Adding a deck to your home can provide you with a lot more usable and comfortable living space, whether it is around a pool area or under a covered patio. It can also add value to your property. If you are looking to add a decked area to your home, one of the first questions you may ask is, will I need building plans for a deck in South Africa?
According to Part G (vii) of the Minor Building Works Schedule, you do not need to submit building plans for an open slatted timber deck that does not exceed 40m2 in area. However, you do need to submit a minor building works application and detailed drawings to your local municipality, and appoint a registered professional if deemed necessary.
While formal building plans are not required, you will need to submit drawings providing sufficient detail that demonstrate compliance with South African building standards and regulations along with a Minor Building Works Application. You may also need to appoint a registered professional to sign the SANS 10400-A Form 2, taking responsibility for the design. Having said that, your local municipality does have the final say, and if they insist on formal building plans, then you will be required to comply.
What drawings do I need for a deck?
In most cases, any structure needs a complete set of building plans to be submitted to the municipality for approval before construction. However, this is not the case with structures that fall under “minor building works”. In some cases, you do not need to submit any drawings and in other cases, just a sketch will do. But what about a deck?
According to the Minor Building Works Schedule, you need to submit drawings providing sufficient detailing that shows that the deck is compliant with the South African National Standards (SANS). This will include a basic site plan indicating the position of the deck, along with a sketch of the deck and if the deck structure is stepped, you will need to include elevations as well.
While the drawings should be basic, sufficient detail should be provided to show that the deck will comply with the building regulations and municipal bylaws. For example, the deck is no larger than 40m2, does not encroach over any building lines, etc.
If your local municipality deems it necessary to appoint a registered professional to oversee the work or provide formal building plans, you will need to comply.
When will I need to appoint a registered professional?
While building a deck may seem easy enough to construct by yourself, it needs to be structurally sound to be used by people and hold furniture, to avoid any injuries. So when do you need to appoint a registered professional?
According to the Minor Building Works Schedule, you need to appoint a professional registered with SACAP or ECSA to sign the “SANS 10400 Form 2”, taking responsibility for the compliance of the deck, when it is deemed necessary.
It may be necessary to appoint a competent person if you have never built a deck before, don’t know the building standards and regulations for a deck, or if your local municipality requires you to.
The registered professional you appoint can be an architect, architectural technologist or any draughts person registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). You may also appoint an engineer or any person registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The appointed person will charge a fee for this. You can refer to SACAP’s annual guideline for recommended fees charged by architectural professionals.
What will happen if I build a deck without an MBW application?
Building a timber deck without the approval of a minor building works application or submission of the required drawings to your local municipality could result in a hefty fine, as well as a demolition order of the newly built deck. Therefore, before starting to build your deck it is a good idea to check with your local municipality what documents and drawings are required.