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these contracts must still be carefully scrutinised and completed to
ensure that any associated risks are properly managed. As these
contracts can be difficult to complete and understand, it remains
prudent to obtain legal advice and help to make sure that you
contract carefully and correctly. This way, should problems arise during
the project (as they often do), you are covered contractually.

If your project is to be financed through a building loan, it is important
to consult your bank. They may have additional requirements and may
Commercial be followed. Make sure you understand their requirements and build
require additional experts to be appointed and internal approvals to
this into your project.
Once your team is appointed, plans have been drawn up, and you
have all necessary documentation in hand, you can apply to your
local municipality for permission to start your building project. Make
sure your application contains all the required information and is in
the prescribed format. Do not commence with your building activities
before all the necessary approvals have been obtained.

The municipality may put a stop to your unauthorised building
activities and you may even end up with a fine for each day during
which you undertook the unauthorised building activities. The local
municipality in considering your plans must apply its mind. They will
look at the motivation from the building control officer, as well as the
provisions of the Act and any local by-laws and rules when exercising
their discretion.

When you have your approved plans, you can continue. Remember
that any scope changes during construction will have to be updated
on your building plans and may even need additional approvals
should they be substantial in nature. Certain stages of your building
project (e.g. laying of foundation, plumbing and electrical) will also
involve building inspectors that must conduct on-site inspections to
see if the construction and raw materials being used are compliant
with the relevant standards.
Finally, once your home is built, remember to obtain your certificate
of occupancy from your builder before moving in. This will also be an
important requirement for your bank should you build with a building
loan.
As you will notice, a building project can be a daunting task and littered
with potential risks. Good preparation to face these risks is therefore
of paramount importance. So make sure you obtain advice upfront
and put the necessary contractual frameworks in place to help you
minimize and manage your risk throughout the project.

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