Lowveld SOUND BUILDING ADVICE
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FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
SOUND BUILDING ADVICE
Savanha Construction provide sound building advice for all construction issues and problems, and being experts in building in the bushveld, we have gained this knowledge first hand! Click on the questions below for more info.
Have a question that you need answered? Click here to e-mail us
QUESTION: What is the cost to build per square meter?
ANSWER: We are often asked the following questions:
“I want to build a 100m2 home, with 2 bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen.” Or “What is your rate per m2 to build a house?” These questions are not always possible to answer with a flat rate as can be seen by the plan below.
Note: The diagram is a basic estimate of which the rates and other information is not current but merely informs/educates people the relationship between area, shape, size (the same size dwelling) and cost
Other factors that further influence costs are the finishes such as sanitary and kitchen ware, taps, tiles, floor covering and roof structure. The number of walls (internal and external) needed to be built. An open plan design will have less walls that one that is closed off. The number of electrical and plumbing points can increase or decrease the cost. The type of plot is a big factor in cost estimation. Things such as the slope of the ground, the height of house above natural ground, soil conditions, the distance and type of services to the house, location of the construction site and site access will affect the per meter cost. Lastly, governing rules and regulations imposed on the building contractor during the construction.
Also see this site for more info: http://www.asaqs.co.za/public/building_cost.html This page provides the visitor with a basic understanding of the influence of design on building cost. There is also a link to the site of a prominent quantity surveying firm where indications are given of the anticpated building costs for a variety of buildings. Please remember that the best advice will be obtained by consulting a registered quantity surveyor in your area. You may find a quantity surveying practice near you by using this search facility.
To get a quote on building, please contact us so that we can arrange a site meeting whereby an accurate quotation can done. please e-mail us.
QUESTION: Golden Brown Baboon spiders are protected by law and may not be killed. They are also difficult to relocate. How do you deal with a golden brown baboon spider on a building site?
ANSWER: The Golden Brown Baboon Spider lives in a hole that takes it between five to seven years to construct. Once this spider has excavated a hole, adults loose some of their instinctive know how for digging. Building a new hole is time consuming, leaving the spider vulnerable to predation for too long and they soon die. As such, construction will, wherever possible, try and build around the burrow to help conserve this species.
Savanha Construction together with the Hoedspruit Khamai Reptile Park and the Southern Cross Schools implemented a procedure to protect the Golden Brown Baboon Spider. This will be done by the Southern Cross Schools for all construction and development projects contracted to Savanha Constrcution in the Hoedspruit region.
These pictures are of such work done on one of our Moditlo projects.
If a Golden Brown Baboon Spider burrow is found on building site, we will to Record at the following information:
1. Date of moving of spider
2. Location of spider recorded
3. GPS co-ordinates of burrow taken
4. Current Temperature (Celcius)
5. Wind Speed (km/hr)
6. Humidity (%)
7. Altitude (meters above sea level)
Soil samples will need to be taken from the entrance of the burrow plus another from the base of the burrow. Should the spider be removed from this burrow and relocated, a mould will be taken of the burrow so that this can be replicated at the new site.
We are committed to preserving our environment and building in a way that benefits all. Need some advice on how to deal with the Golden Brown Baboon Spider on a building site? please e-mail us.
QUESTION: What is a certificate of occupation and why do we need it?
ANSWER: The Certificate of Occupancy is a document that is issued whenever a building has been constructed – whether it is new or it is as an addition to a current structure.
It provides authorization from the local government for a building to be utilized as (for example) a private residence and is done before a resident may officially move it. The purpose of the certificate is to provide verification that the building is in full compliance with current building codes, and is safe for occupancy. Local authorities require builders to be registered with the NHBRC. Local authorities may also require a certificate from an exterminator as termites in bush areas may pose some serious problems if not adequately controlled.
QUESTION: What are the building limitations when building on Raptor’s View in Hoedspruit?
ANSWER: Building, and living on Raptor’s View is governed by the Home Owners Association rules.
Some building guidelines include the following: The main house design will need to be under thatch. There are standard colours that you may paint the exterior walls. There is a 20 meter build area from site peg. Buildings all need to be single storey. No exterior lighting at night is permitted. You may only plant indigenous plants. No lightning conductors are permitted. Swimming pools need to be constructed in a way so as to protect animals from falling in. Building plans will need to be approved by the home owners association.
We know building on Raptor’s View best! Interested in building on Raptor’s View? Please e-mail us! Click here to see our projects completed on Raptor’s View.
Download more info here > Raptors View Spec doc.pdf
QUESTION: What is the NHBRC and what does it mean to me and my building project?
ANSWER: The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) was established in terms of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998). The Council is mainly established to protect the interest of housing consumers, and to regulate the home building industry.
Many housing consumers have had difficulties with their home builders. In the past there had been very little assistance for consumers should they be in dispute with a builder. Whilst many builders are good, service oriented companies, the actions of the bad elements has given the building industry a poor reputation.
The Act has been created to provide protection to buyers of new homes against the so-called "fly-by-night" builders. That is, builders who either build to an unacceptable quality standard or builders who refuse to get involved in the rectification of built-in defects in the home. The Act does this through the creation in law of a regulatory body known as the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).
The Act ensures that:
- All builders of new homes register with the NHBRC.
- All new homes, no matter what price or demographic area, are provided with a "deemed warranty"
- All new homes are covered by a "deemed warranty" which means, that by law a builder must:
- Rectify any defects that occur in the first three months after occupation
- Rectify any roof leaks that occur in the first twelve months after occupation
- Rectify any major structural defects that occur in the first five years after occupation
- Enrol all new homes with the NHBRC.
- Be aware that, neither mortgage loans, nor provincial housing board subsidies, will be granted without the home being enrolled with the NHBRC.
If a defect happens and the consumer is having difficulty with their home builder, they can contact the NHBRC for assistance. The consumer does not have to employ Lawyers, Architects or Engineers to assist them in the event of a defined structural defect. For more information, click here to visit the NHBRC site.
Savanha Construction is NHBRC registered. For more information, or to enquire about our services, please e-mail us.
QUESTION: What is a green building?
ANSWER: A green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible - which incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact on the environment and its occupants. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more productive environments for people to live and work in.
Savanha Construction, dedicated to building environmentally sound structures in environmentally delicate areas, is proud to be registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa. Click here to visit their site!
To find out more about green building in the bush, click here to e-mail us
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