Rates from 1 March 2010 but subject to change without notice.

Due to the many variables involved in the size and complexity of domestic roof structures it is impossible to give a direct answer to this question which equates to "how long is a piece of string?"

The following information is given as a guide to an approximate cost for new houses.  (This will include all alterations/additions to residential property, no matter what size)

• 70 square metres to 100 square metres of roof area -  R1000 plus vat. (This will also include all alterations, additions to residential property, no matter what size)

• 100 square metres to 200 square metres of roof area - R1000 - R1300  plus vat.

• Greater than 200 square metres of roof area R7 per square metre – negotiable with a minimum of R1400 plus vat

• Less than 70 square metres in a multiple unit development with gable to gable roofs approximately R550 per upper floor dwelling unit negotiable. Any "end" unit with hips or valleys R700.

Some of the variables which determine the cost, apart from the size of roof area, are:-

1. Travel time/distance of our closest inspector.

2. Number of hips and valleys (complex areas with higher risk of failure)

3. Quality of erection details available on site from the truss supplier.

4. Skills level of erection team (if important items have been omitted this will require a second visit by the inspector to check the snag list from the first visit.  This second (or even third) visit will be charged as an extra due to travel time and costs etc.)"

5. Number of units that can be inspected per visit (multiple unit developments)

6. Whether the ceilings are already installed (inspection far more difficult and time consuming)

These guideline prices include for all statutory certification by a registered professional engineer as required by local authorities and the National Home Builders Registration Council. 

GENERAL COMMENT

There is a lot of confusion in the home building industry in regard to an inspection fee for roof structures especially when 1.3 per cent of the value of the property is paid to the NHBRC for inspection and warranty purposes.

Because of its statutory nature  the NHBRC must comply with the requirements of the National Building Regulations. If construction is undertaken in accordance with what are known as "deemed-to-satisfy" rules the NHBRC's own inspectorate will inspect those elements of the structure which fall under their warranty scheme. i.e. foundations, walls, floor slabs, roofs.

However, when one of these items is the subject of an engineers "rational" design it can only be inspected and signed off by that engineer in conjunction with his/her duly authorised representative. This, unfortunately, is an engineering service which has to be paid for as an "extra" whether it be for a slab or a foundation or roof etc.

To avoid having to pay extra for a roof inspection a home builder can elect to make the trusses on site in accordance with the NHBRC’s Home Building Manual. However, this approach would probably lead to a serious "false economy" in terms of the overall cost of the roof structure and would not provide the homeowner with a specific engineer's certificate for the roof structure. In addition, the NHBRC’s inspectorate can only inspect "gable to gable" roof structures not exceeding eight metre span and within the range of 15 to 35 degree slope. Even if the trusses are site made an engineer would be required for the design of girders for the hip and valley constructions and for any truss greater than eight metres span, or not within the roof slope/pitch range.

Note:- The NHBRC only has a mandate for brand new houses and has no jurisdiction over alterations/additions to residential property.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Tel: (011) 658-1022  / Fax: (011) 658-1021
P.O.Box 675, Jukskei Park, 2153. South Africa
Email: info@roofinspections.co.za