How your construction project will turn out will solely depend on the professionalism of the construction company you choose.
You may have the money, the right design, and anything needed, but still end up with a substandard building if you don’t choose the right constractor.
They are one who determines the quality of your project, design, cost and timing. In this guide, we will break down the essential factors you need to consider to ensure your project is in capable hands. Let’s first understand what you need to know before then.
Set Clear Project Requirements Before Choosing a Building Construction Company
Before you start looking for a construction company, make sure you clearly outline your project needs, including:
Type of Construction
The kind of building project you have, will decide what skills and expertise your contructor needs to have. The reason to that is because, different types of construction have their own special requirements. Let’s look at different constructions.
- Commercial Construction: This includes offices, shops, hotels, and other business spaces. The projects need a construction company with experience in big buildings, knowledge of rules and permits, and skills to design for busy areas.
- Residential construction: They include building houses, apartments, and multi-family units, requiring strong design and structural expertise. Likewise, to ensure safe and well-constructed homes, the construction company you choose must follow building codes, safety rules, and zoning laws. Successful projects need careful planning, skilled labor, and quality materials.
- Industrial construction: This includes factories, warehouses, and power plants, which need strong buildings and strong materials. Hence, your contructor must have specialized knowledge to operate heavy-duty construction machines and industrial equipment while following strict safety standards.
Knowing the type of construction you need helps you find a building company with the right skills and experience.
Budget
Your budget is a key factor when choosing a construction company. Thus, understanding your financial limits helps you find the right contractor and avoid cost issues later. This is what you need to know regarding budgeting.
- Set a Realistic Budget: research and know the true construction cost, including materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses. A Bill of Quantities (BQ) prepared by a professional Quantity Surveyor (QS) can help you outline these costs clearly. Besides, giving your contructors a clear budget range allows them to suggest solutions that fit your finances.
- Budget Flexibility: Decide if your budget is fixed or adjustable, as this affects your choice of construction company. A strict budget may limit design and material options. At the same time, a flexible one allows the contructor to suggest better solutions and upgrades without financial strain.
- Cost vs. Quality: Don’t just go for the lowest price when choosing a construction company. Cheaper options may lead to poor workmanship and costly repairs later. A good construction company will offer a fair balance between cost and quality, using durable materials and skilled labor. Hence, always compare quotes carefully and check past projects to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Payment Terms: Before hiring a construction company, agree on a clear payment plan to avoid disputes. Discuss the deposit amount, milestone payments, and final payment to ensure smooth cash flow. A good contructor will provide a structured schedule tied to project progress, so you only pay for completed work. Avoid paying the full amount upfront; always have a written agreement to protect both parties.
- Contingency Fund: Always set aside extra money (10-20% of your budget) for unexpected costs like price changes, delays, or design adjustments. A good construction company will help you plan for these surprises and suggest ways to manage extra costs. This backup fund ensures your project runs smoothly without stopping due to money problems.
Timeline
Set a clear timeline. Decide when you need the project completed. Your deadline will affect how the construction company plans the work and what resources they use. A clear timeline helps avoid delays and keeps everything on track. When it comes to timelines, this is what you need to consider.
- Constractor’s Availability: Before hiring, confirm that the company can start and complete the project within your required timeframe. Ask about their current workload—if they have too many projects, they might not give yours enough attention. A busy construction company could cause delays, while one with a well-managed schedule will keep things on track. Always get a clear commitment on start and completion dates in writing.
- Project Size & Complexity: Larger or more complicated projects need more time to complete. A simple house may take a few months, while a big commercial building or custom design can take much longer. Talk to your contructor about the expected timeline based on the project’s size and difficulty. A good contractor will plan properly, allocate enough workers, and set realistic deadlines to avoid delays.
- Workforce & Equipment: A construction company with enough skilled workers and the right tools can finish the job faster. If a contractor lacks workers or equipment, delays may happen. Ask about their team size and the machines they use to ensure they can handle the project efficiently. A well-prepared company keeps work moving smoothly and on schedule.
- Permits & Approvals: Construction projects need legal permits before work begins. The best constractor understands local building rules and helps you get timely approvals. Delays in permits can slow down the project, so choose a constractor who knows the process well. Always confirm that all required documents are in place to avoid legal issues or work stoppages.
- Past Project Timelines: Look at the company’s previous projects to see if they finished on time. Ask for references or check reviews to find out if they meet deadlines. A company with a history of delays may cause problems for your project. Hence, choose someone with a good track record to ensure your project stays on schedule.
- Weather Conditions: Bad weather, like heavy rain, can slow down construction. Talk to your contractor about the best time to build and how they handle weather delays. Besides, a good construction company will plan for these challenges to keep the project on track.
Make sure the contractor can complete your project within the set timeline. Talk about possible delays and their plan for handling unexpected issues.
Design
Every project has a different design. Hence, you must share your ideas clearly with your construction company to ensure they match your vision. This is what you need to look out for in your contractor in regard to the design you have in mind.
- Construction Company’s Experience: Pick a company that has worked on similar designs before. Their experience ensures they understand the style, materials, and techniques needed to bring your vision to life.
- Architect Collaboration: Choose a construction company with stuffs who can communicate well and work smoothly with your architect or designer. Good teamwork ensures your design is followed correctly and any changes are handled efficiently.
- Customization Ability: Ensure the contractor can handle unique designs and special features. Besides, they should be flexible and skilled enough to bring your custom ideas to life without compromising quality.
- Material Knowledge: A skilled contractor will recommend high-quality materials that balance durability, style, and budget. Moreover, their expertise helps ensure your project looks great and lasts long.
- 3D Models & Plans: Some construction companies offer visual models to help you preview the final design. This makes it easier to spot changes and ensure the project matches your vision.
How To Choose the Best Construction Company in Kenya
A good company finishes work on time, within budget, and will deliver quality projects. Here are some tips to help you choose the right construction company:
1. Check Constractor Credentials and Licensing
Choosing the right construction company starts with checking their National Construction Authority (NCA) registration. The NCA ranks construction company based on their skills and the type of projects they can handle. Always confirm that the company has the right licenses for your specific project, whether residential, commercial, or specialized work. Hiring a properly licensed company ensures quality, safety, and compliance with the law, saving you from future problems.
2. Research the Best Construction Company
The internet is a great place to start when looking for a reliable construction company. Begin by checking company websites, social media pages, and online reviews to learn about their experience, past projects, and customer feedback. Look for ratings on platforms like Google, Facebook, or industry-specific sites. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view. A construction company with a strong online presence and good reviews is more likely to be professional and trustworthy.
3. Get Recommendations from Trusted Sources
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a reliable construction company. Friends, family, or colleagues who have worked with constractors can give honest feedback based on their experiences. Their insights help you narrow your search and avoid unreliable companies. Consider project quality, timeliness, and overall satisfaction to make an informed choice. Here are some questions you need to ask when searching for recommendations including:
- Personal Experience: Here are some questions to ask those recommending a contractor: was the work done well? Were they professional? Did they stick to the timeline? Honest answers to such questions will give you a better picture than online reviews.
- Professional Networks: Architects, engineers, and builders often know the most reliable contractors. Their recommendations come from direct experience, making them valuable sources for finding trusted and professional building company. Ask them which contractors they trust and if they deliver quality work. Industry experts often have the best recommendations.
4. Assess Skills and Available Resources
A reliable contruction company must have the skills and resources to complete your project successfully. The company should have experienced professionals, including engineers and architects. Also, they should use modern tools and technology to enhance efficiency and work quality. The contractor must also follow local building codes and environmental laws.
5. Prioritize Quality Over Cost
A cheap contractor may save you some bulk, but it could lead to poor work and costly repairs later. A good contractor offers fair prices while using quality materials and skilled workers. It’s always better to pay a little more for better work to ensure you end up with a strong, safe, and long-lasting venture.
6. Ask the Construction Company the Right Questions
When choosing a company, ask important questions to understand their skills and reliability: Here are some questions you can ask:
- What challenges do you expect in this project, and how will you handle them? (it will help you understand their problem-solving ability)
- How do you make sure the work stays high quality? (it will help you understand their attention to detail)
- Can you give a timeline with key steps? (Helps you know how they will be tracking the progress and avoid delays)
- What happens if unexpected costs come up? (since they have done more projects, how they respond will help you prepare you for extra expenses)
- How will you update me on the project? (Ensures clear communication)
- What makes your company different from others? (this will reveal their strengths)
- Do you have trusted suppliers for materials? (you will know if they are ready for the project and if they know where to source quality materials)
- How do you handle problems or complaints? (you will understand their professionalism)
These questions help you choose a contractor who is skilled, reliable, and the ones who will be easy to work with.
7. Consider Green and Smart Building Solutions
A good costruction company should use modern and eco-friendly building methods. For instance, ask if they are planning to use energy-efficient materials and how they plan to reduce waste while still following environmental laws. Sustainable construction lowers costs in the long run by saving energy and using durable materials. Also, check if they use smart technology, like green building, automated lighting or water-saving systems, to improve efficiency. Always go for a company that values sustainability and innovation for an environmentally friendly project.
8. Visit Completed or Ongoing Project Sites
Seeing a company’s work in person helps you understand their quality. If the contractor you intend to hire has any ongoing project, visit the site to see how they manage workers, safety, and cleanliness. If they have finished projects, be sure to check the quality of the project, design, and overall look. A well-organized site with skilled workers shows that the contractor is professional and reliable.
9. Assess the Construction Company Integrity and Reliability
A trustworthy contractor values long-term relationships with suppliers, workers, and past clients. Frequent changes in workers or suppliers may signal poor management, non-payment issues, or broken trust. If a company delays material payments despite receiving client funds, it could indicate financial mismanagement or greed. Look for a company with stable partnerships and a reputation for honesty—this ensures smoother operations and a more reliable project outcome.
Final Thoughts: Build with Confidence
Your construction project is a big investment, and choosing the right company makes all the difference. A skilled and trustworthy company will guide you through the process, ensuring quality work, timely completion, and a stress-free experience.
Bluman Properties Construction company is a great choice for clients in Kenya, offering expertise, reliability, and a strong track record. Their commitment to quality ensures your project is handled with care and professionalism.
Take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. With the right construction company, you can build with confidence, knowing your project is in good hands.