The sooner those contemplating improvements to their homes or investment properties get them started, the better.
So says Bill Rawson, chairman of the Rawson Properties group, who adds that the boom which is still benefiting the big construction groups – WBHO, Group Five, M&R and others – has now ended for the "bakkie builders" who rely largely on residential contracts which have been cut off by the lack of development and consumer finance.
"Therefore, their availability is another good reason to get going on improvement now."
"However, the challenge facing the landlord looking to upgrade is that many of the so-called artisans now in the building industry are not in any real sense qualified or fit for skilled, sophisticated work."
It is increasingly necessary, said Rawson, to pay for specialist teams to handled skilled work which 20 years ago might have been done by most apprentices and tradesmen teams.
"The demise of the apprenticeship system has left a gap only partly filled by an increase in off-site manufacture and clever substitute materials."
As a result, said Rawson, quality custom-designed building with good finishes is now costing up to R15k per sqm and taking far longer to complete whereas simpler repetitive work can be had for R6k per sqm.
"Certain contractors and developers, said Rawson, were far-seeing and built up core teams of good trained artisans whom they have kept in work all year round. They have also sustained ongoing relationships with reliable subcontractors whom they pay timeously and, again, keep supplied with a steady flow of work."
For more information contact Bill Rawson on 021 658 7100.
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