Author: Kobus de Beer– Director
The abbreviation NHBRC is very important to all prospective buying off plan new homeowners. The National Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998 established the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) in 1998 with an important mandate in mind.
This mandate is to protect and assist housing consumers. The NHBRC further ensures that builders comply with prescribed building industry standards.
Any person who is involved in the home building industry is required by law to register as a home builder with the NHBRC. Failing to be registered is regarded as a criminal offence and punishable by law. The builder is also required to register your new home building project with the NHBRC 15 days before the build starts. Renovations and additions are not required to be registered with the NHBRC. As a housing consumer you have rights, and the NHBRC is there to assist and guide you. How, you may ask? The NHBRC provides warranty protection against defects. NHBRC building inspectors will visit the project from time to time to evaluate the standards of the building project and explain the benefits of using certified home builders. Building a new home requires skill and knowledge from your home building contractors. The housing market is not easy, and home builders are also looking for new ways to survive. Cutting costs by using inferior building materials and shoddy workmanship are only a few of the many ways to increase profitability.
Legally required membership in the NHBRC by home builders and registering new home building projects come at a cost to the home builder. The result of homeowners’ failure to ask their home builders’ registration details and not insisting on their new home being registered with the NHBRC is detrimental to the realisation of their new home investment. Because then you, as the housing consumer, will not benefit from the NHBRC’s assistance as envisaged.
We at Lawtons Africa are here to help both homeowners and home builders, should you find yourselves in a similar position.
Lawtons Africa is a South African law firm. With roots that grew out of seeds sown in down-town Johannesburg in 1892, our history features various changes and different names. Our team of lawyers, including directors, consultants, associates and candidate attorneys is highly qualified, market-recognised and skilled. For further information, visit www.lawtonsafrica.com