What are building alterations?
What are building alterations?
An alteration is defined as a limited construction project for an existing building that comprises the modification or replacement of one or a number of existing building systems or components. Alterations are less than total building modernizations.
What could be the consequences of non compliance when building without the approval of the municipality?
The new owner could be liable for a fine imposed by the municipality for owning a dwelling that does not comply with the approved building plans or may have to demolish parts of the dwelling that are not approved in order to ensure compliance.”
How long are building plans valid for in South Africa?
one year
Approved building plans are valid for one year only, but the City of Cape Town’s Development Management Department says that residents have an opportunity to apply for an extension. Residents can apply for an extension before the validity of the building plan has lapsed.
Can we get building approval after construction?
After the construction is completed, Completion certificate is mandatory for building constructed before selling the building. The completion certificate is issued after the inspection process. Issuing of Completion Certificate will ensure that the builder or owner has constructed the building as per approved plan.
What is a Level 2 alteration?
Level 2 alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.
What is a structural alteration to a building?
Structural alteration means any change to the supporting members of a building including foundations, bearing walls, or partitions, columns, beams or girders, or any structural change in the roof or in the exterior walls.
What happens if you build without plans?
At best, the absence of approved plans may cause the municipality to refuse plans for any future renovations by the Purchaser. At worst, the municipality could make a finding that the illegally erected structure must be demolished.
Can you sell a house without building regulations?
Yes, you, even if the previous owner was the one who made the building alterations. This means that if you don’t make the appropriate actions and the building regulation standards aren’t met, you can get fined or even face court proceedings.
How long are approved plans valid for?
How long are my approved plans valid for? A. One year after approval, you will need to resubmit the plans (a small administration fee is payable) to renew them after a year has passed if you haven’t started building already).
How much does it cost to draw up house plans in South Africa?
According to these “standard rates” architects should charge approximately 8% for full service on a typcial 400m² house, assuming an average building cost of approximately R12 500m². This can be allocated as follows: 5% for municipal approved plans, and 3% for site supervision and acting as Principal Agent.
How are building permission fees calculated?
The present scale of fees for building permit is as follows: i) Industrial buildings – Rs. 5/- per sqm of covered area on all floors ii) Residential buildings – Rs. 2/- per sqm of covered area on all floors.
How long do building plans take to be approved?
Although timeframes vary, a rule of thumb is that plan approval can take up to 30 days. There are, generally, seven types of documents that comprise a submission: Building plans: four to eight copies, depending on the size and nature of the proposal.
What is a Level 3 alteration?
Level 3 Alteration is level 2 alterations where the work area exceeds 50% of the aggregate area of the building (total floors area). Triggers in this classification are work that potentially affects the building’s fire protections systems, vertical openings, means of egress, accessibility and structural system.
What are spot items in construction?
The term ‘spot items’ refers to items of existing buildings that require alteration and repair. Typically, spot items will be set out in progression from location to location in the building, as this makes monitoring and estimating easier and clearer.
What are non structural alterations?
Non-Structural Alterations means painting, wallpapering, the installation of carpeting, bookcases, shelves, partitions, non-load bearing walls, paneling, furniture or moveable fixtures, or the hanging of pictures or other decorative items which can be removed without permanent damage to the applicable surface, or …
What is a structural modification?
Structural Modification is the process of re-engineering the structure of a building in order to accommodate a proposed change, to correct structural damage or a structural defect. Within the demolition industry Structural Modification is often referred to as “Cut and Carve”.
Where are building plans kept?
From the County Clerk Visit the county clerk’s office in the county where your home resides. This may be called the county recorder or land registrar in some municipalities. Once there, request copies of the blueprints on file for the property.
Are building regulations enforceable after 10 years?
Despite the fact that there is no time limit on the local authority’s right to apply for an injunction, it is generally accepted that if 10 years or more have passed since the work was carried out then there is no serious risk of action fro breach of building regulations being taken.
How long before a building becomes lawful?
If a building is equipped with the essential facilities required for normal day-to-day living, and can therefore be classed as a dwelling, and has been in continuous occupation as a dwelling for at least 4 years, then the owners are entitled to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Do building plans expire?
It varies from municipality to municipality but in general your building plans will be valid for one year after approval, you can renew for a further year, but thereafter the plans would be treated as a new submission In some cases you can get away with putting the foundations in and then finishing the building at a …