Lack of transparency w.r.t. bond application

We bought property in April 2014 and registered a bigger bond which was approved. Bond was through Better Bond originators. Our deal when accepting the offer from Standard Bank that the balance would be available after transfer which Better Bond confirmed. We started renovating knowing that we would have access to the funds. We approached SB for the further advance which was declined and were told we had to wait 12 mnths before we could apply for the advance. No-one incl. the bond attorneys had pointed this out to us even though we asked at the time of signing, neither was this a condition on the bond. This has now put us in such a financial predicament as we had to pay the other credit facilities (which we app**** for in order to complete the renovations) amounting to four times more than the additional advance from SB would have cost. Each contact with the bank results in the same answer - we cannot assist until 12 months time -you have to default on your bond before we can assist - then our lawyers get involved due to non-payment. We now have two choices, sell our house or apply for debt assistance. SB customer for 20 years with no bond payment defaults.