Consumer Studies Grade 12 | Study guide | Past Paper Revision | Housing and Interior 1

 Question

Explain the information that must be included in a building contract to protect the consumer and the building contractor.

The following, information must be included in a building contract to protect both the consumer and the building contractor.

A building contract must include a detailed breakdown of all costs, including building and legal costs. This helps both the consumer and the contractor to clearly understand the financial scope of the project. It eliminates any ambiguity about how funds will be used, prevents hidden charges, and ensures full transparency throughout the construction process.

The contract should also contain a detailed description of all materials and finishes, along with a specification list. This ensures that the consumer knows exactly what quality and type of materials will be used. It also helps protect the contractor by providing written confirmation of agreed materials, reducing the risk of disputes or unrealistic expectations later on.

To ensure that the building meets the agreed design, the contract must state the exact dimension or size of the house according to the house plan. This serves as a clear reference for both parties and ensures that the contractor constructs the house according to the approved and agreed specifications, avoiding future disagreements about size or layout.

Another important item is the completion date of the building. Setting a clear timeline helps manage expectations for project delivery and provides the consumer with a timeframe for when the house will be ready. It also protects the contractor by preventing unjustified demands for early completion.

The contract should specify the dates and method of payment. This includes when each payment is due (e.g., at certain stages of completion) and how payments will be made (e.g., via bank transfer or cheque). This ensures steady cash flow for the contractor and gives the consumer control over how and when they release funds.

There must be a statement of the guarantees provided by the builder to ensure any structural defects, roof leaks, incorrectly built work, or work completed late will be repaired or set right by the builder. This clause ensures that the builder is responsible for addressing problems that arise due to poor workmanship or construction errors, thus protecting the long-term interests of the consumer.

A properly drafted building contract also includes a clause for cancellation of the contract if either of the parties cannot adhere to it. This provides a legal escape route for both the consumer and contractor in the event of unavoidable circumstances, ensuring fairness and minimizing potential financial loss or legal conflict.

Lastly, the contract should explain the consequences if either the owner or the builder does not fulfil their part of the agreement. This ensures accountability by outlining the actions or penalties that will follow if either party fails to meet their obligations, thus reinforcing commitment to the contract’s terms.

Study the picture of the refrigerator below and answer the questions that follow.

Question

Explain the factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator for a family.

Below are the the key factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator for a family.

One of the first factors to consider is the needs of the family. This includes the size of the family, as larger households typically require more storage capacity. The amount of space available in the kitchen is also important when choosing the size and shape of the fridge. Additionally, the features of the fridge and functions of the fridge should meet the family’s daily needs. For example, families that cook and store a lot of food may benefit from a fridge with adjustable shelves, deep freezer compartments, or multiple temperature zones. Lastly, the choice should reflect the family lifestyle, such as whether they prefer fresh over frozen foods or use the fridge mostly for snacks and drinks.

Another critical factor is the budget, which covers the affordability of the refrigerator. Families must assess how much they are willing and able to spend. They should also consider the energy efficiency of the appliance, as more efficient models may cost more upfront but save money over time on electricity bills. Families must also decide between buying a new or used fridge, depending on their financial situation. Furthermore, the source of power—gas or electricity—and the installation cost and requirements must be considered as part of the overall budgeting decision.

The ease of operation of the refrigerator is also very important. The fridge should come with instructions that are easy to understand and follow, ensuring that all family members can use it safely and effectively. The fridge should match the function to be performed, such as keeping vegetables fresh or freezing large quantities of meat. Additionally, it should ideally include universal design features, which make the fridge easy to use for people of all ages or abilities, such as easy-to-open doors and clearly labeled controls.

Safety is another essential consideration. The fridge must be safe to use in a home environment, especially where children are present. It should have proper safety certification, which confirms that the appliance meets national or international safety standards and poses no risk of electrical faults, overheating, or other hazards.

The reliability of the dealer is also a factor that should not be overlooked. Consumers should purchase from a reputable dealer who provides after-sales support and is known for quality service. A reliable dealer can assist with installation, troubleshooting, and repairs, which adds to the overall value of the purchase and gives the buyer peace of mind.

Lastly, it is important to look at the comprehensiveness and length of the warranty. A good warranty covers both parts and labor for a reasonable period, providing protection in case the fridge develops any faults. A longer, more comprehensive warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and helps reduce repair or replacement costs for the family.

Question

Describe TWO ways in which the refrigerator saves human energy.

The refrigerator has an auto defrost feature, which means it automatically prevents the build-up of frost inside the unit. This saves human energy because it eliminates the need for manually defrosting the fridge, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Instead of switching off the fridge, removing all the contents, and scraping off ice, the user can rely on this automated function. In this way, auto defrost saves time and effort, making fridge maintenance more convenient for the user.

Another way the refrigerator saves human energy is through its metallic finish, which contributes to easier upkeep. A metallic surface is typically smooth, durable, and resistant to stains or fingerprints. This means that when it gets dirty, it can be wiped clean with minimal effort. As a result, the metallic finish makes it easy to clean, saving the user from scrubbing or using strong cleaning agents, which further reduces the time and physical energy needed to maintain the appliance.

Question

Explain the benefits of using a solar hybrid refrigerator.

The solar hybrid refrigerator provides the following benefits to a user

A solar hybrid refrigerator uses a combination of solar energy and electricity, which allows it to operate using renewable energy as its primary source. This dual system ensures that as much solar energy as possible is used to power the unit, which significantly reduces reliance on electricity. In fact, this can lead to up to 44% savings on electricity consumption, making it a more efficient appliance in terms of non-human energy use.

One of the major benefits of using solar energy is that it lowers the overall running costs of the refrigerator. Since solar energy is free and abundant, especially in sunny regions, the household’s monthly electricity bill is reduced. This makes the solar hybrid refrigerator a more affordable option in the long term, especially for families looking to save on utility expenses.

Another important advantage is that this refrigerator places less demand on the national electricity grid. In countries with limited electricity supply or frequent power shortages, using solar-powered appliances helps reduce strain on the system. This supports better energy management and allows the national grid to provide more consistent electricity to those who need it most.

The use of solar energy also means the refrigerator is better for the environment. By relying less on fossil fuels to generate electricity, it helps reduce air pollution, conserve natural resources, and lower the carbon footprint of the household. This contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, which is increasingly important in the face of climate change.

Lastly, a key benefit of a solar hybrid refrigerator is that it continues to function during load shedding or power outages. Because it can operate on solar energy, the unit will still keep food fresh and prevent spoilage, even when the main power supply is interrupted. This makes it a reliable appliance, especially in areas with frequent or unpredictable power cuts.

Read the statement below and answer the question that follows.

During lockdown many people experienced a loss of income. This had an impact on homeowners who still had to meet their financial homeownership responsibilities.

Question

Discuss the possible consequences for homeowners if they cannot meet their financial homeownership responsibilities.

One of the most serious consequences of not meeting financial homeownership responsibilities is the inability to keep up with monthly bond repayments. When homeowners fail to pay their mortgage regularly, they run the risk of losing their properties because it may be repossessed. This means that the bank or financial institution can legally take back the home and sell it in order to recover the unpaid loan. As a result, the homeowner not only loses their property but may also suffer long-term financial and emotional setbacks.

In addition to paying the bond, homeowners must also meet their obligation to pay municipal rates and taxes. If these are left unpaid, interest is charged and this accumulates over time. The growing interest adds to the overall debt, making it harder to catch up on payments. Eventually, the municipality may take legal action, and the homeowner could face further financial penalties or restrictions on their property usage.

Furthermore, when water and electricity bills are not paid on time, the services can be switched-off. This causes immediate inconvenience and can create an unsafe living environment. Without electricity, appliances, lights, and heating or cooling systems cannot function. Without running water, hygiene, cooking, and drinking needs are affected. This can be especially dangerous for households with children, the elderly, or individuals with health conditions.

Another important obligation is maintaining homeowner’s insurance. If the homeowner stops paying for this coverage, there may be no payout in the event of unexpected damages such as floods, fires, or theft. Without insurance, the cost of repairing or rebuilding a damaged home would fall entirely on the homeowner, which could be financially devastating and result in long-term debt or loss of shelter.

Additionally, failing to look after the physical condition of the home has long-term consequences. If the property is not maintained, it loses its value and becomes dilapidated. This means it may no longer attract buyers or tenants and may decrease in market value. Poor maintenance can also lead to structural problems that require costly repairs later on, further increasing the homeowner’s expenses.

Homeowners must also consider the importance of household security. If they cannot afford to pay for alarm systems, fences, or security services, then safety is compromised. A home that is not secure is more vulnerable to criminal activities such as break-ins or vandalism, which puts both the property and the people living in it at risk.

Failing to meet these financial responsibilities can also have a wider impact on the homeowner’s financial future. Negative impact on the credit record of the homeowner is a serious consequence. A poor credit record can make it difficult to obtain future loans, rent properties, or even secure employment in some industries. It reduces financial freedom and may take years to repair.

Lastly, some homeowners may be granted a payment holiday—a temporary break from bond payments. However, if they are still unable to make repayments when the holiday ends, the amount of debt will increase due to interest and missed instalments. This means that instead of easing the burden, a payment holiday may make the situation worse by lengthening the repayment period and increasing monthly costs in the future.

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Consumer Studies Grade 12 | Study guide | Past Paper Revision | Clothing 2