What to Look Out for When Hiring a Building Contractor in Nigeria

Construction is still one of the fastest growing sectors in Nigeria. This means that there are many opportunities for those looking to work or invest in this industry. This article details what you need to know if you’re considering hiring a contractor in your construction project. It will also highlight some red flags to look out for when hiring any type of contractor. If you’re planning on hiring someone to help with your next construction project, it’s important that you choose wisely. Those who understand the risks involved with construction projects can easily see the potential pitfalls in partnering with an inexperienced contractor. An unreliable or inexperienced contractor could put your entire project at risk and end up costing you much more than expected.

What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor

There are many things to consider when hiring a contractor, including the contractor’s licensing and reputation, the contract, financing, quality of materials, turnover timing and risk assessment. Contracts - Make sure that both parties have signed a written contract that outlines the contractor’s responsibilities and the terms of payment. Terms usually include the project duration, payment schedule, the contractor’s warranties and the contractor’s liability. License - Make sure that the contractor has the required licensing to perform the work you need done. A contractor’s license will vary depending on the work they’re contracted to do.

Licensing and Reputation

Depending on the type of construction project you have, you may need to hire a contractor. If you’re building anything that exceeds $500,000 worth of value, you most likely will have to hire a contractor. When hiring a contractor, it’s important to do your research. Look them up to see if they have any complaints or liens against them and if they’re in good standing with the government.

Check the Contract

Before entering into a contract with a contractor, make sure to read it thoroughly. A lot of times, a contractor will try to slip in a clause that could take you by surprise. There are some common pitfalls that appear in many contractor contracts. These usually include things like: - Excessive change order clauses that require upfront payment at the beginning of the project. - A clause that requires you to pay for the contractor’s overhead, profit and workers’ compensation. - A clause that allows the contractor to deliver their work late and still receive payment.

Determine the Financing

Before you start your construction project, make sure you have some form of financing in place. You’ll need to cover the costs of materials, labour, taxes, permits and other expenses related to the project. If you don’t have the money to cover the expenses, you’ll either have to find a contractor who will finance the project or you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Don’t skimp on the Quality of Materials

When hiring a contractor, you have to be careful not to skimp on the quality of materials. You don’t want to use low-grade materials that could result in huge problems down the road. Do your research to find out what type of materials are recommended for your project. Then, make sure to insist that your contractor uses those materials.

Turnover Timing and Risk Assessment

Your contractor’s turnover timing and risk assessment should be just as important as the rest of their project details. You want to make sure that their completion date is realistic and that their risk assessment is thorough. If your contractor’s turnover timing and risk assessment is unrealistic or inaccurate, it could seriously jeopardize your project’s timeline and cause a lot of headaches.

Conclusion

Regardless of the size of your construction project, you should ideally hire a contractor. Contractors have the experience, resources and expertise to complete most projects successfully. However, it’s important to vet contractors thoroughly before hiring them. A contractor with poor experience or a poor reputation could ruin your project. Before you start searching for a contractor to hire, make sure you understand what type of project you have and what you need. This will help you find the right contractor for the job and will make the process much easier. When hiring a contractor for your next project, make sure to follow these tips. Doing so will help you find the right contractor for your project and will lessen the risk of hiring someone who could cause problems or damage to your project.