Housing in Southern Africa October-November 2016

Industry Buzz

Building contracts

A ccording to Uwe Putlitz, CEO of the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC), South Afri- ca’s leading organisation that protect the rights of all parties involved in building contracts, there is alarming lack of awareness among smaller, and emerging building contractors. “Many emerging contractors lack communication and administrative skills in addition to limited technical skills and the use of labour-saving equipment. Subcontractors also are often abused by main contractors when it comes to payments, which are often late or only partially paid. This kind of practice impacts on the survival for the smaller builder in a struggling economy. This is exac- erbated because far too few subcon- tractors or emerging contractorswork on aproject without having a formally ratified contract,” Putlitz stated. “Then, to make matters even worse, many subcontractors or emerging contractors tend to read whatever form of contract they hold only when a crisis happens on site.” Putlitz says that JBCC has already simplified the use of language and style of JBCC Agreements, “Basi- cally, if a JBCC Agreement is in place, contractors as well as the principal agent involved in a building project merely have to follow the content of the Agreement’s clauses within the stipulated time limits to avoid disputes. But far too many of these parties regard contract administra- tion as time-consuming and consider compliance with statutory and con- tractual provisions as a nuisance and threat to their company’s productiv-

Almost 100 000 people are involved with building contracts in the SouthAfrican construction sector every year – but the majority know very little of the contracts in common use, or the legal procedures.

such changes to the original Agree- ment. The employer may think the change to an Agreement is minor but often the repercussions are far-reach- ing for the rest of the construction team. The disputes and stress that follows late changes to Agreements is disruptive and could be avoided if the provisions in the contract are followed.” JBCC provides training seminars twice annually in Cape Town, Johan- nesburg and Durban and in-house seminars for contractors, subcontrac- tors and property developers. For further information con- tact +27 11 086 100 5222 or visit info@jbcc.co.za ■ “Once the tool has been set up, press the red button and start sand- ing. The sanding paper grips firmly to the sanding plate thanks to the micro Velcro-type fastening system. However, it can also be comfortably detached and reattached. Each sand- ing sheet offers two spare tips. The long, flat tip of the iron- shaped sanding plate allows users to sand corners and edges on smaller objects, and in particular allows them to reach tight, hard-to-reach spots. The Bosch micro-filter system with dust extraction connection keeps the area clean during the job. ■

ity. It is so important that contractual obligations are recorded and met such as inspections on site, record keeping, and issuing of instructions and various certificates.” Putlitz says, “Although JBCC Agreements form a binding contract between all the parties involved on a building project, far too many employers - after the Agreement has been signed - make changes that are unfair to contractors. This leads to the contractors in turn imposing totally unfair perfor- mance and payment conditions on subcontractors. At training seminars, we concentrate on the unintended, but also inevitable, consequences of S lim, compact and lightweight, the Bosch PSM Primo multi- sander is the ideal tool for sanding corners, edges and smaller to medium-sized surfaces. Bosch Brand Manager Ninet Bos- man says that the PSM Primo offers a compact, attractive and trendily- designed multi-sander. It is 30% lighter than conventional sanders, weighing only 600 grams. The long, narrow tip is able to reach even the tightest corner. Equipped with a 50 W motor, the power-to-weight ratio is impressive. Side handle recesses make it easy to handle.

Primo multi-sander

October/November 2016