Important things to look for when considering a building company:

1.

Is the company NHBRC registered?

The  National Home Builders Registration Council was established to protect the home builder and regulate the building industry, see: www.nhbrc.org

2.

Does the company have a portfolio of work completed?

Go to the company website to view the quality of workmanship or ask for a printed portfolio. 

3.

Meet with the company representative who will be handling your project.

You might be able to determine the character of the person and the image the company portrays and weigh this against the results you would like to achieve.

4.

Insist on signing a contract

Make sure you understand the contract, consult a third party if necessary, this is to protect you and the building company.  The standard building industry contract is called a "JBCC" contract, see: www.jbcc.co.za          

5.

Enquire about health & safety enforcement on the project,

If health & safety measures are not enforced, the construction will be stopped and you might be liable for a fine and possible imprisonment, see www.ohs.co.za

6.

Be weary of big price differences in different quotes

If you receive 3 or more quotes, consider quotes within the same price range, question a price which is much higher or lower than the other companies, make sure that the same items and quantities are being priced for.  When a quote has been signed, you will be charged according to that quotation and any items left out of the quotation, which will be needed will be extra charges for the client's account