African Design Magazine ADM #35 November 2017 | Page 45

ADVERTORIAL
THE INSURER
OF ARCHITECTS
s an insurer of Architects, experience has shown us the importance of
agreeing to all terms with a client upfront and ensuring that you conclude
with a signed contract. We have often seen the impact an unsigned contract
can have on an Architect's business and on personal finance. That is where
Errors & Omissions insurance comes in.
Errors & Omissions insurance protects, amongst other, design professionals in the
event of a law suit or in a case of negligence. Auto & General provides the added
benefit of assisting clients in defending claims, provided they have a legally binding
client contract.
Here's an example:
Recently, an Architect was informed by his client that he was expected to pay for the
cost of demolition, debris removal, the redrafting of new plans and the rebuilding of a
structure in order to comply with building regulations. The problem was that this
Architect drafted the plans which were later found to be in breach of building
regulations. The building had already been built, but the building was not approved
in its current form as approval from the local authorities had not been obtained.
The National Building Regulations & Building Standards Act (No. 103 of 1977)
stipulates that no person may erect, alter, add to, or convert any building without the
prior approval of the Local Authority. How then did this event take place and who
was responsible for securing the approval?
Read the details surrounding this unfortunate event and the outcome:
Do not run the risk of this happening to you. Get a contract signed before the start of
any project and should there be amendments along the way, reduce the changes to
writing and have it signed by both parties.
For more information or an obligation free quote on Errors & Omissions Insurance
contact us on 0861 11 13 53 or sms “quote” to 45577. Terms and Conditions apply.
*This article has been wri en by
Kenneth van Sweeden, GM:
Professional Liabilities Auto & General
Insurance Company Limited, an
authorised financial services provider.
(FSP number 16354).
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