By Herman Liebenberg, General Manager – Insure City Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd

When it comes to maintaining your unit or common property, certain repairs or installations may seem simple enough to handle yourself or leave to the on-site caretaker. However, when insurance, safety, and compliance are involved, using a qualified, reputable contractor is not just recommended; it’s essential.

In this month’s newsletter, we explain why appointing a professional contractor protects you, your property, and your insurance cover.

Insurance Requires Proper Documentation

When lodging an insurance claim, you will usually be asked to provide documentation such as:

• A contractor’s invoice
• A quote
• A valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) (where applicable)

These documents confirm that the work was carried out by someone with the appropriate qualifications and that it meets the required standards. Without them, your claim may be delayed or even declined.

Trained Contractors Follow Regulations and Standards

Whether it’s:

• Repairing roof tiles
• Replacing or installing a geyser
• Addressing electrical or plumbing issues

…it is vital that the work meets industry rules and regulations.

Qualified contractors:

• Are properly trained
• Understand safety codes
• Work in accordance with legal and insurance requirements

When a repair is completed correctly and in accordance with the relevant codes, it helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of future damage.

Compliance Protects Your Insurance Claim

If an unfortunate event occurs, such as storm damage or a burst geyser, the insurance company will consider whether the installation or previous repair work met the required standards.

If non-compliant work contributed to the damage, the insurer may determine that the incident could have been avoided. This may negatively impact your claim.

Using a reputable contractor helps ensure that:

• There was no negligence
• The damage was genuinely unforeseen
• The claim can be assessed fairly

Contractors Offer Warranties and Carry Liability Cover

Most professional contractors provide:

• Workmanship warranties, giving you peace of mind
• Liability insurance, which protects you in case something goes wrong on site

This added protection is not available when using unqualified individuals.

Caretakers Have Many Duties, but They Are Not Contractors

Caretakers play a crucial role in the daily operations of a body corporate. However, unless the caretaker is a qualified and registered contractor, they should not perform repairs that require certification, compliance checks, or specialist skills.

This protects:

• The body corporate
• Members and residents
• Insurance cover
• Property value

Regulations Are There to Keep You Safe

Building codes, electrical and plumbing regulations, and other safety requirements may seem overwhelming, but they exist for one reason: to protect you, your property, and your tenants.

These standards have been shaped and updated over many years based on real-world incidents, risk assessments, and evolving safety knowledge.

Need Repairs? Here Are Your Options

When something needs fixing, you can:

• Ask us for a recommended contractor
• Request that we appoint a contractor on your behalf
• Use your own qualified contractor

Choosing the right professional ensures safe, compliant repairs and smooth insurance processes.