Worst case scenario for self-builders?!!

My husband and I are in the process of preparing to physically build our own home on our farm under the professional guidance of a structural engineer, accredited electrician, plumber and gas installer based upon architectural plans that have been approved by our municipality.

I have sent many emails to gain information about the process of applying for NHBRC exemption, since we will be cash building the house and do not require the help of a builder.

No response.

I then had the misfortune of having a chat with the NHBRC representatives present at the Home Makers Expo in Cape Town over the weekend. They could not answer any of my questions concisely. When asked about where I can get the learning material for the test, I was told that I don't need any because "if you want to build yourself you should already know everything". All other questions were answered by blank looks at each other and a "I'm not sure" attitude.

My husband asked them what steps they are taking to secure the integrity of informal, ******* structures to which they said that those structures are exempt because they do not have approved plans. WHAT?! He then asked whether if we just did everything *******ly, we would not get in trouble at the NHBRC to which they answered yes!

All of a sudden, the potential R25k penalty or 1 year jail sentence is starting to seem like a more pleasant option than trying to do it legally!

Can anyone give me the worst case scenario of what might happen if we ignore the NHBRC applications and just do everything according to the legal building regulations and our structural engineer?!