05/03/2026
Hiring a Contractor: A Practical Checklist and Expert Tips
Over the years, working on various construction projects has taught me an important lesson about clients and contractors.
One common misconception I frequently encounter is that hiring a professional contractor is expensive and unnecessary. Many people believe that managing the construction themselves will save money that can instead be invested directly in the project.
However, this thinking often leads to costly mistakes, delays, poor workmanship, and structural problems that become far more expensive to correct later.
The truth is simple: hiring the right contractor does not increase the cost of your project it protects your investment.
A qualified contractor helps you manage materials, labor, timelines, and quality control, ensuring that your project is completed efficiently and professionally.
If you are planning to build, renovate, or undertake any construction project, the following checklist will help you choose the right contractor and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Get Multiple Estimates
Once your architectural drawings are complete and all necessary approvals are obtained, the process of selecting a contractor can begin.
Before inviting contractors to quote, ensure you have a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor. The BoQ provides a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, and costs, making it easier to compare quotations.
Speak to several contractors and obtain written estimates from at least three qualified firms.
When reviewing the estimates, ensure you are comparing like for like by examining:
The quality of materials proposed
Construction methods
Project timelines
Labor and management costs
Be cautious of quotations that are significantly lower or higher than the others, as they may indicate omissions, unrealistic pricing, or compromised quality.
2. Hire Local and Registered Contractors
Working with a local contractor has several advantages. Local professionals are easier to reach if issues arise and are usually familiar with:
Local building regulations
County approval processes
Local labor and material suppliers
Always confirm the contractor’s physical address and business location. A credible contractor should have a traceable office or place of operation.
Be cautious of individuals who conduct all meetings in hotels, coffee shops, or vehicles with no identifiable business address.
3. Review Their Previous Work
A contractor’s past projects reveal far more than promises ever will.
Ask to see completed projects similar to the one you are planning. This helps you evaluate:
Workmanship quality
Finishing standards
Structural integrity
Project organization
Speak to previous clients if possible and ask about their experience regarding:
Professionalism
Communication
Adherence to timelines
Problem resolution
Experience matters. Ideally, consider contractors with at least five years of proven experience and a strong project portfolio.
4. Take Time Before Making a Decision
Construction projects involve significant financial investment, so never rush the decision to hire a contractor.
Take time to carefully compare bids and review each contractor’s qualifications. Avoid contractors who pressure you to:
Sign contracts immediately
Pay large deposits upfront
Make decisions without proper documentation
Also exercise caution when hiring friends, relatives, or acquaintances if there is no formal contract or professional accountability. Construction should always remain a professional engagement with clear responsibilities.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Before any work begins, ensure there is a clear and comprehensive written contract.
For large projects, it is advisable to have the contract reviewed by a construction lawyer or legal advisor.
A proper contract should include:
a) Scope of Work and Cost Breakdown
The contract must clearly describe the work to be done and the cost of each component. This should align with the original Bill of Quantities.
Payments should be structured in phases, with each phase completed, inspected, and certified before proceeding to the next.
b) Payment Schedule
Avoid paying large sums upfront.
Payments should follow milestones or project phases, and it is wise to retain a small percentage of each payment until the project is fully completed and verified.
This retention acts as a security measure to ensure quality and completion.
c) Project Timeline
The contract should clearly indicate:
Start date
Completion date
A detailed work schedule for each construction phase
If delays occur, ensure the contractor provides clear explanations and updated schedules.
d) Guarantees and Warranties
Any guarantees regarding materials or workmanship should be clearly documented in the contract, specifying:
What is covered
Who is responsible
Duration of the guarantee
e) Signatures and Amendments
Both parties must sign the contract, and no section should be left blank.
Any changes to the agreement must be documented and signed by both parties.
Also confirm that the contractor has obtained all necessary building permits and approvals.
If a contract must be cancelled, follow the termination clause and send written notice through a verifiable method such as registered mail.
6. Anticipate Possible Delays
Construction timelines can be affected by factors beyond the contractor’s control, including:
Weather conditions
Material shortages
Regulatory approvals
While a timeline is essential, it is important to remain realistic and flexible when unforeseen delays occur.
7. Maintain a Project File
Good record keeping protects both the client and the contractor.
Keep all project documents in one organized file, including:
The signed contract
Bills and invoices
Approved drawings and specifications
Payment receipts and bank confirmations
Change orders
Correspondence with the contractor
Proper documentation helps prevent disputes and ensures transparency throughout the project.
8. Hire a Clerk of Works or Project Supervisor
If you are not familiar with construction or cannot regularly visit the site, it is wise to hire a Clerk of Works or an independent construction supervisor.
This professional acts as your representative on site and helps ensure:
Materials used meet the required standards
Construction follows the approved drawings
Workmanship meets quality expectations
Site activities are properly recorded
They should attend meetings with the contractor and provide regular project updates.
This small additional investment can save you significant costs and prevent serious construction errors.
Final Thoughts
The list of precautions when hiring a contractor is long, but the few points above cover some of the most critical safeguards for any construction project.
Regardless of the size of your project, the quality of the professionals you hire will determine the quality of the results you achieve.
It is far better to invest in proper planning, skilled professionals, and quality construction than to deal with the consequences of poor workmanship later.
Remember:
A well-managed project may cost more initially, but a poorly executed project will cost far more in repairs, stress, and lost time.
Choose wisely, plan carefully, and build with professionals.
📞 Get in Touch
Lewison Builders and Contractors Ltd
Call: 0722 340390
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lewisonbuilders.com