COMPANY NOT ENROLLED WITH COUNCIL

THE National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) have confirmed that the properties developed by Woodglaze Trading are not enrolled with the council.

According to the NHBRC regional marketing and communications spokesperson, Noxolo Mnculwane, the mandate to the NHBRC is to protect the housing consumers and regulate the home building industry as per the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998.

“Woodglaze Trading is not enrolled with the NHBRC. This is an oversight on the developer's part. The council only inspects houses that are enrolled with them,” said Mnculwane.

She added that the council's provincial manager, Gary Olckers, has called for a meeting with the developer to explain why these properties were not enrolled.

According the NHBRC website, in terms of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 09 of 1998, any person in the business of home building must be registered with the NHBRC. The evaluation of registration is based on technical, construction and financial capabilities.

The following is a summary of the home builder's obligations:

Home builders or developers must register with the NHBRC and renew membership annually.

Enter into a written agreement with their client before construction commences.

The home must be enrolled at least 15 days prior to start of construction.

Ensure the home is constructed in accordance with the NHBRC'S technical requirements and the terms, plans and specifications of the written agreement.

Rectify non-compliance with terms, plans and specifications or any deficiency related to design, workmanship or materials as notified by the housing consumer within a period of three months from date of occupation.

Repair roof leaks attributable to workmanship, design or materials as notified by the housing consumer which occurs within a period of twelve months from date of occupation.

Rectify major structural defects as notified by the housing consumer which manifests within a period of five years from date of occupation.

If home builders are not enrolled with the NHBRC, they will not be recognised by financial institutions as an accredited home builder.

Woodglaze Trading refused to comment despite numerous requests.