Renovations and alterations - when are plans required?

As a general rule, approved building plans are not a requirement for a valid transfer, unless if it is a special condition in terms of the sale agreement that the Seller must provide approved copies of plans to the Purchaser prior to transfer.

Should building plans not be a special condition in your sale agreement, do not be fooled in thinking that it is therefore no reason for worry. It may be that your Purchaser's bond approval is subject to there being approved building plans.

While many property owners are fully competent of managing a home building project, the application and approval process of land use applications and building plans, is strictly regulated.

The question is always asked - when do you require building plans?

You will always require plans for the following internal alterations:-

• Walls removed, moving or added;
• Walls raised or lowered;
• Door / Windows changes (made bigger or smaller or moved) ;
• Use of a room is changed (example: garage into a habitable space);
• Carport converted to garage;
• Existing patio enclosed;
• Mezzanine floor added ;
• Any material changes

Minor works that do not need building plan approval are as follows:-

• Braais without a chimney;
• Garden sheds less than 3 m;
• Gate for cars - unless partly on pavement or the City's land;
• Replacement of windows or doors- provided the existing frames aren't load bearing, and that openings aren't enlarged or that any openings needed for fire escapes aren't removed;
• Minor repairs to a house or shop - for example, replacement of roofing or tile sheets;
• New appliances or new fittings - for example, installing a new toilet, bath or geyser, or changing the position of these, provided that the work does not include new or extended drainage or plumbing.

It is always advisable to work with accredited practitioners such as an architect or draftsman rather than trying to do it yourself.

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