Extending a sectional title unit

Although we live in an age of total access to all kinds of information, it would seem that most owners of sectional title unit choose to ignore or are totally ignorant of any process required when they enlarge their sectional title units.

One of the effects of an “unofficial extension” is that if the property is sold, the transaction could be delayed by between 3 to 6 months, causing financial losses or even cancellation of the transaction.

What are the processes involved to ensure that an extension is legal?

1.     Obtain written consent from the body corporate to the extension.

Different body corporates have different requirements. Owners could be asked to supply draft building plans, written consents of neighbours and possibly payment of an application fee.

2.     Instruct an architect or draughtsman to draw building plans

Fees and expenses relating to the drawing of building plans vary greatly from firm to firm and even from area to area. Remember that there is also a plan approval fee payable to the local authority.

3.     Have the plans approved by the local authority

Note that this process could take as long as 6 months and depends on the effectiveness of the local authority.

4.     Construct the improvements

Many owners neglect to enter into a written building agreement with a builder.  There are many free samples of building contracts available on the web and owners would be well advised to have one completed and signed.

Keep it in mind that the one golden rule of dealing with building contractors is that you  should always owe the contractor money – not vice versa!

5.     Have the improvements inspected by a building inspector of the local authority

Please read elsewhere in this blog the article about building plan approval and the inspection thereof.

6.     Appoint a land survey or architect to draw sectional title plans of extension

In terms of the Sectional Titles Act, a land surveyor or architect must draw the sectional plans of extension. He/she will lodge it for approval at the Surveyor General’s office and the cost will vary according to the complexity of the task. The costs & fees may vary between R8 000 and R25 000.

Note that the approval process may be expedited but generally takes about 6 weeks.

7.     Instruct a conveyancer to register the extension in the Deeds Office

This is may be done simultaneously with the transfer of the property and the cost is approximately R2 500.