In the interest of safety and credibility, the Master Builders Association of KwaZulu-Natal has introduced a new programme for its members to subscribe to, whilst at the same time promoting their businesses.

Executive Director Brandon Abdinor says the KwaZulu-Natal initiative is targeted not only at raising the bar of the construction industry in the province but also at promoting those members who have proved compliance with the Codes of Conduct and applicable legislation.

“Full compliance means that members are listed on our online Find-a-Builder directory (www.findabuilder.co.za) at no cost. The directory allows visitors to search for a particular category of builder or contractor in the area the work is required. The search results then feed into individual member pages, which include information on the member, such as location, contact details, a brief company profile, references and photographs of work done.

“We know it works because a number of our members have advised us that they have secured significant new contracts as a result of clients searching through Find-a-Builder,” says Abdinor.

But before being listed in the directory on the website, each of the Master Builders’ 650 odd members will need to satisfy the association’s safety advisors that they are indeed compliant with the Code of Conduct as laid down in the Constitution.

The Code of Conduct caters for two categories of membership: Ordinary Members and Full Members. While Ordinary Members receive all the privileges that go with MBA membership, Full Members are the ones that have satisfied the safety advisors of their compliance and are listed as such on the Find a Builder site.

Abdinor adds that it is not Master Builders' intention to “police” members, but to implement the safety check as an essential - but friendly and supportive - nudge to bring them up to speed for their own sake.

Ray Basson, MD of Anthony & Basson Development and chairman of the MBA’s South Coast Division, says the Find a Builder initiative is “a great tool to advertise your business”.

“It’s a free compact website, listing highly relevant information such as testimonials, past jobs, pictures and contact details. It makes it very easy for customers to search for a builder in a given area. For example, the tool allows a Johannesburg-based contractor to research builders in any given area in KZN from his internet-enabled computer.”

“It’s a very positive tool and I would encourage all construction firms to comply with the Code of Conduct and have their safety checks done to secure their listing,” he said.

Gavin Strydom, president of the Master Builders Association and MD of Edstan & Son, says that the most valuable resource of a building contractor is the human resource. “I can replace a machine or a truck, but human skills which are in extremely short supply cannot simply be replaced.”

Hence, he says the Code of Conduct and Safety Check supports and amplifies that need from a humanitarian point of view. “It is up to the contractor to ensure the safety of their workforce and that their clients are comfortable in the knowledge that they are using builders who subscribe to the highest possible standards.”

For more information contact Brandon Abdinor on 031 266 7070 or send an email..

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