The Implications of Building Retaining Walls Part K of SANS 10400, Walls in the National Building Regulations (NBR) covers the structural strength and stability of all walls, including those that form part of a house or other building, and both […]
Electric fences are governed by the Electrical Machinery Regulations which are part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In addition, local authorities and municipalities have their own by-laws that must be complied with. You can download the Electrical Machinery Regs […]
City of Johannesburg Relaxes Swimming Pool Plan Submissions The City of Johannesburg’s Planning Department has confirmed that they have relaxed the by-laws relating to swimming pools and plan submissions. These regulations concern the submission of plans – namely when plans […]
The PAJA: A Law to Protect Your Rights We get questions daily about buildings blocking views, balconies overlooking neighbours’ bedrooms, building approval without neighbours’ consent, developers not putting in correct storm-water drains; complaints that the neighbours wall is on “my” […]
Consolidated Johannesburg Town Planning Scheme, 2011 We have included this Johannesburg Town Planning Scheme document to assist you with accessing the the correct information so that you can make the right decisions when it comes to planning any construction, building […]
A List of Definitions and Terms Used in Town Planning Schemes Includes Land Use and Zonings Terms The Johannesburg metropolitan area is the largest, most diverse and most cosmopolitan in South Africa, so we have based this list on definitions […]
A to Z Glossary of Definitions and Terms Used in the National Building Regulation Code of Practice Every industry has terms and definitions that are specific to that industry, and the building industry is no exception. These Building Regulation […]
Strategic Planning of Boundary Walls and Fences Boundary walls and fences are one of the most controversial topics facing homeowners. We are constantly contacted by people from all parts of South Africa who want advice – or have some sort […]
How far from the boundary wall must I build? We get a number of questions asking “How close to the boundary am I (or my neighbour) allowed to build?” The site plan above is a sample and is only […]
A Review Based on Personal Experience Having just finished totally updating the ever-popular title, The Complete Book of Owner Building in South Africa I am left wondering whether owner building is a good idea or not. We’ve completed the exercise […]
Walls Support the Roof and other Loads-Part K The fundamental structure of a house is formed by its external walls, which must support the roof and take any other load that is built above. The section of the National Building […]