Consumers warned against unregistered contractors
many desperate contractors are willing to cut corners to secure work.
Consumers have been warned against enlisting unregistered contractors on construction or renovation projects.
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) said there has been increase in the number of queries and complaints from the public relating to poor workmanship.
‘This is a recurring problem and can, for the most part, be attributed to a tough economy. Consumers look to cut costs and many desperate contractors are willing to cut corners to secure work.
‘Unfortunately, by the time consumers reach out to the ITC-SA to address sub-standard workmanship or compliance, little that can be done beyond providing advice to remedy the situation if the contractor in question is not a member of the Institute,’ said ITC-SA General Manager, Amanda Obbes.
ITC-SA is a body for the timber construction industry which monitors each of its members and carries out random inspections for quality assurance at both truss plants and building sites.
‘In trying economic times, it is increasingly common for consumers to be tempted to save money on the construction of a roof, timber home or deck, but this comes at a much higher price in the long run, with much more at stake than just financial burden.
‘Consumers who severely cut costs on building projects will most often have to spend even more money to fix the problems that arise from using sub-standard materials and workmanship.
‘In many cases, the problem cannot be fixed, but rather has to be undone, before correct building or installation can begin. This is not to mention the physical threat to life and valuable possessions posed by non-compliant structures,’ said Obbes.
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