Housing in Southern Africa October 2015

NHBRC’s Role

M andated by the National De- partment of Human Settle- ments, the NHBRC ensures that builders, developers, construc- tion companies and stakeholders in the residential sector comply with building standards, codes and practices. Housing home builders are re- quired to enrol newhouses across the residential spectrumwith theNHBRC, which provides assurance through the NHBRC Warranty Scheme. The warranty provides cover for a period of five years on all new residential mortgaged units and government subsidy units, built by a registered NHBRC Home Builder and enrolled with the NHBRC. This includes the structural integrity of the founda- tions, walling and roofs. In the event of structural defects, the consumer has recourse through the NHBRC that the structural problem will be repaired. The Home Builder is required to provide the consumer with the Standard Home Builders Warranty, which states that the Home Builder will rectify any defect in respect of the superstructure and the roof structure for a period of five years following occupation NHBRC’s 220 strong-inspection team operates countrywide, with a Building Quality Index for Housing (BQIH) checklist that contains the minutest details. The inspectors conduct a minimum of four inspec- tions per house in the fully subsidised sector - the sub structure/foundation, the super structure, practical comple- tion and storm water management. For non-subsidy housing, the number of compulsory checks var- ies according to the typologies

The state-ownedNational Home Builders RegistrationCouncil (NHBRC) has recently undergone ametamorphosis and along the way it has become a well-respected state-owned entity.

standards and codes. Inspectors are tremendously proud of the work that they do and, of the assistance they offer to newly established builders, seasoned contractors and develop- ers. Instead of inspectors being seen as a nuisance or someone who is going to make the home builders life difficult, there is a new respect for the inspectors. The inspectors have the responsi- bility to ensure that housing consum- ers, beneficiaries and stakeholders receive quality housing that meets all standards. An inspector can identify recur- ring problems on site - perhaps the mortar mix is not the right colour or texture or the curing of the cement foundation shows cracks - this failure to satisfy general requirements will be deemed to be an issue of non- compliance, as well as a breach of the NHBRC’s rules. The inspector will then approach the training depart- ment to come on site and inform the contractor that the NHBRC will be providing assistance. The NHBRC Centre for Research and Housing Innovation provide on- site training and technical assistance. This will save the housing developer, builder or contractor time, energy and money. The NHBRC will ensure that the labour force has been upskilled and that the building complies with the regulations. This also eliminates any disputes of non-compliance and pay- ment being withheld. ■

and additional inspections include plumbing, carpentry, electrical and water proofing. Housing typologies include social housing, section- al title, social housing walk-ups, Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme units, Gap market, af- fordable housing, rental stock, up- market residential estates, develop- ments, government fully subsidised and student accommodation. The quality of the housing struc- ture is underpinned by stringent legislation. The Home Building Man- ual is based on normal construc- tion procedures and recommended practices, which have been shown to be satisfactory and acceptable over time. Provision has beenmade for al- ternative buildingmethods, provided it is Agrément certified or has NHBRC Rational Design approval. TheNHBRCHomeBuildingManual provides the Home Builder with a wealth of technical data and mini- mum requirements, good building guidelines and illustrations. The Manual does not replace or overrule existing Building Regulations/Codes of Practice but is a reference docu- ment for home builders to adhere to accepted quality standards. The inspectors are government’s ‘eyes and ears’ on building sites to verify quality housing and ensure that all builders, contractors and developers follow the rules. Most built environment professionals understand that the NHBRC is there to ensure compliance with building

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Finishing coat and painting windows

Inspector Bulelani Gcaza