AN INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
While there can be no substitute for experience, the ultimate definition of a ‘professional’ is someone registered with a body whose existence is aimed at offering protection to the public through statutory control. A notable tendency in the residential building industry is that more and more clients are attempting to ‘owner-build’ their new homes. The availability of specialist sub-contractors, covering most aspects of building a new home, is making the role of ‘owner-builder/project manager’ more viable. Changes in the residential building market have resulted in an extremely competitive industry, saturated with sub-contractors offering extremely attractive deals to the ‘untrained eye’. In short, the residential building industry is full of ‘fly-by-night, bakkie builders’ whose aim is to undercut all other quotes and then to make money by compromising quality.
The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ seems more appropriate now than ever before. One’s best protection in this high-risk market is to employ the services of a professional. For most, the investment in a home is the biggest financial commitment one will ever make. Ensure that the best value for money is achieved by utilising at least one ‘professional’ on the list of consultants for the building project. While there can be no substitute for experience, the ultimate definition of a ‘professional’ is someone registered with a body whose existence is aimed at offering protection to the public through statutory control. Professionals are bound by a code of ethics, enforceable by law. There are many professionals involved in a building project. From the architect/designer, right down to the interior decorator. It is vital to check references, call up past clients and view completed projects (where applicable) before entering into an agreement. This section outlines various professionals involved in the industry.
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