Terms of use
These terms apply when you use Vakman Referrals (vakmanreferrals.co.za) or contact us through it. Vakman Referrals is run by Theo van der Westhuizen, trading as Vakman Referrals (“we”, “us”).
1. What we do
We're a referral service. When you send us an enquiry, we pass it to one vetted, independent contractor who does that kind of work in your area. It's free for you, and there's no obligation to use the contractor.
We don't do building work ourselves. The contractor isn't our employee, agent or partner, and we can't make promises on their behalf.
2. Your agreement is with the contractor
Please read this part. Everything about the job is agreed directly between you and the contractor: the quote and price, deposits and payments, start dates and timelines, materials, the quality of the work, fixing defects or comebacks, any guarantee, and certificates of compliance.
We're not a party to that agreement. We don't receive or hold your payments, and we're not responsible for the contractor's work, delays, defects or refunds.
3. How we choose contractors
Before we refer anyone, we check that their business is real, look at recent completed jobs and speak to past clients, and confirm that registered electricians, plumbers and gas installers do the work that needs certificates. We also ask for itemised written quotes and staged payments.
Vetting reduces risk, but it isn't a guarantee of any contractor's work. Before you pay anything, get an itemised written quote, agree staged payments rather than paying most of the price up front, and ask for the certificates the work needs.
4. If something goes wrong
Raise it with the contractor first, in writing. Please also tell us at hello@vakmanreferrals.co.za: we take complaints seriously and may stop referring a contractor who doesn't treat homeowners well. We don't settle disputes between you and the contractor or pay compensation for their work.
Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act against the contractor are not affected by these terms.
5. Information on this site
Prices and timelines on this site are indicative ranges, not quotes. Advice here is general; your contractor will advise on your specific job.
6. Our responsibility
As far as the law allows, we're not liable for any loss or damage arising from a contractor's work or from your dealings with them. Nothing in these terms limits any liability that the law doesn't allow us to limit, including for our own gross negligence.
7. Contractors
Contractors who receive enquiries from us do so under separate rules, which we give them when they subscribe. Joining the waiting list doesn't guarantee an opening.
8. Privacy, changes and law
How we handle your information is set out in our privacy policy. We may update these terms; the date below shows the latest version. These terms are governed by South African law.
Last updated October 2026.