Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us before they build.
The short answers, grouped the way the questions come. Further down, the things nobody explains: how big 100 square metres really is, and the words you will hear from council.
Price and paying
What will my plans cost?
From R110 for each square metre of your home. Plans for a 200 m² home start at R22 000. The engineer, the council submission and council's own fees are separate, and we quote them in writing.
Do I pay anything up front?
Yes. Once you have your estimate in writing, 20% of it is paid before anything moves. 50% is paid when you approve the concept, and the last 30% when the final set for municipal submission is drafted.
What do I get for the deposit?
Your concept within 7 working days: the floor plan with the details, the 3D views, the finished picture and a walk around it. We make the changes you want, within reason: two rounds are included, and a third if it is still not right.
The 7 working days
Can a house really be designed in 7 working days?
The 7 working days are for your first concept, not your final plans. You see the home, ask for changes, and only then are the plans finalised for council.
I have never built before. Where do I start?
Here. Tell us where your property is and what you want to build. We ask the rest, one question at a time.
We launch on 30 October 2026. Enquiries before then are booked in order, and the 7 working days start on launch day, or when your deposit is paid if that is later.
Extensions
Do you do extensions?
Yes, with a few conditions. Your concept takes the same 7 working days. The extension is priced at R110 per m² on a minimum of 80 m², so a smaller extension is charged as 80 m². Existing plans help, but unless we get them as a CAD file or a clear digital copy, the house has to be measured and redrawn first, at R55 per m², half the plan rate. Our terms and conditions apply; ask us and we send them.
Who signs, and council
Do I need an architect, or can a draughtsman do it?
Council checks the registration, not the job title. Whoever signs your plans must be registered with SACAP. Ours are signed by a SACAP registered professional.
Can I take the plans to council myself?
Yes, at no charge from us. If you would rather we submit and follow up, we quote a fee that depends on your area. Council's own fees are separate either way.
How long does council take?
It depends on your council. The law gives council 30 days to decide on a home under 500 m². In practice it can take three months, and sometimes much longer. If we submit for you, we follow up and deal with council's comments. We cannot promise council's timing either way.
Can I just build without approved plans?
Building without approved plans is against the law. A council can have you fined or get a court order to take the work down. Banks and buyers often ask for approved plans when you sell, and many builders will not quote without them.
Where we work
Which areas do you work in?
Johannesburg South first, then the rest of Gauteng. If your property is further out, ask us. Where we can assist, the service is the same: the brief by phone or Zoom, your concept by email or WhatsApp, and the submission through your own council.
How big is that, really?
Square metres, in things you know.
Everyone quotes plans by the square metre, and almost nobody can picture one. These are the sizes people ask for most, with what fits in each at R110 per m².
50m²
Four parking bays
A parking bay is 2.5 m by 5 m. Four of them side by side is 50 m², a little smaller than a squash court.
A one bedroom home on its own stand: bedroom, bathroom, and one room for the kitchen and lounge together.
Plans from R5 500
100m²
Eight parking bays
Or just under three double garages, at about 36 m² each. Most starter homes on a smaller stand land here.
Three bedrooms, one bathroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. A garage pushes it past 100.
Plans from R11 000
150m²
Twelve parking bays
Three rows of four. About four double garages. This is a comfortable family home.
Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate lounge and dining, and a double garage.
Plans from R16 500
200m²
Sixteen parking bays
Or one singles tennis court, which is just under 200 m². At this size rooms stop being tight.
Four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, a study, double garage and a covered patio.
Plans from R22 000
Sizes are a guide, for a new home. Extensions are priced on a minimum of 80 m². The engineer, the council submission and council's own fees are quoted separately, in writing.
Words you will hear
The council words, in plain English.
The floor area of the home, measured to the outside of the walls and added up over every floor, garage included. Your plan price is worked out on this number.
How much of your stand the roof may cover, set by council as a percentage. A 60% coverage on a 500 m² stand allows 300 m² of roof.
A council document that says what your stand may be used for, how high you may build and how far from the boundaries.
The Surveyor General's drawing of your stand: its exact shape, size and corner pegs. We use it to place the house.
Proof of who owns the stand, with any conditions written against it. Some deeds limit what may be built, so we check it before we quote.
The distance from the street or a neighbour's boundary that you must keep clear. Council sets it, and the plan has to respect it.
The structural engineer works out the foundations, beams and slabs so the house stands up. Council wants it signed, and it is quoted separately.
The National Home Builders Registration Council. Your builder must be registered and your new home enrolled with them before building starts.
The South African Council for the Architectural Profession. Only someone registered with SACAP may sign plans that go to council.
Handing your signed plans, forms and documents to the municipality for approval. You can do it yourself, or we do it for a fee.
Still have a question?
Ask it on the form and we answer it on your call.