Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Private BuilderTM portal about?
Private BuilderTM, is an enabling, digital platform, that allows owner builders to recommend reputable contractors. It serves as a digital “word of mouth” platform. Once recommended, other users can find these contractors and make use of their services too and then add reviews of their experience with that contractor. It is an ecosystem whereby communities will create a reliable database of reputable contractors who can help make private building a much better experience through the use of reputable contractors.
What are all the functions available on Private BuilderTM?
Once users are registered on the portal, they can do the following things:
- Recommend a contractor for the great work that they have done. The contractor’s information and the recommendation will remain on the database for other users to access
- Find a contractor – here they are able to search the database, for contractors who have been recommended by other users
- Buy and Sell building materials. The “Sell” function allows users to create an advertisement of their surplus building material and tools, etc. for sale. Other interested users can access these adverts through the “Buy” option, where they will see the full advertisements with contact details of the seller
- Donate – here users can opt to create an advertisement to donate their surplus building materials and tools to deserving organisations. They simply select the “Donate Leftover Materials” option and complete the required information. Users and organisations in need of these materials can access the advertisement on the “Donated Materials” section
How do I get started?
First you need to register on the site. Once approved, you simply log back in
To recommend a contractor, select the “Recommend a Contractor” option, fill in the required information and as much as the optional information. Load up to 4 pictures of the contractors work and then submit your listing.
To find a contractor, select the “Find a contractor” option and either type out what you looking for in the search fields, or simply click the “search” button to display all the contractors registered here
To sell your leftover material, select the “Sell Building Materials” option, fill in the required information, load up to 4 pictures of the stuff you are planning to sell, and then click on “submit your listing”. Easy as that. Your posting will now appear under the “Buy Building Materials” for others to see.
To buy leftover materials, simply select the “Buy Building Materials” options and either type out what you looking for in the search fields, or simply click the “search” button to display all the items for sale here.
To donate Leftover materials, select the “Donate Leftover Materials” option, fill in the required information, load up to 4 pictures of the stuff you are planning to donate, and then click on “submit your listing”. Easy as that. Your listing will now move to the “Donated Materials” section for others to see.
To find donated materials, select the “Donated Materials” option, and either type out what you looking for in the search fields, or simply click the “search” button to display all the items for donation here.
Can users keep adding reviews for the same contractor?
Yes. This is exactly what the portal aims to do. Users must each be able to provide their own review and rating of their experience with each contractor. In that way, contractors are expected to maintain a high level of service at all times. Contractors get recommended once only and they remain on the database from that recommendation. Thereafter other users can add reviews of each experience of using that contractor for their building projects.
Is Private BuilderTM a commercial website to advertise contractors?
No. Private BuilderTM, is an enabling, digital platform, that allows owners to recommend reputable contractors. There is no charge to the owner or the contractor for recommendations ore reviews.
Can contractors request to be added to the portal or can they add themselves to the portal?
No. Only owner builders can add them to the portal thorough the “Recommend a contractor” option. This way they earn their place on the portal. Any suspicious activity of users trying to breach this process will face consequences for their actions.
How do contractors get their contact details updated?
By sending a mail to talk2us@privatebuilder.co.za
Can users report unprofessional conduct experienced from contractors?
Yes, absolutely. Users will be able to honestly provide feedback under the review sections and they can also send a mail to talk2us@privatebuilder.co.za. Private BuilderTM does not condone any form of unprofessional conduct, including racism, criminal activity, misrepresentation, etc.
Can Private BuilderTM mediate disputes between contractors and owners?
No. Private BuilderTM is only the digital platform to enable connecting owners with contractors. It is still the owner’s responsibility to ensure a working relationship, a legally binding contract and a level of co-operation with the contractor is maintained throughout the project. No one is forced to use the services of any of the contractors recommended on Private BuilderTM
Can Private BuilderTM guarantee the workmanship of a contractor?
No. Private BuilderTM does not promote or recommend any of the contractors on the database. Only the owners can recommend them. Owners cannot be held responsible for their workmanship either, because a recommendation is just to promote the contractor, because of a good experience, and is not an endorsement of their workmanship, skills or compliance with building regulation.
Can it be assumed that all these contractors are registered and accredited, and are compliant with the building regulations?
No. All users must do their own due diligence and background checks to ensure that these contractors have the required skills and knowledge, before they decide to make us of that contractor.
Can it be assumed that these contractors can be trusted?
No. Users need to take every and all precaution when working with contractors.
Are advertisements for donations and items for sale, posted on the portal, vetted by Private BuilderTM?
No. Users have to take care and apply their discretion when making use of these services
Are all sellers trustworthy?
No. Buyers must take the necessary precautions when dealing with sellers. All suspicious activity can be reported via talk2us@privatebuilder.co.za
How long do these advertisements stay on the portal?
All adverts will expire after 30 days.
How do organisations and users access the list of donated items?
All users must register on the portal first to be able to access the “Donated Items” section
What are other useful resources are available on the portal?
The portal contains our terms and conditions of use and it also contains some practical advice for using private contractors, with tips on safety and security when planning building projects. We suggest that all users take the time to read these resources carefully
Besides being recommended, can a Contractor ask for advertising space on the portal?
Yes, absolutely. We have made advertising space available to any supplier or contractor wishing to showcase their products, services brands and portfolios. Advertising enquiries can be submitted to talk2us@privatebuilder.co.za