Thinking of renovating your home?

PROPERTY NEWS - Renovating a home, whether it’s adding a new bedroom, redoing the kitchen, or a full-scale makeover, is a major investment. Done well, it can enhance not only the comfort and value of your property but also your daily life.

Done poorly, however, it can result in unexpected costs, delays, disputes, or even dangerous workmanship.

From budgeting and compliance to contracts and contractor selection, there’s a lot homeowners need to get right from the very beginning. To help you navigate the process with confidence, we share key insights every homeowner should know before the first brick is laid.

Don’t rush the planning and hiring stage
Failing to plan is planning to fail. It is vital to take the time upfront to think carefully about your goals, research costs including hidden ones like municipal fees and professional services and outline a realistic scope for your project.

Homeowners should also factor in contingencies. Unexpected costs almost always arise, so it’s wise to include a buffer in your budget.

Ensure that you have approved plans from your local authority before allowing the contractor to begin any site work. It’s also essential that all relevant commencement and completion documentation is submitted timeously by the contractor. Neglecting these steps can lead to legal or compliance issues down the line.

Be wary of rushing into contract agreements
Quick decisions can come back to bite you. If you skip proper due diligence, you risk hiring an unregistered or non-compliant contractor, facing legal or safety issues, or falling into conflict when things don’t go as promised.

Consider getting a minimum of two or three quotations, which should all be priced on the same scope of work and schedule of finishes.

This ensures you’re comparing apples with apples and not basing your decision purely on cost.

How to choose the right contractor
Experience is non-negotiable. Look for contractors who are not only highly experienced but are also members of professional associations like Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) and who have a history of good conduct within these organisations.

Here’s what else to check:

National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) registration (this will soon be mandatory even for alterations).
The Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC), Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) as well as SARS compliances.
A solid track record backed by referrals.
A professional online presence. Word documents and vague emails should raise a red flag.

Other warning signs? Avoid contractors who push for large upfront payments, won’t provide a written contract, or pressure you into decisions.

Always get a proper contract
A professional contract protects both parties. MBAWC recommends industry-standard agreements like the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) or JBCC Minor Works Contract with no amendments, or the MBSA (Master Builders South Africa) House Building and Small Contracts Agreement and the Agreement for Renovation and Refurbishment Work to Existing Premises.

A good contract should outline the full scope of work, timelines, penalties for delays, a clear payment schedule, warranties, dispute resolution procedures, and insurance responsibilities. It’s your blueprint for accountability.

Know your health & safety duties
Legally, the contractor is responsible for health and safety compliance on-site. But depending on the type of renovation, homeowners may have responsibilities too.

For example, if your renovation is not a simple single-storey dwelling where you live, you may be required to appoint a health and safety agent, provide a safety specification, or even conduct monthly audits.

When in doubt, speak to MBAWC for guidance on your legal obligations under the Construction Regulations (2014).

Verify registrations and compliance
Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Confirm compliance with the NHBRC, COIDA, BIBC and other relevant bodies.

While South Africa lacks a centralised verification system, MBAWC can assist homeowners in vetting members. Its website lists all its member entities and contractors and is a great place to start.

Stay involved – but don’t micromanage
Successful renovations depend on clear, ongoing communication. Hold regular site meetings, keep written minutes, and always document changes to the scope, budget or timeline. Written records help avoid misunderstandings.

If possible, appoint a qualified project manager or quantity surveyor to act on your behalf and keep things running smoothly.

Mutual respect matters
Renovations can get stressful. Mutual trust and agreed-upon rules of engagement reduces tension when challenges arise.

Respect makes it easier to collaborate, resolve disputes, and keep everyone focused on the end goal.

Homeowners set the tone for ethical building
Choosing to work only with compliant, ethical contractors helps uplift industry standards. Every time you insist on compliance, from fair labour practices to building legally, you reinforce a culture of professionalism and integrity.

Don’t cut corners by hiring the cheapest bidder without checking their credentials.

Final advice: Build smart, not fast
Do your homework. Plan thoroughly. Choose professionals, not prices. Document everything. And above all don’t rush.