WE BUILD TOGETHER
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The estimated time to build a Single Story Home is 5-6 Months and 7-8 Months for a Double Story Home. Please note that the build of any home can only commence once Darling Homes receives a certificate from the NHBRC.
It is recommended that you do have gutters in order to provide the best protection for the foundation of your home against rain. The main function of a gutter is to lead rain water to the storm water drain and away from the property. In the case that no gutters are installed it is crucial for the home to be surrounded by paving to act as protection against rain.
Included in the Standard Building Agreement, Darling Homes will lay grass on the areas not covered in paving. Your project manager will discuss with you, your various options regarding paving in relation to the placement of gutters.
If more extensive landscaping is required the standard installation of grass can be credited to the client for a landscaper of their choice.
Extra’s are defined as any requests received from the client that falls outside of the Standard Building Agreement and PC Allowance. Common examples of these can include requests for upsec of cupboards and lights etc. The amount for these extra’s will have to be settled before work commences. Your assigned Project Manager will inform you when your needs might fall out of budget.
Snags are defined as Minor works or issues that needs attention. Examples of these could be anything from a leaky tap or faulty cupboad hinge. As per the Standard Building Agreement you have a 3 month period after taking occupation to complete and submit a Snag List. We however advise and assist you in checking all these snags the moment you move in. This is to ensure our team is back to fix any issue and clean your home as soon as possible to leaving you with more time to settle into your new home relaxed.
Our longstanding relationships with our preferred suppliers allows you to benefit from our discount structures, ensuring that you get the best quality products to fit your budget. Furthermore this ensures you receive excellent after sale service. You are welcome to use any other suppliers, however the management of the guarantee is then the responsibility you and the supplier, not of Darling Homes.
Clay brick fireplaces/braai is included if so stipulated in your Standard Building Agreement. Any Custom fireplaces will be for the client’s account.
No, with the exception of Shaver units and *Plug points can only be installed inside of vanities.*
It is important note that not all Interior Tiles are slip resistent. Therefore it is not recommended to use an interior tile outside, as it could jeopardise the safety of you or your loved ones once it becomes wet.
Clients have a choice of white, charcoal and bronze aluminium windows. Any customized colour has a lead-time to manufacture and will be an up-spec for the client’s account.
The installation of Gas appliances such as stove, fireplaces etc. is not included in the Standard Building Agreement and will be for the client’s account and can be billed as an extra.
As set out in your Building Agreement the colour of exterior walls has to abide by the guidelines of the estate or homeowners association. You can access these in your Offer to Purchase or on the Sandown Estate Website. You are welcome to choose any colour for your interior walls.
As set out in the Building Agreement a roof will be Grey Roof Tiles or IBR Sheeting available in white, black or bronze.
Klip-Lok roof-sheeting is not included in the Standard Building Agreement and will be an up-spec for the client’s account.
1 Hybrid Solar Panel Geyser and it’s installation is included in the Standard Building Agreement. 1 x 150L for a 2-3 Bedroom Home and 1 x 200L for a 4+ Bedroom Home.
A cement 7MPA is used for the construction of a Single Story Home. A Cement Maxi Brick (14MPA) is used to construct the ground floors of a Double Story Home.
The main function of a Stormwater drain is to direct all rain and storm water away from your property, towards the road to and ultimately down into municipal Storm Drains. The installation of these are compulsory and they live around and underneath the property.
Wall plate height refers to the height of where the external walls of the home meets the roof. The standard wall plate height of 2.85m is included in your Building Agreement. However height is subject to change as per design set out by client and architect.
Extractor fans are only necessary when the design of the bathroom does not include any opening windows. In these cases the installation of an extractor fan is included in your Standard Building Agreement.
As part of Building regulations and included in your Standard Building Agreement, Darling Homes will install a layer of 135mm Isotherm insulation above your ceiling.
Once the Building Inspector has done their final inspection, they’ll issue an occupancy certificate. Upon receiving the occupancy certificate DH will submit it to the bank to obtain the final draw (in case of a bond build). Once the final draw has been received and all final payments have been settled, the handover of keys will take place and the clients can move into their new home.
As per the Bank Regulations, all ground floor windows require alumunium burglar bar beams. These are included and installed as part of your Standard Building Agreement. Any other form or material of burglar bars are considered an up-spec and for the client’s account. Although not included in the Standard Building Agreement, Electric Fencing is recommended as the best deterent for intruders. Alarm Systems are not included either, however we recommend DSS as a security provider as they are the leading presence in the Parklands area.
The following certificates are provided by DH at the end of every build:
- Electrical certificate of compliance
- Architect certificate confirming compliances with energy regulations
- Engineer certificates confirming all structural matters are in order
- Plumbing certificate
- PIRB Certificate for Solar Geyser
- Gas certificate of compliance
- SAGGA certificate confirming compliance of all windows and glass
- Occupancy certificate from the City of Cape Town issued at end of build