Faulty wiring in the roof cavity
A HouseCheck inspection (normally paid for by the buyer) does not substitute for the compulsory electrical compliance certification (normally paid for by the seller). However, HouseCheck inspectors are trained to spot and document problems with the electrical installation – such as this illegal cable joint in a roof cavity. Lack of junction boxes, open junction […]
Electric fence dangers
Electrical fencing can be extremely dangerous if not properly installed by a qualified expert. John Graham CEO of HouseCheck says non-compliant electric fencing is now also illegal in South Africa and property owners – including home owners, body corporates and businesses – are at risk if someone gets hurt because their electric fence installation is […]
Regular home maintenance pays big dividends
One way to keep maintenance “doable” is to pick one room per year to improve. If you think of home maintenance as an unavoidable series of weekend-eating chores, remember prevention is easier than cure. Proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the value of your home—without it the value of your home will be affected. Regular, […]
Compliance certificates now needed for electric fences
South African property owners are now required by law to ensure that all new electric fence systems, or changes to existing systems, are compliant with safety regulations. Previously there were no regulations governing electric fences. The new regulation (the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act No. 85 of 1993, Regulation 12 of the Electrical Machinery […]
Thatch poses big fire risk
The disaster last night when a reported 100 people at St Francis Bay lost their homes in a run-away fire should be a wake-up call for all South African home owners . John Graham, CEO of the home inspection company HouseCheck says the increasing use of thatch for house roofs and also for garden […]
5 Maintenance tips to keep your house in top condition
Your home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make – and it needs to be carefully looked after. Homeowners should perform regular maintenance to keep their property in the best shape possible and ensure it retains its value. Many of the defects HouseCheck finds when inspecting existing properties are the result of neglect […]
Buying a house? The 5-year rule
When looking to buy a house you should ask yourself how long you are likely to stay in the house. Of course, most people don’t know these sorts of things for sure, but generally it is a good ide to make sure that I’d own the house for at least five years. The Upgrade Cycle […]
HouseCheck launches SAHITA and makes its home inspection training available to all
In order to uplift standards and stimulate the development of the home inspection industry in South Africa, HouseCheck, one of South Africa’s leading home inspection companies has decided to make its extensive technical training material available to anyone who wants to become a home inspector. John Graham, CEO of HouseCheck, said that up to now […]
How to avoid buying a money pit
If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you need to do everything in your power to steer clear of buying a house which becomes a nightmare after you move in and you only then discover that the roof leaks, or there’s damp in the walls, or that the geyser installation is both […]
Estate agency chiefs warn agents about the CPA
According to Bill Rawson, chairman of Rawson Properties, there is “much ignorance” among estate agents and consumers as to how the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) affects property transactions. Rawson adds that leaders in the property industry had mostlysupported the more stringent transparency concepts which were now enforceable under the CPA Rawson is quoted in the […]