IMPORTANCE OF
COUNCILS BUILDING INSPECTORS
This may seem like skipping to the end before you read the
first chapter, but the building inspectors are a vital cog in the building plan
process.
A plan once approved is valid for a start within 12 months
of date of approval, after which it expires and would need to be re submitted. The only way that council knows that work has
started, is if you call the building inspector. If this isn’t done, council will
assume you haven’t started. In 12 months your plan expires, and hey presto the
work which is complete is all of a sudden unauthorised.
Make sure your builder, pool contractor, thatched lapa or
patio roof guy – contacts the building inspector – often they don’t! If you decide to build a brick braai in the garden
over a weekend, you need a plan approved
and the BI involved.
If your contractor tells you this isn’t necessary, call
council and check for yourself.
I talked to a client recently who wanted a roof over her
patio, and the contractor was telling her he could start before the plan was
approved. In her particular case, the structure would extend to a side boundary
and require approval of a departure from the zoning scheme, and consent of
neighbours. She also is in an area where plans have to be approved by the
original developer, and they have very definite rules and requirements about
the type of roof cover that could be built. A patio roof cover supported on an
aluminium or steel structure has to be specified by an engineer, and this is
required before plan approval. Support posts have to be centrally cast in
foundations, and even the foundation below ground is not allowed to extend over
a boundary. Lots of things to be sure of
before the building can start !
The building inspector should inspect at the trench and
foundation stage. He will look to see that the setting out is correct, ie that
it is being built as shown on the approved plan, and isn’t extending over any
boundaries. He will want to see the foundations once the concrete is poured. He
may call randomly during the building period to check progress. The final stage
is to call him when the work is complete. He will check to see that it has been
built as per the approved plan, and if all is okay he will issue an “ occupancy
certificate” and close the file.
The building inspectors, certainly in the Blaauwberg region
are practical and friendly individuals, and they are there to protect you. They
will be looking to see that normal building practices are being applied,, and
if used correctly can prevent a lot of future frustration.
No comments:
Post a Comment