We share the fastest way to register at the NHBRC in South Africa and we also answer other frequently asked questions on the NHBRC.
On this page, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions on NHBRC registration in South Africa to help you get the document you need.
Please note this page does not serve as legal advice and it’s important to check for any regulation changes at the relevant authorities.

We will be answering 8 FAQs, so please scroll down to the question that is relevant to your Construction Business.

OR simply Apply Online for a Free Consulation.

Getting your enrolment requirement in order and filling out every step of the registration process correctly can take time – especially if it is your first time registering for the NHBRC.

That’s why we developed a fast-tracked NHBRC service which offers you step-by-step support through all 16 steps of NHBRC registration. A dedicated NHBRC consultant to guide you through every step of the way: the NHBRC enrolment process; how to get outstanding documents fast; how to complete your NHBRC test successfully and how to get your subsequent renewals.

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The registration itself can take 5 working days, however, the entire registration process can take much longer, because there are various NHBRC enrolment requirements (see below) and 16 different steps to the entire registration process including a test.

We have a team of over 40 business experts who are trained to support you with faster, simpler ways to complete company administration like NHBRC registration. Talk to one of our NHBRC experts right here.

For 2022, there is an NHBRC application fee of R745.61 and an annual membership fee of R526.32.

You will need the following documents to register your business at the NHBRC. If you still need any of these documents, our NHBRC experts can help you get any of these documents in record-breaking time-frames. Just give us a call.

• Certified copies of:

– A Shareholding certificates
– Incorporation
– The IDs / Passports of every member, director, trustee, partner or sole proprietor

• A Company Registration Certificate
• An NHBRC application form
• A letter from your bank stating your business’s bank details (in the last 3 months)
• Your paid applications fee
• Proof of residence (in the last 3 months)
• Appointment letter of your Technical Manager (if he/she is not the business owners or is not part of the Managing members)

The technical exam is based on the Home Builders Manual Part 1, 2 and 3. These are manuals you must acquire. You must pass the exam within 30 days, after paying the application fee. You have two attempts to pass the exam.

This test is compulsory for your Technical Manager and it is important to schedule your assessment at the nearest NHBRC customer care office because there are certain dedicated times for assessments.

If you sign up for our NHBRC service, your dedicated consultant will help you (or your Technical Manager) prepare for the exam with possible test questions.

NHBRC requires you to pass a test before granting your NHBRC Registration Number. A representative of your Company (your Technical Manager) will need to sit this test. It is an open book test, and we will assist with examples of possible test questions.

The National Home Builders Association (NHBRC) is a regulated body of the building industry. It’s supported by the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act of 1998 (Act No.95 of 1998).

The goal of the NHBRC is ensuring homes are built safely for its homeowners. It safeguards both citizens and the larger construction industry from fly-by-night construction companies. The aim is stopping construction businesses from entering the industry competitively when they lack the knowledge or the commitment to construct safe homes with safe electricity, water and refuse systems.

The NHBRC does this by establishing and regulating building standards with registration, training and inspections. This authority body also helps housing consumers enforce these standards.

It also warrants any bad workmanship to enable the consumer to have it fixed for up to 5 years in specific instances (look at the complaints question below for more details).

Here are the obligations that apply to home building businesses, according to the NHBRC:

• To register your business at the NHBRC and to renew your membership every year.
• Making sure you have a written agreement or a contract with the home owner before you start working.
• Ensuring the home building project is enrolled 15 days before construction begins.
• To construct the home, according to the NHBRC’s technical requirements and the requirements set in your written agreement / contract with the homeowner.
• Ensure you rectify any minor faults or deficiencies that the housing consumer notifies you of, up to three months after they have moved into the unit. This specifically relates to the non-compliance of terms, plans, specification or deficiencies in the design, material or the workmanship.
• In terms of roof leaks, ensure you repair within 7 working days. A consumer can notify you of a leak rook up to one year after occupancy.
• Rectify a major structural defects up to 5 years after the consumer has moved into the property.

Yes, NHBRC registration is compulsory for both construction companies and construction projects. While construction companies are responsible for registering their businesses, homeowners are responsible for registering their home building projects. A homeowner should register his / her home construction project 14 days before the first day of construction.

The term “Home”, in terms of the NHBRC, refers to any dwelling that is constructed or that will be constructed for residential purposes – that also includes any dwelling units that are only partially for residential purposes.

Typically, there are no exceptions for home building business. However, there are some exceptions for consumers who build their own homes, because the NHBRC is specifically focused on the building industry and the businesses that operate within this industry.

The Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act of 1998 (Act No.95 of 1998).

• NHBRC compliance enables you to apply for Loans, Funding, Contracts and Tenders because it usually requires an NHBRC registration number.
• It offers you access to all the training programs and all the resources the NHBRC offers to South African home builders.
• As a registered NHBRC Company you have the added credibility as an accredited home builder.
• Your business gets access to the mediation services that the NHBRC offers to builders and owners.

However, there is an additional financial loss to not register with the NHBRC. Without an NHBRC registration number, you can usually not apply for loans, contract or tender opportunities. Businesses that do not meet NHBRC requirements are assumed to be unsafe or untrustworthy builders.

There is a refundable enrolment fee that applies to every new construction project and payable by the homeowner. Here is a helpful enrolment fee calculator.

If a project and the home builder is registered at the NHBRC, it offers dispute management to resolve issues between a homeowner and home builder.

This relates to 3 different issues and 3 different periods:

Minor defects can be noted within 3 months from the date of occupation.
A roof leak can be noted within 1 year from the date of occupation.
Major structural defects can be noted within 5-years from the date of occupation.

Regardless of the issue, the homeowner must offer the home builder a written complaint of the particular issue. The homeowner should also offer the builders easy access to the location for rectifications.

At this point, the homeowner must pay all his/her due payments to the involved construction company. If the construction company still doesn’t correct minor issues within 21 working days or the roof leak and major structural changes within 7 days, the NHBRC will step in.

If the construction company is found guilty of offences, penalties, prison time and / or suspension from the NHBRC may apply.

A NHBRC Certificate proves that a home is enrolled with the NHBRC. It is valid for 5 years after the date of occupation or the date that the homeowner contractually accepts the unit as a finished home.