Build it is a building materials retailer. What it offers is normally a trade or credit account for buying materials, rather than a cash loan — and for a home builder or small contractor, that distinction shapes everything about how the finance works.
A materials account funds what you buy at the store, on the store’s terms. Cash for labour, transport or anything bought elsewhere has to come from somewhere else.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
For an individual account, the criteria are those of ordinary consumer credit; for a trade account, business requirements apply as well.
- Be 18 years or older with a valid South African ID document or smart card
- Have a regular, verifiable income paid into a bank account in your own name
- Not be under debt review, sequestration or administration
- For a business or trade account: CIPC registration documents or proof of a registered sole proprietorship
- For a business account: a business bank account and tax affairs in order with SARS
- Trade references, where the store requires them
Income and Affordability Requirements
A credit account is credit, and the affordability assessment applies.
The Act requires an affordability assessment before credit is granted: the provider must verify gross income, subtract statutory deductions such as PAYE and UIF, subtract the minimum living expenses prescribed in the affordability assessment regulations, and subtract existing monthly debt repayments. Lending without that assessment is reckless lending and is prohibited.
Understand the account terms before you draw on it. Ask what the payment terms are, whether there is an interest-free period, what interest applies to balances carried beyond it, and what the credit limit is. Materials accounts are often structured for short settlement cycles, and carrying a balance past that point is expensive.
For a building project, the more useful budgeting exercise is the whole cost. Materials are typically a portion of what a build costs; labour, transport, plans, municipal approvals and connections make up the rest. A materials account solves one part of the problem, and planning as though it solves all of it is how projects stall half-finished.
Credit and Financial Requirements
A credit bureau check forms part of the assessment and repayment behaviour is reported back.
The agreement is regulated by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 and the provider must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR). Verify registration free of charge at ncr.org.za before you sign.
If you are building rather than renovating, other requirements apply that have nothing to do with the account. Plans must be approved by the local municipality. Where the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act applies, the builder must be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the home enrolled. Confirm registration directly with the NHBRC rather than accepting a builder’s assurance.
For a larger project, a bank building loan is usually the right instrument: it releases funds in stages against inspected progress and is secured on the property, making it far cheaper than retail credit. A materials account suits ongoing purchases, not the funding of a whole build.
Documents and Verification Required
The pack depends on whether the account is personal or for a business.
- South African ID document or smart card
- Latest payslip, or the latest three where income varies
- Latest three months’ bank statements
- Proof of residence not older than three months
- For a business account: CIPC documents, a company profile, business bank statements and a SARS tax compliance status PIN
- Trade references, where required
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply at the store, where the account terms are explained and the documents are verified. Ask for the terms in writing rather than relying on what is said at the counter.
- Ask for the credit limit, the payment terms and the interest on carried balances, in writing
- Budget the whole project, not just the materials
- For a full build, compare a bank building loan against retail credit — it is usually much cheaper
- Confirm the builder’s NHBRC registration directly with the NHBRC
- Get municipal plan approval before you start buying materials
- Keep every invoice and delivery note; they matter for both budgeting and disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a materials account a loan?
It is a credit account for purchases at the store rather than a cash advance. Cash for labour or purchases elsewhere must be funded separately.
What is the difference between this and a building loan?
A building loan is secured on the property and released in stages against inspected progress, which makes it far cheaper. A materials account funds store purchases on retail terms.
Do I need approved plans?
For new construction and most structural alterations, yes — from your local municipality. Building without approval creates problems on sale and with insurance.
Must my builder be NHBRC registered?
The Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act requires home builders to be registered and homes enrolled in defined circumstances. Confirm registration directly with the NHBRC.
Account terms, credit limits and interest are set by the retailer and change. Confirm current terms in store in writing, and check building requirements with your municipality and the NHBRC.