Skills on Site Feb 2011 

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 Skills on Site Feb 2011 &2'(5('‡GO Advertising 61292

 February 2011

COVER STORY electrical

22
4 Steel Frame Structures the Way to go 22 How to Install a Surface-Mounted
Electrical Outlet
Power Tools
7 Using a Tile Saw
29 LEADING INFO
Timber Products
10 Varnishing Wood Doors
FINDING FINANCE
30 Speak to Your Bank for
Development Finance
Concrete and Cement
15 Get Ready-mixed Concrete
18 Building Block Project SUCCESS STORY
34 Being Responsible for Your Own Life
Joining

15
19 How to Remove Dry Glue 36 in touch

10 19
Proprietor and Publisher:
PROMECH PUBLISHING
Tel: (011) 781-1401
Fax: (011) 781-1403
E-mail: skillsonsite@promech.co.za
Website: www.promech.co.za
Printed by:
CTP Printers
Tel: (011) 230-7000

Acknowledgements
In order to bring you the most up-to-date infor-
mation from around the globe, we make use of
Internet websites that are current and provide
information that is relevant to local builders.
Information from the following sites has been
included in this issue: WikiHow – www.wikihow.
com, Stock.Xchange – www.sxc.hu

Promech Publishing has a BEE

The “Skills On Site” team - Top: Susan Custers, publisher; Zinobia Docrat, production;
Raymond Campling, editor. Seated: Candis Allen, advertising sales; Catherine Macdiva, rating of 97.2%
administration; Jackie Nene, subscriptions/circulation.

Copyright
All rights reserved. No editorial matter published in “Skills On Site” may be reproduced in any form or language without written permission
of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure accurate reproduction, the editor, authors, publishers and their employees or agents
shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the publication - whether arising from negligence or
otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or editorial
board advocates or rejects its use either generally or in any particular field or fields.

Skills on Site Feb 2011 

COVER STORY

Steel Frame Structures

the Way to go
The construction of houses using the steel frame concept is one of the ways that South Africa can address the
housing backlog facing all sectors of the market.

A
rcelorMittal is the largest steel producer in
Southern Africa and is at the forefront of pro-
ducing material suitable for manufacturing
into steel sections to be utilised during the
building of steel framed houses. This building principle
is exactly the same as that used for several years dur-
ing the construction of shopping centres and industrial
buildings, although on a smaller scale.
Alterations and extensions are relatively quick
and easy
The construction of a Steel frame building commences
with the basic steel frame design and from this a plan
is formulated to include the walls, doors, windows and
auxiliary services like plumbing and electricity.
Cost less
The cost of the Steel Frame building is slightly less
than the traditional brick and concrete type house,
but the most significant savings relates to the speed
of construction as well as material transport to and
from the building site.
In fact there are so many advantages to using the

 Skills on Site Feb 2011


steel frame concept for the building industry, that
there is little wonder the market in other countries with
similar weather conditions as South Africa, utilise this
technique when building new houses.
Can withstand anything
ArcelorMittal is the leading local supplier of steel to be
used for the manufacture of metal framed houses in
this country and the quality of their product speaks for
itself. The structural strength offered by their products
ensures that houses built with their system are strong
enough to withstand any force that nature can throw
at it. Furthermore, the steel used inside the building
envelope is guaranteed for 50 years, so home own-
ers can be sure that the house that they buy or build
today will last for 50 years.
Strong enough to withstand any force that
nature can throw at it
For contractors the most important points to remember
when considering steel frame construction are:
• Materials are more cost effective
• Reduced transportation costs for building materi The time has come for government, developers and
als
• Houses can be completed in half the time it takes
for a brick and concrete house
• Easy to build straight and level first time round
• Services run inside frame so plug and plumbing
points simply need to be measured and put in
– no wall chasing is required
COVER STORY
• Same building methods can be used no mat-
ter what soil conditions are prevalent ie. Sandy,
clay etc
• Alterations and extensions are relatively quick and
easy so houses can be sold with plans for addi-
tions already marked on. With the plans already
in place, homeowners are able to contact the
contractor at a later date whenever they decide
to extend their house.
Quick and easy
Home owners will find that steel frame houses offer
them the following benefits:
• Quicker and easier to erect
• Steel frame houses are very well insulated so that
heating or cooling costs will be lower.
• Steel frame houses are built straight and level
so fitting cupboards etc. is easier and more ac-
curate
• Additions and renovations are quick, easy and
less expensive
• Easier to heat or cool in severe climates
contractors to look at steel frame construction as
an alternative to conventional building practices.
ArcelorMittal is one of the founding members of the
South African Steel Frame Association (SASFA). To find
out more about steel frame house construction visit
www.sasfa.co.za
ArcelorMittal South Africa, Hannes Basson, Tel: (016) 889 4046, Web:
www.arcelormittalsa.com
Skills on Site Feb 2011 
 Skills on Site Feb 2011
 POWER TOOLS

Using a Tile Saw

In order to cut tiles properly
with a tile saw it is important
that you stick to a few ba-
sics. In this way your equip-
ment will last longer and you
will work more quickly and
effectively.

D
iamond Products sup-
plies saws to the in-
dustry and has put
together a guide
on how to use a tile saw ef-
fectively:
Getting started
• Place your marked tile you wish
to cut and place it aside for a
moment
• Fill the tank with water
• Plug the pump’s power cord into power unit. Make
sure the pump power cord is placed so it will remain
in a dry area once the machine is in use
• When it is safe to do so, plug the power cord into
the outlet
• Put on proper eye protection.
• Flip the power switch located on the front of the
motor to the “on” position
• Before operating the tile saw, let the motor run for
about one minute and make sure the blade is turning
at full speed and there are no unusual noises. If you
feel the units is not operating properly, do not use this
tool
Cutting:
1. Place your marked tile on the table and brace it
the circuit breaker cap and push the reset button.
against the upturned edge (fence) on the back of
the table. Line-up the cut mark with the blade Using the parallel guide:
2. Once the tile saw has been turned on, allow the If you have to cut a number of tiles to the same di-
blade to spin up to full speed. Watch to be sure that mension, using the Parallel Guide may save
the pump is supplying a continuous flow of water to you time.
the blade • Mark the first tile to the right dimensions, allowing
3. Keeping your hands clear of the blade, move the space for grout
table and the tile underneath the blade. Feed the • With the motor turned off, place the marked tile
tile underneath the blade very slowly. Do not force on the table against the fence. Line-up the cut mark
it. If the rotational feed of the blade slows down sig- with the blade
nificantly, then you are forcing the tile. No spectators
should be allowed in the working area • Loosen the locking knob on the parallel guide. Place
the hooked portion of the guide over the upturned
4. While cutting, watch to be sure that the blade edge of the table, on the side of the cutting groove
stays wet. If it runs dry, check the action of the pump where you have placed the part of the marked tile
and the water level of the tub. that you want to keep and use after cutting. The
5. If the motor stops suddenly, flip the power switch guide will be parallel to the tile and at a 90° angle
to the “off” position. Wait about 15 minutes, remove to the fence.

Skills on Site Feb 2011 

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 Skills on Site Feb 2011
New Ideas Centre Opening 31 March 2011: 227 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg
 POWER TOOLS

• Slide the parallel guide along the fence until it

meets the tile, keeping sure that the mark on your
tile remains in line with the blade.
• Tighten the locking knob on the parallel guide
• When you are satisfied that the tile is aligned with
the blade, and the guide is in place, and it is safe to
do so, turn on the power switch and cut
• Check to be sure that the tile has been cut to
proper dimensions before using the parallel guide
to cut your other tiles. From time to time test the fit
of each tile as you continue cutting, to be sure the
parallel guide has not moved.
Using the Angle Guide:
Use the angle guide for cutting angled edges on
your tiles.
• Attach the angle guide to the fence as you did
the parallel guide, using the two locking knobs to hold
the guide in place.
• Use the cutting groove in the middle of the table
to brace the edge of your tile as you slide the tile and
the table underneath the blade.
Diamond Products, Tel: (011) 552 8310, Fax: (011) 552 8312, Email:
info@diamondpc.co.za, Web: www.diamondpc.co.za

Skills on Site Feb 2011 

TIMBER PRODUCTS

Varnishing Wood Doors

Contractors need to make sure that the entrance to
the property they have just built shows the quality
of the building project and can’t afford to do a bad
job of painting or varnishing the doors. Cedar Paints’
Shane Weeden ex-
plains to “Skills On
Site” readers how
to do it properly:
effects of deteriorating paint films.
Small areas showing signs of slight deterioration may
be repaired without having to strip the entire door.
Sand the affected area on the door to remove all
defective paint leaving only paint in good condition.
If bare wood is exposed, prime the area with Cedar
Wood Primer and when dry, sand to blend the primer
in with the old paint film.
Door 3

Door 1
Bare wood doors
Previously unpainted timber doors should initially be
sanded smooth. Fill any cracks with wood filler and
sand this down to finish flush with the timber surface.
If knots in the timber are sticky or show signs of excess
resin first remove this by wiping over the area with
White Spirits to remove the resin.
Then coat the area with Cedar Knotting Compound
to seal the knot. Loose knots are best removed and
the resulting holes filled or they should be glued back
in place. Use an exterior
grade of wood filler or
wood glue if the wood is
destined for outside.
Door 2
Previously painted
doors
Wash painted timber
thoroughly with water
to which Cedar Sugar
Soap has been added.
This serves not only to
clean the surface but
also to remove some
of the gloss. A gentle
sanding down with a Wash painted timber thoroughly with water to which Cedar Sugar
Soap has been added
fine grade sandpaper
will have the same ef-
fect. New paints do Previously painted timber doors in poor condition
not apply well to glossy
surfaces and will chip In virtually all cases where old paint films, particularly
off easily. those outdoors, have broken down allowing the timber
below to become exposed to moisture penetration,
After cleaning and the only answer is to strip off the old paint from the
sanding the surface, door, make good and start from scratch.
inspect it closely for any
signs of defects such as Stripping off oil based paints from doors can be
hairline cracks or surface achieved in one of three ways:
bubbling. Pay special 1. Physically sanding off
attention to joints which 2. Removing with Cedar Strip-It
Previously unpainted timber doors are normally the first
place to suffer from the 3. Removing using a hot air stripper
should initially be sanded smooth

10
10 Skills on Site Feb 2011
 TIMBER PRODUCTS

Option 1 to establish time and distance required so as not to

Removing paint with chemical stripper burn the wood. For areas near glass, either sand or
use a paint stripper near anything made from PVC.
Suitable for use on oil based paints only, these chemi-
cal strippers are brushed onto the paint surface, left Option 3
for a while to soften the paint, and then the remaining Refurbishing old stripped timber
striper and softened paint are scraped off.
The removal of layers of paint will undoubtedly uncover
Galvanised nails that are visible and even rusted must surface imperfections in the door and there may be
be treated before being painted. Countersink the areas of rotten wood which must be treated before
nail heads and cover them with an acrylic or silicon-
ized filler. Each nail head should be spot primed with
Cedar Waterbased Metal Primer then applied with
either a Cedar paint or wood care product.
Option 2
Removing paint with a hot air stripper
This is probably the quickest and easiest method of
removing paint. It works by blowing air across an hot
electric element through a narrow nozzle at about 300°
to 600° C, so great care must be taken with using.
Remember air at this temperature will crack glass, melt
PVC window frames etc. If held in place long enough,
will set paint and inflammable surfaces alight, so be
careful. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and
long sleeves. Test on an old piece of painted timber

Skills on Site Feb 2011 11

11
12 Skills on Site Feb 2011
 TIMBER PRODUCTS

any new paint is applied. Rot is most likely to have characteristics of the
developed around door frame joints so always inspect paint are suitable for
these areas most carefully. Use a penknife blade or a the work required.
screwdriver to test the hardness of the timber in such Cedar Paint has a
areas and if the blade penetrates easily you can be full range of products
sure the door is rotten. Treatment usually means cutting to meet any needs.
away the affected wood, treating what is left with a Cedar Paints, Shane Weeden, Tel (012) 804 2130, Fax (012) 804
preservative, and then filling in the gaps. Large pieces 8517, Email: cedar15@argent.co.za
of timber can be replaced with new treated timber
cut to shape and bedded in the filler. If the rot has
spread over a wide area you may have to consider
replacing the door or frame.
If bare wood stripped timber is not properly treated,
with all the defects repaired, the new paint will not
apply properly and its useful life will be greatly re-
duced.
Finish it
Once all the preparation work is complete you are
now in a position to choose your preferred Cedar Paint
or Wood Care product to beautify your door.
Remember when choosing paint or wood care prod-
ucts for a specific job or application it is important
to consider the quality of paint to make sure the Removing paint with hot air is probably the quickest

Skills on Site Feb 2011 13

 ARM 29069
“As a professional builder I always
choose the star performer - A1 All
Purpose Cement from AfriSam.
It’s strong and it will never let you
down”.

Joe Koti -
Builder

he
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ce

c ho
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14 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 CONCRETE AND CEMENT

Get Ready-mixed Concrete

When working on big building projects there are many benefits to ordering concrete from a reputable
readymix supplier, especially when speed, quality and large volumes of work are being carried out.

T
he Concrete and Cement Institute (CNCI) highly
recommend that contractors obtain their ready-
mix concrete from members of the Southern
African Readymix Association to ensure quality
and service. Here the CNCI gives a few good reasons
to use readymix:
• The readymix supplier has the resources and the When
technical expertise to provide a range of mixes, calcu-
matching the right mix design to the application. lating
relative
• The quality of the concrete is guaranteed. Site costs, take
batching tends to have a higher risk of strength into account
variability due to the lack of sophistication of small the total cost
of the materials
batching plants.
delivered to site

• Concrete can be ordered to fit in

with the total construction programme,
and delivery times can be changed at
reasonably short notice, eg. to avoid
placing in bad weather.
• One load of ready-mixed concrete
can be discharged directly to several
positions on site, saving time and labour
moving concrete in wheelbarrows.
• Discharge from a readymix truck is
faster than from wheelbarrows
• Site batching in residential areas
raises concerns about noise levels and
duration, messing of frontages/verges
and potential contamination of storm
water drains
• No storage of materials on site means

Skills on Site Feb 2011 15

 OUR STRENGTH, YOUR VISION.
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When you’re building a home, you need strength you can rely on. For over 100 years, the
consistent and reliable strength of PPC Cement has helped engineers, concrete product
manufacturers and builders just like you to do exactly that. From renovations around the
house to walls and extensions, if you can think it, you can build it with PPC.
For more information call our toll-free line on 0800 023 470 or visit www.ppc.co.za
16 Skills on Site Feb 2011

less theft, and no environmental concerns – and no
clean-up operations after construction.
5 Things to remember
1. Most readymix suppliers also offer a
pumping service. Where access is difficult,
pumping moves concrete quickly across
distances and heights that would
otherwise be a problem. Ready-
mixed concrete offers a speedy,
cost-effective alternative to
site batching.
2. When calculating
relative costs, take into
account the total cost of
the materials delivered to
site, storage, wastage and
theft, the hiring or purchasing
and operating costs of the nec-
essary plant, as well as the cost of
labour and supervision.
3. When you ask for a quotation for ready-
mixed concrete, you need to specify concrete
strength and workability (slump), as well as the
site address. You will be given a price per m³ de-
CONCRETE AND CEMENT
livered to site.
4. When you accept the quote, you place the
order for the total amount of concrete required
and give details regarding project start date,
amount of time between trucks, etc. At
this point, you will be given payment
options and conditions.
5. Choose a reputable
readymix supplier. The South
African Readymix Associa-
tion (SARMA) is a national
body that sets standards
and guidelines for en-
vironmental, safety and
quality issues. All members
must abide by these and are
audited to ensure that they meet
the necessary requirements.
Concrete and Cement Institute, Hanlie Turner,
Tel: (011) 315 0300, Fax: (011) 315 0584, Email:
hanlie.turner@cnci.org.za, Web: www.cnci.org.za.
South African Readymix Association, Mary-Ann Sutton,
Tel: (011) 791-3327, Email: office@sarma.co.za, Web: www.
sarma.co.za
Skills on Site Feb 2011 17
CONCRETE AND CEMENT

Building Block Project

An innovative new housing pilot project at Kleinmond, in the Western Cape, is exploring the potential to im-
prove the sustainability of low-income housing within the budget of government subsidies.

A
déle de Lange,
Concrete and
Cement Institute
(CNCI) Technical
Marketing Consultant: Hu-
man Settlements, recently
visited the site of the new
project, which involves
Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR)
input and is being devel-
oped by M5 Developments
Cape.
CSIR’s design aim is to use
conventional building ma-
terials innovatively and to
maximise the use of en-
ergy- and water-efficient
principles.
De Lange says the dimen-
sions of the houses adhere

Cost efficienct, no wastage is achieved through the use of modular blockwork

at the new Kleinmond housing development.

to the modular dimensions of the concrete masonry

blocks with window and door openings positioned
to match the modules of the blocks. “This modular
approach reduces the need for cutting blocks on
site which cuts down on time, waste and transport
costs.”
She says roof overhangs, as well as window and door
openings, are designed to enhance the heating and
cooling qualities of the houses. The overall design also
allows for later extensions to the houses with minimal
impact on the original structures.
Solar water geysers and solar panels are fitted to the
dwellings with large water storage tanks installed for
rainwater harvesting. The unique shower features a
deeper shower tray than usual to allow for bathing
of children and the washing of clothes without using
too much water.
“The CSIR will return to the project a year after comple-
tion to monitor performance of the units and evaluate
the long-term benefits. The potential exists to include
these innovations on a larger scale in future subsidised
projects,” de Lange adds.
Concrete and Cement Institute, Hanlie Turner, Tel (011) 315 0300,
Fax: (011) 315 0584, Email: hanlie.turner@cnci.org.za, Web: www.
cnci.org.za

18 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 JOINING

How to Remove Dry

Glue
If you are laying tiles or carpets and get some of the adhesives (glue) on concrete that is to be painted or cov-
ered you need to remove it before you carry on.

W ith the right tools and technique it is not as dif- • Brush or trowel
ficult as you might think. Here is how: • Scraper, putty knife or flat-edged trowel
Steps • Water
1. Decide on an adhesive remover to use. There are
• Rags
many types of removers that you can choose.
2. Apply the adhesive remover to the adhesive with
a brush or trowel. Allow the adhesive remover to
sit for as long as the package directions recom-
mend.
3. Test the surface by scraping a small area to see
if it is ready. If the adhesive does not come up
easily, allow the remover to sit a little longer.
4. Scrape the entire surface with a scraper, putty
knife or a trowel with a flat edge and remove as
much of the adhesive as possible.
5. Apply another coat of remover if needed. Repeat
until you have removed all the adhesive.
6. Wipe up all the excess adhesive and rinse the area
thoroughly with water. Wipe it clean with rags.
7. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before painting,
staining or applying new carpet, wood flooring
or tile to the concrete.
Tips Remove adhesives from bare concrete before grouting tiles
• You may find that it is easier to remove the adhesive
by working in small sections at a time. This will prevent
wasted adhesive remover as you work.
• Read the label directions before using the adhesive
remover to check the average drying time. This will
ensure that you do not let the product sit too long or
not long enough. Also, be sure to note any warnings
on the label.
• You may want to try using the adhesive remover in
a test area to get a feel for how the remover works.
This will also tell you whether you need a stronger
solvent-based remover.
What you need
• Adhesive remover

Once the adhesive has been removed wash the concrete down with water

Skills on Site Feb 2011 19

20 Skills on Site Feb 2011
 carbolineum
Wood preservative & creosote

R
oof beams, fence posts and other outdoor wood
should be protected with either carbolineum or creo-
sote to prevent rotting or damage from insects.

With the regular application of abe’s carbolineum and W h a t yo u

• n e e d?
creosote timber preservation product, you extend the Gloves
• Respirato
life of wood in your yard. r (if workin
• Overalls g in confin
• ed spaces)
Thick abso
USES: • Tarpaulin
rbent pain
t brush
to p
carbolineum and creosote are intended for use in the through sp rotect surfaces tha
• ills or drip t can be d
Rags and pin amaged
preservation of timber and are for exterior use only. These cleaning m g
aterial for
are the perfect products for preserving wooden poles, P re p a ra ti cl e a n-up
on
wooden fences, eaves and rafters, trellises, etc. • Before yo
u st
dry and so art, make sure all su
und. rfaces are
• clean,
Make sure
you stir th
start using e product
it. well before
Bonding / priming • you
It should n
ot come in
You don’t need to prime the water to contact w
ith food or
wooden surface before hand. portable
Simply paint the carbolineum
or creosote directly onto the
wood.

Coverage
On average, you will be able to
cover anything from 2m2 - 6m2
per litre.

Application
Apply the product using a brush

Cleaning
Once finished, your tools, brushes
and mixing equipment should be
cleaned immediately and before
the material has set with a.b.e.
super brush cleaner followed by
washing with soap and water.
Termites and other pests will quickly destroy untreated wood
Packaging outside
1l, 5l and 25l containers.

Colours
Black

Wear suitable gloves, mask and respirator when applying

Use an absorbent brush because Creosote and carbolineum are ideal
both creosote and carbolineum are for fence posts and other wood
runny and can be messy to apply outdoors
Fo r mo re in fo rmation
p l e a s e ca l l a n a . b . e b r a n c h
o r v i s i t w w w. a b e.co. z a

Skills on Site Feb 2011 21

ELECTRICAL

How to Install a Surface-

Mounted Electrical Outlet
Installing an additional electrical outlet may seem rather simple, but it is by no means something that a nov-
ice can do. You must have the adequate qualifications and know what you are doing. An incorrectly wired
socket can cause serious damage and may even result in death. Building contractors can use these guidelines
to supervise on site electricians.
What you need:
Before you can begin, you need to take a trip to
your hardware store and buy a plug box that fastens
to the wall. The box will also house the electrical
cables and is also what you will screw the actual
plug to.
You will also need a suitable amount of high-voltage
electrical cable that will carry the electricity from
an existing plug to the one you are installing.
Tools needed include an appropriate screwdriver,
drill and drill-bits wire-strippers and side-cutters.
Silicone or other sealing materials will be needed
if you are installing the outlet outside.

Step one: Smoking hair and a dazed look on your face are the least of your worries. If you
Positioning and mounting. Once you have a basic mess around with electricity you can be seriously hurt, can set the site on fire or
idea as to where you want the new electrical outlet even kill yourself
situated, mark the screw holes with a pencil. You may
have to take the plug off the mounting box to get
accurate fixing points.

Drill
holes into the wall,
however be very
careful that there are no
wires or plumbing pipes directly behind
where you are drilling.
Fix the mounting box to the wall by screwing
it in.
Step two:
Running the electrical cable from an existing
wall socket to your new one.
Locate your nearest live electrical outlet or light fitting
that you are able to draw power from. Carefully run
the cable from this point to the new one. Fasten it to
the wall by using cable clips or a suitable glue.

22 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 ELECTRICAL

Step three:
Connecting the new cable to the power source.

Remove the cover plate and electrical socket from its fitting
in order to fasten your new wire to the existing plug
Make double sure you have turned off the power supply to the electrical
source you plan on tapping into

Before you begin anything, SWITCH OFF ALL THE

ELECTRICITY. It doesn’t help to switch the plug socket
off at the wall or to switch the light off as there is still
electricity flowing trough the circuit. You need to find
the correct circuit breaker in the fuse box and switch
that one off. If you are unsure which circuit breaker
controls which circuit, be safe and switch and turn
the main circuit breaker off. This will stop the flow of
electricity to the entire
house or site.
Test to make sure that
the electricity is off. You
can do this by using a
voltmeter or even by
plugging a drill into the
socket to see if it works.
If it doesn’t, you are safe
to start tapping into your
power source.
Remove the cover plate
and electrical socket or
in the instance of a light
fitting, remove the cable
housing. Bare the ends
of both the new and old
cables and then connect
the live to the live, neutral
to neutral and earth to
earth. Make sure they
are properly connected
by tightening porcelain
Always test to make sure there are no live wires wire caps to the joins.
before you begin making connections Then insulate them with
Where needed, use porcelain caps com-
bined with electrical insulating wire to
make sure your connections are strong
and waterproof
electrical insulation tape.
Replace all fittings and/or covers, being very careful
to make sure no screws come into contact with the
wires or no wires get kinked.
Step four:
Threading and connecting the newly laid wire into
your new plug.
Screw a cable coupler into the cable housing mounted
to the wall and thread the cable through. Tighten this
as much as possible until it forms a waterproof seal
around the cable. Bare the ends of the wire and con-
nect them to your new electrical outlet. Follow the
instructions on the back of the plug if you are unsure
which wire goes where.
Screw the plug back onto the housing, once again,
being careful not to kink any of the wires.

Skills on Site Feb 2011 23

 A BETTER WAY TO BUILD THE FUTURE

24 Skills on Site Feb 2011


Follow the instructions on the back of the plug if you
are unsure which wire goes where.
Screw the plug back onto the housing, once again,
being careful not to kink any of the wires.
Step five:
Turn the electricity back on at the switchboard and
test your newly installed electrical outlet.
Strip the ends of the wires, but just
enough to create a solid connection with
the other wires. Too much copper will
result in an electrical arc. Too little, and
your connection may come undone
ELECTRICAL
Important things to remember:
ALWAYS MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICITY IS OFF
Always ensure the circuit you are installing new
plug on has the available capacity to handle
them and any appliances that may be operated
from them.
When installing a plug out doors, try and install it
in a place where it is protected from the sun and
rain. Water and electricity don’t mix well together.
If your newly installed outlet will get wet, make
sure you buy a waterproof housing, make sure it
is properly sealed at all times and always make
sure it is dry before using it.
Leave it to the professionals. DO NOT attempt
this if you are not a trained electrician. These are
merely guidelines for building contractors to follow
when supervising on site electricians.
In many cases, simply buying an extension cord
and running it to where you need power is safer,
more convenient and cheaper. It also allows more
flexibility as you can move it around afterwards.
Skills on Site Feb 2011 25
 DIY
MADE
EASY

26 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 DIY
MADE
EASY

Skills on Site Feb 2011 27

28 Skills on Site Feb 2011
 LEADING INFO

These statistics are provided exclusively for Skills on Site readers by Databuild, the leading provider of construction related information in
South Africa. Databuild has been providing information for thirty five years and tracks projects from planning through to awarded stages.
Each month Databuild will provide statistics reflecting trends in the industry.
For more information about Databuild please contact us on (011) 259-4500 or visit us at www.databuild.co.za

Value of awarded projetcs by province in Rbillions

Province Value in Rbillions
Eastern Cape 4.69
Free State 3.04
Gauteng 18.16
KwaZulu Natal 7.96
Limpopo 5.41
Mpumalanga 3.06
North West 1.26
Northern Cape 1.98
Western Cape 10.34
Grand Total 55.90

CIDB CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in
GRADING Grade 1 Rmillion Grade 2 Rmillion Grade 3 Rmillion Grade 4 Rmillion Grade 5 Rmillion Grade 6 Rmillion
Eastern Cape 3 1.00 18 9.02 85 107.24 80 254.80 57 283.98 61 550.73
Free State 8 6.20 13 15.93 15 39.73 20 64.23 20 226.68
Gauteng 13 12.25 35 75.55 29 133.55 28 280.64 38 635.97
KwaZulu Natal 9 170.99 35 26.83 119 294.29 89 230.46 55 321.72 67 638.44
Limpopo 4 5.70 50 104.32 71 267.52 75 593.83 39 505.60
Mpumalanga 5 9.61 11 7.72 40 62.26 55 175.11 19 94.35 12 115.20
North West 1 5.30 5 2.60 15 19.38 17 39.00 14 68.39 12 144.82
Northern Cape 1 0.60 11 11.80 24 33.29 14 59.25 7 34.70 11 142.66
Western Cape 6 1.80 135 59.49 140 196.26 87 219.60 39 197.04 46 473.48
Total value per
25 89.29 240 141.60 521 908.50 457 1419.02 314 1938.88 306 3433.58
grading in Rmillions

Skills on Site Feb 2011 29 29

FINDING FINANCE
Dealing with banks is a daunting task for most of us, and as a property developer you may be battling with
questions such as: who do I need to speak to at the Bank, how do I get the Bank to believe in the project,
what will they require of me?
Carollize Laing
C
arollize Laing, head of First National Bank
Affordable Housing Division gives “Skills On
Site” readers that are interested in developing
property a head start in getting the finance
needed.
30 Skills on Site Feb 2011
Who to approach in the Bank
All the commercial banks in SA have
property finance units which you can
approach directly. Their contact
details would be available on their
websites, or alternatively you can
approach your closest branch and
they will refer you to the correct
people.
Preparing for your meeting
with the Bank
You need to create a professional
image with the Bank, therefore be
prepared for the meeting with the
property consultant. Give the person
you are meeting a accurate and to-
the-point overview of the project ie.
where (location), what (no of units /
stands), how (feasibility of the proj-
ect, and sales plan), and who (your
history / track record in the property
industry and contractor and profes-
sional team details).
How would the Bank typically
assess development finance?
As the potential profit is important for
you as developer, the Bank needs
to prove to its shareholders that
money lent to customers were done
so responsibly and that the Bank also
made the required profits on these
funds to pay its investors.
Any bank would consider the following:
a) track record as a developer in similar type and
size projects
b) the financial strength of the developer
c) the location of the proposed project and the
demand for the product at the suggested price
d) the equity contribution offered and the loan re-
quired
e) zoning / property rights

f) the professional team and contractor(s) em-
ployed
The Bank would typically prefer to see that you have
developed similar type projects in terms of size and
project value. If not, it is suggested that you partner
with an established developer who can offer the
required track record.
While this may need that you share the potential
profits, an established developer will satisfy the Bank
in terms of delivery risk, in other words, making sure
that the project can be delivered on time and within
budget. Over time you will build credibility and a track
record with the Bank and can look forward to doing
projects on your own in future.
The financial strength of the developing company
and its shareholders will be assessed. The Bank needs
to satisfy itself that the financial standing of the com-
pany and its shareholders is good enough to cover
any cost overruns or cash flow shortfalls which may
come about during the development period.
FINDING FINANCE
Also, the shareholders of the company borrowing will
be needed to sign surety for the loan, and while the
property remains the primary security, the Bank needs
to be comfortable that any shortfalls on the loan can
be recovered from the sureties. This is especially true
where the project fails and the property may have
to be sold on auction.
The Bank will compare the proposed product offering
to what the market in that location demands and
the price it can afford. It is critical that the product is
comparable, since the repayment of the develop-
ment loan will ultimately rest with the sales generated
from the project.
The Bank will also insist that a number of stands / units
be sold off-plan to test demand before any monies
are disbursed from the development loan. The Bank
will normally involve their home loan divisions to test
the product and its price and decide to lend to end-
users in the project. It is important that the developer
approaches all the major banks to test if they will
give bonds.
A Bank would not want to fund 100% of the develop-
ment costs since this would imply that the Bank carries
all the risk and that the developer has very little to
lose when the project fails. For that reason, it stands
to reason that the Bank will require the developer to
inject a certain amount of cash before any funds are
made available from the development loan.
It is important to understand that once these funds
are spent by the developer, it will only be recovered
from sales income AFTER the Bank has been repaid
Skills on Site Feb 2011 31
 REBUILD
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32 Skills on Site Feb 2011


ie. the cash contribution by the developer will stay in
the project until repayment of debt, and will not be
refunded via progress draws on construction.
In addition, the developer will be required to finance
the VAT component of the monthly draws, since it can
be claimed from the South African Revenue Service
(SARS) as input VAT immediately. Similarly, the devel-
oper will have to pay VAT on the sales price of each
unit / stand across to SARS on date of transfer of the
individual properties to the end-users.
It is important that the applicable rights have been
secured by the developer before any funds under
the development loan will be disbursed. In other
words, the Bank needs to be satisfied that the de-
velopment undertaken is legal in terms of approved
zoning, and that nothing can prohibit the Council
from issuing occupancy and clearance certificates
upon completion.
These are critical steps in the process of letting end-
users move into their properties, and ultimately effect
FINDING FINANCE
transfer which will result in the flow of funds to repay
the development loan.
As with the developer’s track record, the professional
team will be assessed in terms of their experience in
similar size developments. The Bank will need to see
each member of the professional team’s company
profile and PI (professional indemnity) cover from a
recognised insurance company.
As far as the contractor is concerned, the same expe-
rience test will apply. In addition, the Bank will insist
on adequate contractor’s all risk insurance, which
will cover the building works during the construction
period. Should any damage occur to building works
during the construction period, the developer can
claim under the all risk insurance policy.
Where the construction of sectional title units or free-
hold top structures are concerned, you need to ensure
that the contractor is registered with the NHBRC as
an approved builder. The registration certificate will
indicate the validity period and the number of units
which the contractor has been approved by the
NHBRC to build during a single calendar year.
It will also be required that the contractor enrols each
unit with the NHBRC which will effectively give the
end-user the right to claim from the NHBRC should
any structural defects occur in the first 5 years after
construction.
While it may look like a daunting task, a good relation-
ship with your bank is important to ensure the success
of your development. The project values are simply
too big for many of the developers to fund from cash
resources. Development finance from a commercial
bank is often the best solution.
It requires you to look at the project from the Bank’s
point of view, but will ultimately prompt you to think
about all the risk factors and mitigate them adequately
to ensure the success of your development.
First National Bank, Tel: 087 575 9404
Skills on Site Feb 2011 33
SUCCESS STORY

Morongwe Mathabathe

In past issues we have looked at successful people in the industry and people that have reached the top of
their career despite the odds. In this issue we take a different approach and focus on a young person that is
on a path to success.

M
orongwe Mathabathe has only been in the been in the business for many years. After high school
industry for a few years, but has already Morongwe studied Building at the Durban University
risen to a junior management position within of Technology, she then went on to do her in-service
Taupride Projects, a leading construction training with Taupride before registering for her B-tech
project management company. The reason that she in Construction Management.
was chosen as a successful personality is the fact
that she is making headway in a career that is often
Early interest
In the early days when Morongwe was asked what
dominated by men and that is not very glamorous.
she was studying she received some strange reactions
Also, she has chosen to follow her dream career in to the news that she was in fact studying building.
construction even against the wishes of her closest Some of the strangest remarks include being asked
circle of friends, who would have preferred that she why she didn’t capitalise on her good looks and be-
work in an office environment with all the luxuries that come a model whilst others suggested she become
go with that career. an accountant. But it was not to be. Morongwe was
Construction management determined that this was the field she would enter.
Morongwe has been with Taupride for almost a year
and already she is amazed by how much she
has learnt. Although Morongwe believed that
she would be suitable for a job in construction
management she finds that her role in project
management encompasses a much broader
scope of work and is very satisfying. She jokes
that while she finds managing time and resources
challenging, her job is more about managing
personalities. It is clear that the last year for
Morongwe has been a time of tremendous
personal growth.
Some of the biggest challenges Morongwe has
had to overcome in getting to this point include
criticism regarding her choice of profession and
finding her place in the industry. Morongwe has
always known how to prioritise work and play; as
a result she matriculated with good results.
Her initial interest in construction stemmed from
visiting construction sites with her father who has Building and construction is often a male dominated career

34 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 SUCCESS STORY

Looking back, she smiles at the memory of her

first day of Tech when her lecturer informed
the class that “no-one graduates from this
course in the recommended three years”.
Today she is very proud of the fact that she
did in fact graduate within three years and
with good results.
Morongwe stresses that she wants people
out there to understand that construction is
an incredibly broad field and that it includes
many sub-fields or trades. It takes people with
diverse skills and abilities to see a project
implemented successfully.
Project management Building is not glamorous and despite Morongwe's good looks she is prepared to get her
“It takes designers, managers and all kinds hands dirty on site
of doers“, she says. As an example of the
preconceptions which exist she tells me that
she was once asked how she would push a
wheel barrow. It turns out that pushing wheel
barrows has not been required of Morongwe
although she divides her time between the
office and the various construction sites.
It was only in Morongwe’s fourth year of study
that she began to really feel a level of com-
fort with her decision to study Building and
Construction. It was through her involvement
with Khuthaza that this was achieved. Moron-
gwe was part of a pilot student programme
which for her served as an introduction to
the industry.
It was during these Saturday workshops that
she began to get an understanding of the
various construction related fields. In addi-
tion she also benefited tremendously from This smart lady obtained her B-Tech in Construction Management
the expert advice on related topics such as
finance and personal branding.
Personal development
Morongwe is clearly very passionate about
her own life. She is self motivated and always
finds inspiration through the successes of
others. Morongwe is the first female in her
family to achieve a tertiary qualification and
whilst she is quite cognisant of the fact that
she is a role model for others she does not
feel burdened by this.
She believes in setting goals and visualising
a future state until it becomes a reality. Her
advice to others is simple, she says “show up,
pay attention and ask questions”.
Taupride, Morongwe Mathabathe, Tel: (011) 465 1530,
Fax: (011) 465 3358. Khuthaza: Tel: (011) 275 0268,
Fax: 086 648 6379, Web: www.khuthaza.org.za, Email:
info@khuthaza.og.za Morongwe's career is set to reach the sky

Skills on Site Feb 2011 35

 In Touch
H elping small businesses
A mentorship program has been introduced on
eThekwini’s R400million rand Water and Sanitation
Project, to supply drinking water and toilet facilities
to more than 300 informal settlements throughout
the municipality.
The project started in January 2009 and is using the
small business development model, which was suc-
cessfully run by the city’s award winning Asbestos
Cement (AC) Pipe Replacement Project.
“Our aim is to develop skills from within the community,
so that large municipal projects serve as an effective
training ground for small business development,” says
eThekwini project executive Alan Kee.
Already 142 ablution blocks on 71 sites have been
handed over in 34 informal settlements located
throughout eThekwini. A further 392 containers will be
Precious Chiliza and Gugu Xaba of Nomangisi Construction work with
handed over to various communities early in 2011. mentor Willie Rossouw during a training session which took place in
Aurecon’s lead project manager Evan Smith states Durban recently. Workshops are held on a regular basis as part of the
project’s mentoring programme
that the sub-contractor development programme
will be independently assessed based on agreed
these and other important concepts in construction
outcome targets.
work.
Each of the eight local sub-contractors works with one
“I am learning a great deal about managing and
of the main contractors on the project. In addition,
developing a successful business,” says Busi Ndlovu
mentoring is provided by professional mentorship
a site agent with Royal Africa Trading, one of the
consultants, Lwazi Projects.
subcontractors on the mentorship programme.“ One
Mentorship expert, Willie Rossouw of Lwazi Projects, of the keys to success is to identify and train key staff
has developed a scorecard which monitors the using the workshops conducted by the mentors.”
progress made in key areas by each sub-contractor.
Community buy-in is an important part of the project.
The scorecard gives instant feedback on key result
Locally recruited community liaison officers are on
areas such as site costing, construction programming
hand to educate communities, so that the health
and staffing.
benefits related to having access to clean water and
In addition, fortnightly workshops are held by the sewage facilities are clearly understood.
mentors, to help sub contractors come to grips with
The project is creating employment within the com-
munity by using local workers.
When complete, caretakers
are selected for the ablution
blocks from within the informal
settlement.
“We are delighted with the
service delivery goals which
are being achieved by the
project. The provision of ba-
sic sanitation is an important
part of eThekwini’s on-going
strategy,” says Alan.
Aurecon and eThekwini Water and
Sanitation, Evan Smith, Tel: (031)
714 2554

36 Skills on Site Feb 2011

 In Touch
B uilding women in Coligny
First National Bank (FNB) in partnership with the National Department of Human Settlement (NDoHS) hosted
the Women’s Build Initiative in the North West Province recently as part of its commitment to creating a market
for quality affordable housing. The bank also announced a R50 000 sponsorship to the local community.
The initiative is an annual event which relies heavily on donations and partnerships with the local community,
local government and private sector. With FNB’s commitment to support government in the provision of housing
solutions of the highest quality and contribute to the housing needs of the country the challenge was to build
54 houses in the Coligny community in total. This year FNB Housing Finance, Public Sector Banking and FNB’s
volunteers gave their time and skills to the community and were active in the building of the 54 homes.
“Our contribution to the Coligny community forms part of an ongoing commitment from FNB, as part of a
community-based response, to provide human support and make a real difference to the families residing
in their newly constructed homes. We are proud of our ongoing support of the Women’s Build Initiative and
more so proud to be given the opportunity to contribute positively to addressing the housing need in South
Africa,” says Marius Marais, CEO of FNB Housing Finance
“Home ownership is more than just
providing shelter. For a lot of women,
property ownership begins a process
of dignity and financial freedom.
We are proud as a bank to have
been able to make a contribution
to create access to the financial
services market for women,” adds
Elizabeth Mushonga, CEO Public
Sector Banking.
First National Bank, Busi Mngome-
zulu, Tel: (011) 371 9124, Email:
bmngomezulu@fnb.co.za

Skills on Site Feb 2011 37

 In Touch
P PC digs in to make a difference
developers to increase the number of stands offered
from 445 to 835. Thorntree View East Extension 6 is being
financed by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance’s
Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) recently planted Affordable Housing division and is 100% complete.
170 trees in Extension 9 of Alexandra, one of South
Africa’s oldest townships. Run in partnership with Food This increase in the number of stands has also resulted
and Trees for Africa (FTFA), the initiative is aimed at in the provision of smaller stands in phases three
instilling local residents with a sense of pride in their and four, which will
surroundings. provide buyers with
a more varied prod-
The land, originally designated for road construction, uct range to choose
has been rezoned for residential development and from. This is ideal for an
is now home to 14 000 previously disadvantaged area such as Soshan-
families living in free-standing and double-storey guve, where market
RDP houses. research and buying
“PPC is extremely proud to be part of the FTFA project. patterns indicate that
The allocation of houses continues to be one of the the affordable hous-
most challenging and emotive issues across South ing consumer prefers
Africa. By planting trees in areas such as Alexandra, to live in the same
PPC is able to assist the community in putting down area, upgrading to
roots and making the area feel like home,” said Fran- bigger houses as they
cie Shonhiwa, PPC CSI manager. progress in terms of
While that initiative improves the area aesthetically earning power.
it also creates awareness around the importance of Manie Annandale,
environmental conservation and
enhancement. “At PPC we are
dedicated to giving back to the Manie Annandale
communities we operate in. Through
initiatives such as these we are head of Nedbank Corporate
assisting in creating a sustainable Property Finance’s Affordable
environment for future generations,” Housing Unit says that the bank
said Shonhiwa. needs to be responsive in its
PPC Cement, Nomzamo Basson, Cell: 082 870 funding approach to ensure the
4235, nomzamo.basson@ppc.co.za developer has the support of its
bank to move with the market
and provide the variation of stand
sizes and prices products that the
market demands, and applauds
Safrich for its flexible approach.
Package prices range from R199
000 and monthly repayments start-
ing at R1999. The cost of each

A ffordable housing
demand
individual unit includes transfer
fees, plans, NHBRC costs, municipal
connections and building costs.
11 different house plans are avail-
The Thorntree View Affordable Hous- able ranging in size from 40m² to
ing development in Soshanguve 90m². All units on offer have a
East, which is being developed by minimum of two bedrooms and
the Safrich Group of Companies, has one bathroom.
been upgraded to almost double
Nedbank, Corporate Property Finance
the number of stands.
Affordable Housing, Manie Annandale,
85% of the development was sold Tel: (011) 295 6647, Email: maniea@
Edwin Makushu of Food and Trees planting a PPC
out after six months, prompting the donated tree in Alexandra Extension 9 nedbank.co.za

38 Skills on Site Feb 2011

Skills on Site Feb 2011 39
40 Skills on Site Feb 2011