Build it In South Africa: Your Guide to Getting Started Right

Introduction

When it comes to starting a building or renovation project in South Africa, the phrase “build it in South Africa” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re constructing a new home, adding a verandah, or finishing off a dream space, knowing how to execute the plan, source reliable materials, and partner with the right supplier makes all the difference.
In this article we’ll explore how to build it in South Africa with confidence—focusing in particular on partnering with one of the country’s leading building-materials networks: Build it. You’ll learn how to make the most of their services, avoid common pitfalls, and walk through practical steps to bring your project from idea to finished build.https://www.buildit.co.za/

Section 1: What Does “Build It In South Africa” Really Mean?

Understanding the phrase “build it” in a South African context

“Build it” here is shorthand for: take the initiative, source the materials, manage the process, and bring your structure or space to life. In South Africa, that means navigating specific local realities: sourcing quality building materials, delivery logistics, local store networks, credit options, and more.

Why doing it locally matters

• Local suppliers understand the climate, building styles, material availability and regulations.

• A national network like Build it (with stores across provinces) means you can often access materials and services closer to you. For example, Build it describes itself as a “full-service builder’s merchant” offering advice and a broad range of building and hardware requirements.

• Local projects often require quick delivery, flexible credit options, and service providers who understand South African construction norms. Build it highlights delivery services and credit facilities. 

Key challenges you’ll face when you “build it in South Africa”

• Ensuring you purchase from a legitimate supplier (we’ll revisit scam alerts in a moment).

• Managing logistics: getting materials delivered, especially outside major cities.

• Budgeting and holding costs down while maintaining quality.

• Understanding credit/finance options if you’re building or renovating.

• Navigating regulatory requirements (permits, building plans).

Section 2: Introducing Build it — How They Help You “Build it In South Africa”

Who is Build it?

Build it is a retail and merchant network in South Africa (and neighbouring countries) specialising in building materials, tools, roofing, plumbing, electrical goods, timber and more. According to their own “About” page:

“At Build it, we believe in building Better – better homes, better businesses, better communities … Since opening our first standalone store in KwaZulu-Natal in 1985, we’ve grown … into a respected building materials brand with some 397 stores across South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique.” 

What services do they offer?

• Extensive product categories: building materials, roofing, tools, timber, etc.

• Delivery service “to your site” to reduce the burden of transport. 

• Credit facilities: Build it works with finance providers (Evolution Finance, Kanga Finance, FIN Home Loans, RCS and Capitec) so customers can apply for credit at their local Build it store. 

• A rewards or store-ownership path: “Own your very own Build it store. Join the Build it family. Apply Today.” 

Why Build it is a reliable choice when you want to “build it in South Africa”

• With many stores across the country, you gain easier access and localised support.

• Their service is designed specifically for building and home improvement—so you’re not dealing with a generic big-box store but a specialist merchant.

• The presence of credit options and delivery services helps smooth out the building process.

• They warn of job-scam alerts and emphasise using the correct domain (.co.za) rather than .com when looking for genuine communications. From the website:

“SCAM ALERT! Please be aware of the latest job scam on social media. DO NOT complete your details and contact information on the application request. Please be advised that Build it would not use a .com URL to advertise or request payment for job applications.”
This kind of clarity adds to their credibility.

Section 3: How to Plan Your Project — Building It Step by Step

Whether you're building a small extension or a full new home, following a clear process keeps you on track. Here’s how to “build it in South Africa” using Build it as your partner.

Step 1: Define your goal and scope

• Decide exactly what you’re planning — e.g., building a separate braai area, finishing a basement, building a new home.

• Set your budget early. Include materials, labour, delivery, contingency.

• Consider location: If you’re in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) but sourcing materials in South Africa—or if you’re in South Africa—understand transport/logistics implications.

• Identify any regulatory requirements: local building permits, structural plan approval, inspections.

Step 2: Visit or select your supplier (Build it store)

• Choose the nearest Build it store (they operate across South Africa) so you can access the store directly.

• Talk to their staff about your project—they are positioned as offering expert advice for building materials and home improvement.

• Use Build it’s online services to browse products or view categories—e.g., “Building Materials” category listing is found at their site. 

Step 3: Calculate your material requirements

• With your supplier, determine how much you need of each material: bricks/blocks, cement, roofing, timber, tools.

• Build it offers calculators and tools (mentioned on their site) to help with estimation. (See “Calculators” link on their website.)

• Always factor in waste/spare material — 5-10% extra is often sensible.

• Get delivery quotes: If your site is remote or outside major centres, transport costs may add up.

Step 4: Explore credit/finance options if needed

• If your budget requires financing, inquire about Build it’s credit partnerships: Evolution Finance, Kanga Finance, FIN Home Loans, RCS, Capitec.

• Understand the terms: interest rate, repayment period, insurance, any collateral.

• Make sure you’re comfortable with the monthly cost before proceeding.

Step 5: Place your order and arrange delivery

• Once the materials list is ready, place your order via the store or online storefront.

• Confirm delivery date and site access (especially in South Africa’s rural zones) — Build it emphasises that they deliver to site to ease transport. 

• On delivery day: inspect materials for damage, verify quantities, keep receipts.

Step 6: Manage the build process

• Work with your contractor or DIY plan: schedule material arrivals, labour shifts, inspections.

• If you’re mixing sourcing from Build it and other suppliers, keep strong records of arrivals, costs.

• Use the Build it store for advice if you need alternative products or surplus material management.

Step 7: Finalise and review

• On completion, walk through the build with your contractor (or yourself) and inspect workmanship, materials used vs ordered.

• Retain your invoices and credit documentation from Build it for any future claims or warranty.

• Provide feedback—Build it collects customer testimonials and many users highlight their service quality. (E.g., a customer at “Build it Msogwaba – Pien…” commented on service. See original info.)

• Think about follow-on improvements or maintenance, and consider Build it’s tools and materials for that too.

Section 4: Common Pitfalls When You “Build It In South Africa” — And How to Avoid Them

Pitfall: Buying from unverified or fake sources

Even established brands can have imitators or scams. Build it’s website even issues a warning:

“SCAM ALERT! Please be aware of the latest job scam on social media. DO NOT complete your details and contact information on the application request. Please be advised that Build it would not use a .com URL to advertise or request payment for job applications.”
Tip: Always verify a store’s domain ends with .co.za (for South Africa) and ensure you’re in the official store network.

Pitfall: Material shortages or delivery delays

• Building materials in South Africa can fluctuate in availability due to local demand, shipping or production constraints.

• Tip: Order early, confirm availability, schedule delivery to align with your labour schedule.

Pitfall: Under-estimating costs

• Delivery, transport, waste, credit interest—these often push budgets.

• Tip: Always factor in contingency (10-20 % extra), ask for delivery quotes, use credit only if you’re comfortable with repayments.

Pitfall: Poor coordination between materials, labour, and schedule

• If materials arrive late or labour starts too early, you risk downtime and extra costs.

• Tip: Map your timeline realistically, align build phases with material arrivals, and communicate clearly with your builder or DIY plan.

Pitfall: Compliance and permits oversight

• Depending on your jurisdiction in South Africa (or if you’re sourcing from South Africa for a neighbouring country), you may need building plans, zoning compliance, inspections.

• Tip: Check local requirements early and factor in any extras (plan drawing fees, submission delays, inspection scheduling).

Section 5: Why Choose Build it for Your South African Build — A Deeper Look

Wide product range

Build it’s catalogue covers everything from building materials to tools, roofing, timber and more. For example, their “Building Materials” product page shows dozens of items including bricks, plaster, blocks, etc.
This breadth allows you to consolidate sourcing—less time coordinating multiple suppliers.

Delivery & convenience

Many customers highlight the ease of dealing with Build it stores. For example, at Umzimkulu store:

“All homebuilding supplies under one roof. Friendly staff.”
Delivery services reduce the transport burden, especially for heavy materials.

Localised stores, local service

Build it emphasises that its stores are “independently owned and rooted in their local communities.”
Local store ownership often means staff are familiar with local building conditions, transport networks and regional needs.

Credit facilities

Not every building materials merchant offers in-store credit options. Build it lists several finance partners, which can give you helpful flexibility if you’re managing a large build. 

Experience & reputation

With decades in business (since 1985) and hundreds of stores across Southern Africa, Build it has scale and experience. 
That experience can translate into smoother service, better advice, and fewer surprises during your build.

Section 6: Practical Example — How to “Build it In South Africa” for a Home Extension

Let’s walk through a hypothetical example. You’re adding a 20 m² home extension (in South Africa) and you choose Build it as your primary supplier. Here’s how you might approach it:

1. Define scope

   • Extension: 20 m², single storey, open plan living area.

   • Materials: breeze-block walls, concrete slab foundation, tiled roof, standard finishes.

   • Budget: R250,000 (materials + labour + contingency).

2. Select store & consult

   • Visit nearest Build it store; discuss with staff and schedule a quote.

   • Ask for material list, delivery options, lead times.

3. Calculate materials

   • Blocks: quantity based on wall length & height.

   • Cement & mortar: calculate mix based on blocks and structural requirements.

   • Timber/roofing: trusses, purlins, roof sheeting.

   • Finishes: plaster, paint, flooring.

   • Use Build it’s product catalogue and consult staff for the best options. (See their “Building Materials” section). 

4. Finance if needed

   • Apply for credit through Build it linked via their finance partners.

   • Understand how much you’ll repay monthly, what interest applies.

5. Place order & arrange delivery

   • Order blocks, cement, roofing, etc from Build it.

   • Book delivery to site, ensure truck access, confirm date.

   • On arrival: inspect materials, sign delivery note.

6. Build execution

   • Contractor begins foundation once materials are ready.

   • Walls go up, roofing follows, finishes follow.

   • Track progress, ensure materials are used as ordered, hold onto receipts/invoices.

7. Completion and review

   • Walk through completed extension, check quality.

   • Keep Build it receipt and any warranty information.

   • Consider future maintenance: Build it also supplies tools and ongoing materials for maintenance (e.g., roof repairs, repainting).

Section 7: FAQs — Questions You Have When You Want to “Build it In South Africa”

Q: Does Build it supply to all provinces in South Africa?
A: Yes — their network spans multiple provinces and extends into neighbouring countries as well. 

Q: Can I use Build it’s credit even for smaller renovation-projects?
A: Yes — Build it indicates that credit facilities are available to all customers. 
It’s wise to check with your local store for minimum amounts and specific terms.

Q: What should I be cautious of to avoid scams?
A: Follow Build it’s own advice:

• They will not use a .com URL when requesting job applications or payment for job applications. 

• Always confirm you’re dealing with the official Build it domain (buildit.co.za), and not a imitator or phishing site.

Q: Do they deliver heavy materials to remote sites?
A: They offer delivery to your site according to information on their website. 
If your site is remote, it’s best to clarify extra delivery costs or access constraints when placing the order.

Q: How do I estimate how many materials I need?
A: Use Build it’s calculators where available, consult staff, factor in around 5-10 % extra for waste. They list a “Calculators” section on their website. 

Conclusion

If you’re planning to build it in South Africa, leveraging a trusted partner like Build it gives you a strong foundation—both literally and figuratively. From expert advice, extensive product range, delivery services, and credit facilities, Build it is well-positioned to support your building or renovation journey. You still need to do your homework: plan thoroughly, budget smartly, align your materials and labour schedule, and watch out for scams. But with the right approach, you can bring your vision to life.