Housing in Southern Africa

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

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

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.

■

NHBRC’s Role

The state-ownedNational Home Builders RegistrationCouncil

(NHBRC) has recently undergone ametamorphosis and along

the way it has become a well-respected state-owned entity.

Finishing coat and painting windows

Inspector Bulelani Gcaza