Frequently Asked Questions
Each project is unique thus fees and the structure will differ. We base fees on recommended tariffs published annually by The South African Council for the Architectural Profession.
The architectural fees are separate from disbursement costs which are costs for printing, travel and other direct costs which are billed to the client.
No, the client is responsible for providing payment directly to the municipality, although we will facilitate with the municipality to help determine this cost.
No, before we undertake any work, the fee and scope needs to be determined and recorded in a signed contract.
* Copy of Owners Identity Document
* Copy of Rates
* Copy of Title Deeds
* Copy of the Surveyor General (SG) Diagram
If site is registered to statutory entity (closed corporation, PTY LTD, trust or other body) the registration number needs to be proved.
If site is registered to statutory entity a letter of resolution (on an official letterhead) a copy of the standard wording is available in our download’s section.
If the site is mortgaged or bonded, your title deed will be kept with the bank which holds your mortgage or bond, you are able to request it from them. It usually takes a week for a copy to arrive. If you own the property then this should be in your possession.
The SG Diagram is usually attached to your title deeds. Should this not be the case the municipality may be able to assist you in retrieving a copy. Alternatively, the provincial branch of the Land Surveyor General’s office needs to be contacted for a copy. In the latter two instances, there will be nominal charges.
The SG diagram records the extent and shape of the property. It also shows any servitudes, rights-of-way and other restrictions.
The Title Deeds contain additional information concerning the development rights of the property. E.g. In some areas the title deeds prohibit using the site as business premises.
The Zoning Certificate is a document prepared by the municipality and shows the general restrictions for a site in a specific suburb. The Zoning Certificate will reflect the maximum heights, building lines, uses and floor area that can be built.
We require that a land surveyor be employed on all projects, to survey the site.
We recommend that an engineer be appointed on all projects. The municipality does require an engineer for all two storey buildings, pools and reinforced concrete structures.
Depending on the location of the site we would also strongly recommend the appointment of a geotechnical engineer to investigate the soil conditions (estate review committees require this as a standard).
We recommend that you make use of a landscape architect (estate review committee requires this as a standard).
Although we are able to estimate basic costs wherever possible, we recommend that a professional quantity surveyor (QS) is employed as this gives a degree of greater control.
On very large houses and commercial projects we recommend that a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer and a lighting consultant be employed.
Each profession is governed by its own statutory body which recommend certain tariffs. The fees charged by these professionals are separate from our architectural fees.
We have a number of established working relationships with different professionals and can recommend their services, but we are also willing to work with the clients own team, provided that they are registered with the appropriate statutory body.
Each project is unique, but a good average is three months up to municipal submission.
Each project is unique, but as long as there are no relaxations or special applications, a good average is six weeks.
All buildings older than 60 years are protected by law and may not be altered without an approved application to the provincial heritage resource agency. You will be able to make changes, and in certain cases you may apply for the demolition of a building, but this will depend on the importance of the building and the assessment of the property that must accompany any application.
AMAFA – KwaZulu-Natal (the local branch of the heritage resource agency) keep a list of accredited architects. PGA Architects is one of the accredited practices due to our experience with a number of heritage buildings.
PGA Architects are currently accredited to design for the following estates: Zimbali, Simbithi, Izinga Ridge, Kindlewood, Bretenwood, Mount Edgecombe, Camelot Golf and Residential Estate, Parkside and the Umhlanga New Town Centre. We have also designed on other estates and are able to be accredited for new projects.
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