Welcome to FindaTradesman!
FindaTradesman comprises a listing of South African tradesmen, such as builders, electricians and plumbers. Users can search the listings by area to find a local tradesman.
Tradesmen are encouraged to claim their own listings and declare any current trade memberships, such as the National House Builders Registration Board or Electrical Contractors' Association. This assists users searching the directory to make a decision on which tradesmen to use.
ADVICE
Considering building? Do a certification and reference check
Cowboy plumbers
Beware the Electrical 'Bakkie Brigade'
Considering building?
Do a certification and reference check
In terms of the Housing Consumer Protection Measures Act of 1998, any person in the business of home building must register with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).
When you run a search for builders on FindaTradesman, you will see a list of builders in your area, and whether they have registered with the NHBRC. Before you select a builder, confirm their registration status by checking their NHBRC certificate. The certificate should be valid for a period of one year.
However, being a member of the NHBRC is no guarantee of the trustworthiness of the builder. It's very important also to check references and examine other work that they've done. If you can, run a credit check on the builder, or at least obtain references from materials suppliers. And it won't hurt to get his home address too!
For more information, go to the NHBRC's website.
Cowboy Plumbers
In Wendy Knowler's Consumer Watch column she recently covered the concept of 'cowboy' plumbers; those plumbers who aren't properly qualified and have a total disregard for plumbing standards. The Institute of Plumbing (IOP(SA)) admits that "plumbing is an easy-entry business and the standards are just not being policed".
Up until recently, plumbers could voluntarily join IOP(SA), which ensured its members used only quality plumbing products and provided compliant plumbing installation work. However, more recently a new system of plumber registration has emerged in the form of the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). Their aim is to campaign for government to legislate the compulsory registration of plumbers, and already there are several metropolitans, local authorities and insurance companies that require that any person working on plumbing works within their jurisdiction or being part of their panel plumbers to be registered with the PIRB.
When selecting a plumber, it is important to check out their qualifications and/or plumbing authority membership. If they hold a PIRB card, ask to see it.
For more information, go to the websites for IOP(SA) and PIRB.
Beware the Electrical 'Bakkie Brigade'
If you are considering having electrical work done, choose your electrician wisely. Electricians do a highly skilled job and unfortunately there are many so-called electricians who are not properly qualified to do it. These cowboys will 'make a plan' to get a job done, but whether it is done correctly or safely is another matter.
There are never any guarantees of an electrical contractor's competence but you can take certain precautions when selecting one. Firstly, check that the contractor is registered with the Electrical Contractors' Board and/or the Electrical Contractors' Assosiation (SA). Should you be dissatisfied with the contractor's work, the ECA(SA) will mediate between you and the contractor, and furthermore they guarantee the contractor's workmanship up to R15,000.
Electrical Certificate of Compliance
You will need a Certificate of Compliance when selling your house or when an electrical installation, such as in the case of an addition, is carried out.
If you require a Certificate of Compliance from your electrical contractor, request his
accreditation certificate, as issued by the Department of Labour.
There are known cases of electricians issuing invalid certificates, so take the time to verify your contractor's credentials!
For more information, go to the ECA(SA)'s website.