Websites, IT support and technical services: who to call and what to pay

“Technical services” covers an enormous range of work.

Someone building your business website doesn't need the same credentials as someone altering the electrical installation in your home. A laptop repair technician isn't automatically qualified to install solar, and a great electrician isn't necessarily the person you want configuring your company network.

Start by identifying exactly what work you need, then look at the experience, scope, registration and compliance requirements relevant to that particular job.

What tech and technical services can cost

Prices vary substantially according to scope, equipment, location, complexity and provider.

As a broad 2026 planning guide:

Important: These are broad planning examples, not fixed or prescribed national rates.

Don't compare a R5,000 website with a R20,000 website without checking whether they include the same pages, functionality, copy, hosting, maintenance and support.

The same applies to CCTV, IT and energy systems: compare scope, not just price.

Start by defining the job

Before requesting quotes, write down what you actually need.

For a website, that might include:

• number of pages;
• online store functionality;
• booking or enquiry forms;
• integrations;
• copy or content;
• domain and hosting;
• maintenance; and
• who will own and manage the site after launch.

For IT support, it might include:

• devices;
• operating systems;
• network issues;
• email;
• backups;
• software;
• ongoing support; and
• whether the problem is urgent.

Better information generally makes it easier for a provider to quote accurately.

Choosing a website developer

A developer's portfolio is useful, but don't stop at screenshots.

Ask:

• what was actually built by them;
• what platform or technology will be used;
• what's included in the quote;
• how many revision rounds are included;
• who supplies the content;
• whether hosting is included;
• whether ongoing maintenance is required;
• who owns the domain and accounts;
• who controls the website after final payment; and
• how additional work will be charged.

Make sure important business accounts are created in, or transferred to, an arrangement where your business retains appropriate ownership and access.

A website shouldn't become unusable simply because you stop working with the person who built it.

Choosing IT or computer support

IT work can give someone access to sensitive information.

Before handing over a laptop or giving remote access, understand:

• what the technician needs access to;
• whether your data will be backed up;
• whether the device leaves your premises;
• how replacement parts are quoted;
• whether diagnostics are charged separately;
• what happens if data is lost;
• whether remote-access software will remain installed; and
• what support is included afterwards.

Back up important information where practical before repair work.

Don't send passwords in public enquiries or reviews.

Protect access to your business systems

If someone is helping with email, websites, hosting, cloud services or other business systems, avoid giving one person permanent control over everything.

Where appropriate:

• use individual user accounts rather than sharing one master login;
• enable multi-factor authentication;
• keep recovery details controlled by the business;
• remove access when it's no longer needed;
• keep a record of important accounts and ownership; and
• don't publish credentials or security information.

Good technical work should leave you with a system you can continue to control.

CCTV needs a clear scope

A CCTV quote can vary because the word “camera” tells you very little about the full system.

Ask about:

• number of cameras;
• camera type and resolution;
• indoor versus outdoor use;
• night performance;
• recorder or cloud storage;
• storage duration;
• cabling;
• remote viewing;
• installation;
• warranties;
• ongoing subscriptions; and
• what happens if equipment fails.

If cameras may capture employees, neighbours, customers or public areas, also consider the privacy and lawful-use implications relevant to your setup.

Electrical work has specific compliance requirements

Electrical work isn't simply another general technical service.

South Africa's Electrical Installation Regulations contain requirements for electrical installations and Certificates of Compliance.

A valid electrical CoC is required for installations covered by the regulations, and additions or alterations can trigger requirements for a CoC covering at least that work.

CoCs may only be issued within the applicable registered-person framework.

For work affecting your electrical installation, use an appropriately registered electrical contractor/person for the work and certification required.

Don't choose someone solely because their advert says “certified electrician.”

Ask what registration applies, who will perform or supervise the work and who will issue the required CoC.

Understand the electrical CoC

A CoC isn't simply a piece of paper that someone sells for a fixed fee.

It is accompanied by a test report and relates to compliance of the electrical installation with the applicable requirements.

If defects are identified, remedial work may be needed before an appropriate CoC can be issued.

That means a quote for inspection/testing and a quote for repairs plus certification aren't necessarily the same thing.

A CoC also has particular importance when property ownership changes. Under the Electrical Installation Regulations, a user or lessor may not allow a change of ownership where the certificate is older than two years, subject to the regulations' provisions.

Solar PV has electrical and system-specific considerations

Solar PV installation involves more than mounting panels on a roof.

Electrical work and certification requirements still apply.

A CoC for a solar PV system may only be issued by an appropriately registered person, such as an Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician within the applicable framework.

The PV GreenCard programme is an industry-led quality-assurance initiative for solar PV.

A PV GreenCard is an as-built report that captures information about the installed system and can only be issued by a certified PV GreenCard installation company.

Importantly, the PV GreenCard is supplementary to the electrical CoC. It does not replace it.

Depending on the system and electricity supplier, additional municipal, distributor or Small-Scale Embedded Generation requirements may also apply.

Ask the installer what approvals, registrations and handover documents apply to your particular installation.

Don't treat every “certification” the same

Technical services don't have one universal qualification or certification.

Web development and general computer support are different from regulated electrical installation work.

When someone advertises themselves as “certified”, ask:

• certified in what;
• by whom;
• whether the certification is current;
• whether it's legally required or voluntary; and
• whether it actually applies to the work you're hiring them to perform.

A software certification doesn't make someone an electrician. A solar training certificate doesn't automatically give someone authority to issue an electrical CoC.

Understand what ID Verified means

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live.

Once completed, their profile can display the ID Verified badge.

ID Verified relates to identity verification.

It does not prove technical competence, electrical registration, qualifications, cybersecurity expertise, workmanship, reliability or trustworthiness.

It also doesn't replace a CoC, electrical registration, PV requirements or another credential relevant to the work.

Use identity verification as one piece of information alongside the checks appropriate to the service you're hiring.

Compare quotes properly

A useful written quote should make it reasonably clear what you're paying for.

Depending on the project, compare:

• labour;
• equipment;
• parts;
• software or licences;
• travel or call-out charges;
• VAT where applicable;
• installation;
• testing;
• compliance documents;
• warranties;
• subscriptions;
• maintenance;
• support; and
• exclusions.

Ask how changes outside the original scope will be approved and charged.

The cheapest quote isn't cheaper if half the required work appears as extras later.

Find the right technical Pro

Know a Pro makes it easier to browse local technical providers, compare profile information and reviews, and see available trust information before deciding who to contact.

Prices in this article are indicative market examples for general guidance and were reviewed in September 2026. Actual technology, electrical and installation costs vary according to provider, location, equipment, scope and individual circumstances. Electrical, solar and other regulated or compliance-related work may be subject to requirements beyond those summarised here. Confirm the requirements applicable to your project with the relevant provider or authority.