For Homeowners
Hiring a builder or tradesperson safely in South Africa: the checks, the certificates and your CPA rights.
4 guides in this section
Check a Builder Is Registered
Check any SA builder or tradie on the free CIDB, NHBRC, PIRB, SAQCC Gas, DEL and PSIRA registers, and demand the right electrical, plumbing, gas or electric fence CoC.
Deposits, Contracts and Your CPA Rights
Fair builder deposits (10 to 33 percent), what a small-works contract needs, and your CPA section 54 to 57 rights plus the NHBRC warranty and its R500,000 cap.
Builder Scams and the Construction Mafia
Spot builder-scam red flags, handle construction-mafia "site fee" demands safely (never pay, document, report to the SAPS), and know where to complain in SA.
What Building Work Should Cost
Indicative-only SA cost ranges for CoCs, handyman, flooring, kitchens, pools, boreholes and new builds, plus why to get at least three quotes over R5,000.