-Natal and planned to shutdown builders as early as next week.
"We will also be moving into the Eastern Cape by June 3, and are currently looking at projects in Gauteng," he added.
On concerns raised around possible lead times for nonregistered builders to comply, Mashinini said that there was "no room to break the law".
He said that the council was in the business of ensuring that homebuilders consistently delivered sustainable quality houses.
The council pointed out that registration was not only applicable to developers and home builders, but also to contractors and sub-contractors.
NHBRC said that an inspection company would be set up in South Africa's nine provinces by May 28, to ensure that quality houses were delivered. Mashinini noted that the council was also considering the possibility of setting up its own inspection company. (Read more...)
By: Loni Prinsloo
www.engineeringnews.co.za
This comes after Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale announced in his department's 2010 budget speech that South Africa will have to fork out R1,3-billion, or 10% of the department's budget, to rectify badly built reconstruction and development programme houses.
Newly appointed NHBRC CEO Sipho Mashinini told Engineering News Online at a media breakfast in Johannesburg that the council was already reviewing about 40 projects in KwaZulu-Natal and planned to shutdown builders as early as next week.
"We will also be moving into the Eastern Cape by June 3, and are currently looking at projects in Gauteng," he added.
On concerns raised around possible lead times for nonregistered builders to comply, Mashinini said that there was "no room to break the law".
He said that the council was in the business of ensuring that homebuilders consistently delivered sustainable quality houses.
The council pointed out that registration was not only applicable to developers and home builders, but also to contractors and sub-contractors.
NHBRC said that an inspection company would be set up in South Africa's nine provinces by May 28, to ensure that quality houses were delivered. Mashinini noted that the council was also considering the possibility of setting up its own inspection company. (Read more...)
By: Loni Prinsloo
www.engineeringnews.co.za
Friday, 07 May 2010
SA border towns booming
South Africa and Mozambique via the Maputo Corridor is creating positive spin-offs for the property market in neighbouring towns such as Nelspruit, Komatipoort and Malelane.
The Nkomazi municipality, which incorporates the eastern Lowveld region of Mpumalanga and is bordered by the Kruger National Park, Mozambique and Swaziland, includes towns such as Komatipoort, Marloth Park, Hectorspruit and Malelane. The Maputo Corridor runs through Gauteng and Mpumalanga — some of South Africa’s most productive and industrialised regions — across the border at Komatipoort to the deep-water port of Maputo. Infrastructural development is a key focus in order to stimulate growth and development in the region of the Maputo Corridor, which provides a cost effective transportation link. (Read more...)
www.iafrica.com
The Nkomazi municipality, which incorporates the eastern Lowveld region of Mpumalanga and is bordered by the Kruger National Park, Mozambique and Swaziland, includes towns such as Komatipoort, Marloth Park, Hectorspruit and Malelane. The Maputo Corridor runs through Gauteng and Mpumalanga — some of South Africa’s most productive and industrialised regions — across the border at Komatipoort to the deep-water port of Maputo. Infrastructural development is a key focus in order to stimulate growth and development in the region of the Maputo Corridor, which provides a cost effective transportation link. (Read more...)
www.iafrica.com
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Incentive for Property Developers Who Save Energy
Cape Town — The Department of Energy plans to offer a rebate for property developers who fit energy saving features in buildings.
Tabling the department's Budget Vote on Tuesday, Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters said there were still many hotels that didn't have energy efficient systems that for example turned off power automatically in a guest's room when they left to go out.
She said the offer presented an opportunity for businesses and homeowners to invest in metering systems which could automatically switch off electricity when it wasn't needed.
Nelisiwe Magubane, the department's director general, said R5.3 billion had been set aside in allowances. (Read more...)
BuaNews (Tshwane)
Tabling the department's Budget Vote on Tuesday, Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters said there were still many hotels that didn't have energy efficient systems that for example turned off power automatically in a guest's room when they left to go out.
She said the offer presented an opportunity for businesses and homeowners to invest in metering systems which could automatically switch off electricity when it wasn't needed.
Nelisiwe Magubane, the department's director general, said R5.3 billion had been set aside in allowances. (Read more...)
BuaNews (Tshwane)
Friday, 16 April 2010
Crackdown on housing projects
MEC for Human Settlements, Maggie Govender, has ordered a house-by-house inspection for targeted housing projects in KwaZulu-Natal thought to be sub-standard.
This includes Shauwn Mpisane's housing project in Umlazi, where homes were showing damage and retaining walls were bulging.
Govender has signed a Service Level Agreement with the National Home Builder's Registration Council (NHBRC), which will finally see shoddy contractors being named and shamed in the province.
The process is set to start within weeks once the NHBRC is given a list of targeted housing projects seen to be failing.
It will then conduct a forensic inspection on what needs to be rectified and report back to Govender to crack the whip and turn their recommendations into action. (Read more...)
By Zohra Mohamed Teke
www.iol.co.za
This includes Shauwn Mpisane's housing project in Umlazi, where homes were showing damage and retaining walls were bulging.
Govender has signed a Service Level Agreement with the National Home Builder's Registration Council (NHBRC), which will finally see shoddy contractors being named and shamed in the province.
The process is set to start within weeks once the NHBRC is given a list of targeted housing projects seen to be failing.
It will then conduct a forensic inspection on what needs to be rectified and report back to Govender to crack the whip and turn their recommendations into action. (Read more...)
By Zohra Mohamed Teke
www.iol.co.za
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Inspectors' pay delayed
THE economic slow-down has hit the construction industry hard with the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC) inspectorate temporarily unable to pay its employees, insiders say.
The problem, from which the outsourced inspectorate has now recovered – it is not directly linked to the NHBRC – stemmed from financial problems at its Gauteng head office, senior inspectorate sources say.
The inspectorate is tasked with sending housing inspectors to check on new developments and to sign them off, allowing the homes to be transferred to the owners’ names. A 1.3% levy on new residential developments goes directly to a NHBRC fund, in accordance with the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, created to protect home-owners against poor workmanship.
Ten inspectors are employed by the organisation in the Eastern Cape, with five based in Nelson Mandela Bay. All have their own businesses and are employed on an ad-hoc basis.
Since the inspectorate is paid for every home it checks, a late payment by the government, one of its biggest clients, delayed a monthly payment from its Johannesburg head office, sources said.
“It has been resolved now,” said a senior Eastern Cape inspectorate official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
But the inspectorate is now considering downsizing.
“There is simply no work,” said the official. “It leaves the inspectorate no choice but to cut back.”
Meanwhile, the Master Builders’ Association (MBA), which comprises professionals who list with the organisation, has called for the NHBRC to reduce its 1.3% levy which over the past 10 years has seen its fund grow to a massive R2-billion nationally.
Builders have no choice but to pay the levy, but say they have received little in return. When structural defaults are reported by home owners, it is the builder, not the NHBRC, who pay for repairs.
“The MBA has identified numerous problem areas with the NHBRC, many of which are dealt with through direct interaction with the NHBRC at a national level,” said MBA provincial director Greg Steele. “The MBA is also in regular contact with the local NHBRC office to assist members in resolving day to day problems .”
Steele said unnecessary delays were caused by advisers such as estate agents, architects and building consultants who lacked knowledge of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, for which the NHBRC was formed.
Brian Hayward CHIEF REPORTER
Weekend Post
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
The problem, from which the outsourced inspectorate has now recovered – it is not directly linked to the NHBRC – stemmed from financial problems at its Gauteng head office, senior inspectorate sources say.
The inspectorate is tasked with sending housing inspectors to check on new developments and to sign them off, allowing the homes to be transferred to the owners’ names. A 1.3% levy on new residential developments goes directly to a NHBRC fund, in accordance with the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, created to protect home-owners against poor workmanship.
Ten inspectors are employed by the organisation in the Eastern Cape, with five based in Nelson Mandela Bay. All have their own businesses and are employed on an ad-hoc basis.
Since the inspectorate is paid for every home it checks, a late payment by the government, one of its biggest clients, delayed a monthly payment from its Johannesburg head office, sources said.
“It has been resolved now,” said a senior Eastern Cape inspectorate official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
But the inspectorate is now considering downsizing.
“There is simply no work,” said the official. “It leaves the inspectorate no choice but to cut back.”
Meanwhile, the Master Builders’ Association (MBA), which comprises professionals who list with the organisation, has called for the NHBRC to reduce its 1.3% levy which over the past 10 years has seen its fund grow to a massive R2-billion nationally.
Builders have no choice but to pay the levy, but say they have received little in return. When structural defaults are reported by home owners, it is the builder, not the NHBRC, who pay for repairs.
“The MBA has identified numerous problem areas with the NHBRC, many of which are dealt with through direct interaction with the NHBRC at a national level,” said MBA provincial director Greg Steele. “The MBA is also in regular contact with the local NHBRC office to assist members in resolving day to day problems .”
Steele said unnecessary delays were caused by advisers such as estate agents, architects and building consultants who lacked knowledge of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, for which the NHBRC was formed.
Brian Hayward CHIEF REPORTER
Weekend Post
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Residents receive competition houses
DURING a ceremony on Tuesday, 25 houses which were built during the International Innovative Housing and Sustainable Energy Competition in Noodkamp, Wellington, were symbolically handed over to their new owners by the deputy national minister of housing, Zoë Kota-Fredericks, and Drakenstein Municipality Mayor Charmaine Manuel.
The winner of this housing construction competition will be announced in March and the company will receive prize money worth R425 000.
Eighteen local and international finalists from Kuwait, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Namibia took part in this competition to create awareness of alternative construction methods.
Absa Bank was involved in this project, in collaboration with the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council), NHFC (National Housing Finance Corporation), Agrément SA, AFD (Agence Francaise De Development), Drakenstein Municipality, Department of Housing, SDC (Swiss Development Corporation) and the University of Pretoria were involved in this project.
Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape minister of housing, congratulated all the role players on their effort.
“I am really passionate about this competition. We have to look at ways to build more sustainably, more energy-efficiently and more cost effectively.
“We have to close the gap between the subsidised housing market and the traditionally bonded market, so that those who fall into what is referred to as the Gap Market can also afford to own their own homes if they wish to do so.
“The government is limited in the funds it has available to provide housing. It can only afford to assist the poorest of the poor.
“We have to find ways to encourage private developers to service the affordable housing market and banks to finance that market.
“This competition, as well as offering new products for the subsidised housing market, has generated new ideas about how the affordable housing market might be developed and sustained.
“I am determined that this competition should be more than a once-off public relations exercise. I would like to see more of these show villages to be built around the province.
“We have to break down the prejudices against alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar building methods. The best way to do that is to show what can be built for the same cost, using other methods,” he said.
Luthando Vutula, managing executive for Absa Home Loans, said they are committed to supporting the credo that every South African has access to permanent housing that provides secure tenure, privacy, protection from the elements and access to basic services.
Sieb Sieberhagen
Paarl Post
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
The winner of this housing construction competition will be announced in March and the company will receive prize money worth R425 000.
Eighteen local and international finalists from Kuwait, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Namibia took part in this competition to create awareness of alternative construction methods.
Absa Bank was involved in this project, in collaboration with the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council), NHFC (National Housing Finance Corporation), Agrément SA, AFD (Agence Francaise De Development), Drakenstein Municipality, Department of Housing, SDC (Swiss Development Corporation) and the University of Pretoria were involved in this project.
Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape minister of housing, congratulated all the role players on their effort.
“I am really passionate about this competition. We have to look at ways to build more sustainably, more energy-efficiently and more cost effectively.
“We have to close the gap between the subsidised housing market and the traditionally bonded market, so that those who fall into what is referred to as the Gap Market can also afford to own their own homes if they wish to do so.
“The government is limited in the funds it has available to provide housing. It can only afford to assist the poorest of the poor.
“We have to find ways to encourage private developers to service the affordable housing market and banks to finance that market.
“This competition, as well as offering new products for the subsidised housing market, has generated new ideas about how the affordable housing market might be developed and sustained.
“I am determined that this competition should be more than a once-off public relations exercise. I would like to see more of these show villages to be built around the province.
“We have to break down the prejudices against alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar building methods. The best way to do that is to show what can be built for the same cost, using other methods,” he said.
Luthando Vutula, managing executive for Absa Home Loans, said they are committed to supporting the credo that every South African has access to permanent housing that provides secure tenure, privacy, protection from the elements and access to basic services.
Sieb Sieberhagen
Paarl Post
_______________________________
The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
_______________________________
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