- A COC inspection is the visit where a registered contractor inspects and tests an installation before issuing a certificate of compliance.
- Sellers, landlords and owners after alterations book them most.
- The inspection shows whether the property passes or what must be fixed first.
- Request inspection quotes for one or several certificates.
Say which certificates you need and when.
Request an Inspection QuoteWhat Happens During the Inspection
- Visual check. The installation is looked over for damage, missing parts and non-compliant work.
- Testing. Instruments are used where the certificate requires it, such as insulation and earth tests for electrical work or a leak test for gas.
- Result. Pass, or a written list of defects.
- Repair quote. If it fails, the contractor quotes for the remedial work.
- Certificate. Issued once the installation complies.
How to Prepare
- Clear access to the DB board, geyser, water meter, gas cylinders and roof hatch.
- Have the keys for outbuildings, garages and the electric fence energiser.
- Find old certificates, plans and solar paperwork.
- Fix obvious problems first: dripping taps, missing plug covers, broken light fittings.
- Tell the contractor about any alterations since the last certificate.
Prepared properties are quicker to inspect and less likely to fail.
Get COC Inspection QuotesHow Long Each Inspection Takes
| Inspection | Typical house |
|---|---|
| Electrical | A few hours, longer with several DBs or outbuildings |
| Water | About an hour or two |
| Gas | Under an hour for one or two appliances |
| Electric fence | An hour or two |
| Beetle | About an hour, depending on roof access |
Inspection vs Repairs
The inspection fee pays for the inspection and, if it passes, the certificate. Repairs are a separate cost. You can have the inspecting contractor do the repairs or get other quotes. If someone else repairs, a re-inspection fee may apply.
What Inspections Cost
| Inspection | Indicative fee |
|---|---|
| Electrical, 2 - 3 bed house | R900 - R1,900 |
| Water, standard home | R400 - R1,200 |
| Gas, one appliance | R500 - R950 |
| Electric fence, typical house | R550 - R1,500 |
| Beetle, standard house | R400 - R1,200 |
| Re-inspection after repairs | R450 - R900 |
Indicative Cape Town ranges for 2026, including VAT. See COC certificate prices in Cape Town.
Compare inspection fees from contractors covering your suburb.
Compare COC QuotesFor the certificates themselves see Certificate of Compliance Cape Town.
COC Inspection Questions
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Someone must give access to the whole property, including the roof space, DB board, geyser and meter. It does not have to be the owner.
Can I do several inspections on the same day?
Yes. Many sellers book electrical, water and beetle on one day. Each is done by a person registered for that certificate.
What if I disagree with the result?
Ask for the defects in writing and get a second opinion from another registered contractor.
Is there a charge if the property fails?
The inspection fee is usually still payable. Repairs and any re-inspection are quoted separately.
How long is the inspection report valid?
A defect list reflects the day of inspection. For how long certificates are accepted, see the page for each certificate.
Related Guides
COC Certificate Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service, not a contractor and not the City of Cape Town or any regulator. Inspections, certificates and repairs are done by the independent contractors that quote you, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for proof of registration for the certificate you need, a written quote that separates the inspection fee from any repairs, and their payment terms.
COC Inspection Cape Town. Compare contractors through COC Certificate Cape Town.
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