02/09/2026
To those who are looking forward to start new construction project be it residential or commercial, Please please be advised that, when building a residential house in Harare, the City of Harare Building Control Division requires mandatory site and structural "stage inspections". Skipping any of these stages is illegal under municipal by-laws and can result in severe penalties, fines, or a demolition order.
The critical construction stages that must be inspected, approved, and signed off by a municipal building inspector include:
1. Setting Out / Peg Verification Stage
You must book the inspector before any trenching or digging begins.
2. Trenching and Foundation (Footing) Stage
3. Foundation Brickwork, Backfilling, and Compacting Stage
4. Floor Slab & DPC Stage (Ground Floor)
5 Wall plate/Lintel/Ring beam Stage ( superstructure)
6. Roof Structure Stage
What it is: Fixing the timber or steel roof trusses
Final Stage: The Certificate of Occupation (Completion)
Once the building is completely finished—including internal plastering, painting, plumbing fixtures, and electrical wiring—you must call for a Final Comprehensive Inspection.
* The Goal: Passing this final inspection allows the City of Harare to issue the Certificate of Occupation (sometimes called a Certificate of Fitness or Habitation), which legally certifies that the home is safe to live in.
We help you go through all these stages to make sure you secure your investments.
