The Home Detective is a must contact man for every new home..!!

Do not make a mistake of accepting a house from Developer without Jurie’s expertise!! When my husband and I got approved bond of our new home, we were very excited. Pretoria East had always been close to our hearts, and upon evaluating a new development’s show house which appealed so beautiful on the inside and outside…we just couldn’t wait to sign the building contract.

Well..we signed a building contract which seemed to have been very comprehensive, with the Architects, Engineers and all the other expertise included, which gave us a surety that with the type of team promised, the product is bound to be high quality. As an Engineer myself, eyebrows raised when the house foundation was set-out lower than the access road level… *shaking my head* On enquiry we were told it’s the Engineer’s design & will all tie-up with the channels and paving as the constructing proceeds. That did not sit well with me! Upon “Completion” the foundation was low and not even meeting the Builder’s regulation of minimum 150mm from DPC. I knew I had to do something if I want to save “future” maintenance on such a defect.

I contacted Jurie, to get his opinion on this. He then advised that not only the DPC need to be inspected but a Comprehensive Home inspection needed to be done at the property. It was December 2018 when the developer claimed to have finished the works, in January Jurie conducted an inspection which detailed about 49 pages worth of defects to be repaired. That included faulty plugs, no waterproof membranes, poorly constructed roof, staircase not meeting the standards, water pressures, incorrect installation of geysers etc.

The report was handed to the developer for rectification, in merely two weeks time the Developer claimed to have finished with the snag list, even threatening legal action on us that we are being difficult accepting the building they provided. A letter from the Developers attorneys was sent to us, instructing that we accept the building as it is.

We contacted Jurie again for follow up inspection on the first report provided. Only to find that there had been not much change, we felt strongly that the property was not worth our money since National Building Regulations compliance was literally not used.

Even though some faults we could see, Jurie played a very important part and taught us so much about the defects in the house, and what would be accepted and what would not be acceptable. He supported us all the way and proved how professional and loyal he is to his clients and profession. I remember the one time when the developed tried getting hold of Jurie to do work behind our back, Jurie did not compromise his profession nor his clients. Even today Jurie would still check up and ensure that he is there should there be the need for expert witness on the defaulted work the Developer is trying to get us to accept. Although the matter is now in the hands of the lawyers, I thank Jurie for the most important role he played in this transaction.

Had it not been for Jurie we would have just fallen into huge bond and faulty home. Bigs up’s Jurie!! My husband & I cannot thank you enough for opening our eyes. We’ll be sure to use your services on our next house purchase. We have just spotted the property being advertised for sale on online platforms.

Kate Maponya