Is Your Builder a Master Builder?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself before appointing a builder. Is the builder a Master Builder? Can he produce the build quality you expect and pay for? What credentials can he show you?
The more research you do the more likely you are to ensure your home build is a success. Importantly, check all credentials.
You can find the right builder for the job in hand.
Claiming to be a Master Builder
In our case the developer claims that their builder is a master builder. However, he is not registered with the MBA and he certainly does not have the skills of a master builder. Take a look at this independent report on the quality of build of our eco house by this so-called “master builder”.
Misleading Marketing
The developer’s marketing material is both misleading and a misrepresentation of the facts. As the client, we believed our house was going to be built by an expert in his trade. But this builder is no expert and the horrors of our building disaster are never ending. See our blog during winter of 2021 called Winter Blues.
Unfortunately, we did not check the builder’s credentials before signing the building contract. In any event, being the first to build, we were not given the option of using our own contractor. We had to use the developer’s builder.
Basic Checks on Builders
Your home build is probably the most expensive undertaking you will make. As such it is worth spending some time doing background checks on your contractors and sub-contractors. Do the checks before you sign a building contract and before you start.
- How do you know if a builder is competent?
- Is he a master builder and a member of the Master Builders Association?
- Is he registered with the NHBRC – the National Home Builders Registration Council and is his registration current?
- Can the builder give you references?
- Can you see homes he has already built?
- Is he a member of various trade organizations like: South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC)
- Does he have liability insurance?
The Master Builders Association (MBA)
The role of the Master Builders’ Association is to promote high standards and quality of delivery. Quality control is our main interest as end-users.
Applying for Membership (MBAWC)
Each regional Master Builders’ Association may have a slightly different route to membership. Membership requirements may also differ. In the case of The Master Builders Association of the Western Cape, the process is as follows.
1. The employer firm applies to register as a member in one of various categories of membership. These categories include Main Contractor, Sub-Contractor, Supplier.
2. The firm has to demonstrate compliance with all the statutory requirements in the local industry. Compliance such as:
- Registration and compliance with the Building Industries Bargaining Council (Cape of Good Hope) Collective Agreement.
- SARS registration.
- C.O.I.D.A.(Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) insurance, etc.
3. Applicants must demonstrate technical competence in their category of registration. They must also employ trained, qualified and competent people on their sites.
The Next Step Towards Membership (MBAWC)
Firstly, the MBAWC’s membership services officers visit the applicant’s sites. Secondly, the officers assess the quality of the applicant’s work and the applicant’s general abilities. Thirdly, the officers evaluate the level of compliance with regard to Health and Safety and site orderliness. Fourthly, they interview the site staff to establish the employer’s approach to HR matters.
If the prospective member passes these hurdles, the next step is an interview by the New Members Committee. The applicant is then accepted and registered as a probationary member of the MBA Western Cape. The probation period is at least one year. During this time the probationary member is monitored closely for compliance and performance standards.
If the probationary member shows satisfactory performance during their probation, they are proposed to be elevated to Full members.
Other Types of Membership
The MBA offers Trade Membership for various trades where credentials and experience are taken into account. The various trades include:
| Brick Layers | Electricians | Masons |
| Carpet layers | Carpenters | Fencers Glaziers |
| Insulation installers | Brick, Block, and Stone Masons | Steel and Metal workers |
| Plasterers | Tilers | Plumbers |
| Water-proofers | Welders | Painters |
MBA Contact Details
Contact the MBA office by going online to: the Master Builders website.
The 9 regions each have their own websites and contact details:
- Select your regional office and find the necessary contact details
- Enquire about your builder’s membership
- For the Western Cape go to:
- www.mbawc.org.za to see all details of the Western Cape Master Builders Association.
The MBA will not recommend a particular member to you – it is up to you to access if your builder / tradesperson is right for the job you are doing.
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