Terms

Minor works that do not need building plan approval

Some minor works do not need a building plan, and some do need plans to be submitted and approved.

Fast fact: 

As an owner of a property, you can draw up your own plans for certain types of building work, such as swimming pools and braais without chimneys.

Minor works that do not need approval include:

• Braais without a chimney

• Garden sheds less than 3 m2

• Gate for cars – unless partly on pavement or the City’s land

• Replacement of windows or doors– provided the existing frames aren’t load bearing, and that openings aren’t enlarged or that any openings needed for fire escapes aren’t removed

• Minor repairs to a house or shop – for example, replacement of roofing or tile sheets

• New appliances or new fittings – for example, installing a new toilet, bath or geyser, or changing the position of these, provided that the work does not include new or extended drainage or plumbing.

Minor works that do need building plan approval

Please note

If you’re not sure and your intended action is not listed above enquire at your District Planning Office. You can find all District Planning Office contact information on the Development Management department page.

Even though they may be on private land and may not be a major build, minor works that do need approval include:

• Swimming pools

• Wendy houses

• Garden sheds bigger than 3 m2

• Carports

• Any renovations that add new elements to a fundamental aspect of the building or property – like different roofing tiles, or a removal of a wall that may change the building’s structure

• Boundary walls

• Any temporary building being used for construction – like a builder’s hut

• Aviary

Remember

All minor works must be used for its intended purpose; for example, you can’t build an ‘animal enclosure’ and have a tenant move in. If you want to change the use of an existing building, even where no physical work or construction was undertaken, you need to get approval first.

How to apply for minor works;

Any building works need to be applied for in the same way:    
By submitting a building plan application along with the relevant building plans and any other documentation or forms necessary for the type of build you are planning.

WARRANTIES:

• The manufacturer guarantees the craftsmanship for two years for the wood. Further issues will be open for discussion.

• Due to the nature of wood, Woodsaw cannot guarantee the colour and grain of the wood or veneers used but will always endeavour to match the colour and grain of the different pieces of wood or veneers, that is used in the manufacturing of the products.

• If solid wood and veneer is used, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that the colour of the solid wood and veneer will match. Woodsaw will however endeavour to match the colour as close as possible.

• This guarantee is also null and void if the manufactured products is not treated in the recommended manner.

• If any of the products leave the factory of Woodsaw untreated, it is the client’s responsibility to treat the wood within seven days to prevent damage, warping, cracking.

The warranties as listed above EXCLUDE:

• Damage related to subsequent alterations, misuse, negligence and/or careless use or abuse of the covered items.

• Damage resulting from fires, storms, electrical malfunctions, accidents, floods, sub-grade moisture conditions, leaks, water damage or acts of God.

• Damage related to customer’s failure to observe any instructions from Woodsaw and/or requirements of the manufacturer with respect to the product, including without limitation failure to control humidity and temperature levels within the home or garden.

• Normal wear-and- tear or colour variations caused by the passage of time, light, steam or vapours or other such factors associated within the garden and/or living environment.

• Worktops and surfacing which are guaranteed by the respective supplier and/or fabricators warranty.

TREATMENT OF PRODUCT:

• If the manufactured products are not treated as per the manufacturer’s instructions, the warranty relating to the material as well as craftsmanship will lapse.

• The responsibility is on the client to properly maintain the manufactured products.

REPLACEMENT OF PRODUCT:

• If the product is replaced, Woodsaw cannot be held responsible for any additional costs of replacement, except the costs for the replacing of a certain product.

• If a product must, for whatever reason, be replaced, but the product line was suspended, Woodsaw will replace the product with a similar looking product.

• If the replaced product is more expensive than the originally manufactured product, the client will be held responsible for additional costs.

• Woodsaw cannot be held liable if the product originally provided differs from the replaced product.

• If the product is replaced for whatsoever reason, the original product must be returned to Woodsaw.

• Woodsaw offers a two-year warranty, effective from date of completion on all material and components. This warranty does not apply to any defective workmanship or incorrect installation of the product.

Kindly take note of the following instructions:

Veneer, solid timber, and painted products

• Use a micro fibre anti-scratch cloth when cleaning. For general cleaning, only use a 5% liquid soap, 95% water solution. Wipe down with a damp cloth and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Dust with a soft cloth only, following the grain pattern of the wood.

• Don’t use cleaning products that contain alcohol or solvents. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, acetone, petrol, or glass cleaners as this will damage the surface of the product. It is best to use a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and marks, followed by a clean and dry soft cloth.

• Cooking splashes should be wiped up immediately using a damp cloth.

• You may be aware that wood changes colour when exposed to light; the rate of change being dependant on the species and intensity of exposure.

• Please be aware that if add-on products are required in the future, a variation in colour is highly probable. With timber, your product may need upkeep every few months – this will depend on how the product has been sealed after manufacturing. Please ensure you have checked whether upkeep of this nature is required.

• Excessive exposure to water, steam and humidity can cause the timber/substrate to warp and split. The use of a cooker hood, or extractor, whenever cooking, is advised. This will help avoid steam and cooking oil vapours from adversely effecting surfaces.

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WORKTOPS

Your work surfaces can become damaged if mistreated. We would recommend the following basic

‘rules’ to adhere to: Always use a chopping board. Place hot pans or casserole dishes on

protective mats or trivets. Mop up spills immediately, particularly on joins, and around sink and hob

cut-out areas.

Timber

Always mop up spills straight away and don’t leave wet crockery to stand for any length of time.

Particular attention should be paid to the sink area; wipe down the work surface after use.

Avoid prolonged contact with metals, such as iron and steel, as these can cause black staining

of the timber. Wipe clean using a well wrung out cloth dipped in warm soapy water.

Unsealed solid wood surfaces require slightly more maintenance than other tops as they

need to be oiled regularly. Make use of the oil or other product recommended by your supplier

to keep the wood supple and prevent cracking. Always follow the grain when applying oil and

use a soft dry cloth.

Without this care the tops can crack and warp

Additional Terms of Conditions:

The client will not claim a refund or remedy and accepts full responsibility should the goods be damaged due to misuse, abuse or gross negligence on the part of the client. The client also accepts that these foregoing factors will vitiate his/her warrantee and/or guarantee.

The client accepts, that should the goods have a defect, failure, or hazard, he/she will immediately inform the supplier and promptly claim a remedy. Pertaining to the fact that the supplier has provided warnings and safety instructions in advance, he/she accepts that when handling the goods, he/she must comply with these instructions.

The supplier reserves the right to institute the necessary legal proceedings in the event of non-payment, which will entitle the supplier to repossess goods supplied.

The customer agrees that interest will be charged per applicable legislation on all monies (outstanding & arrears) due in terms of this agreement.

The above warranties rely on the customer following the care and maintenance document provided by Woodsaw.