After the design phase and the approval of the plans, comes the most important and sensitive decision in the construction journey: choosing the executing contractor.

The contractor is the hand that transforms a flexible, professional design on paper into a tangible reality. Choosing the right one means high quality, commitment to the budget, and on-time delivery. The wrong choice, however, often leads to disputes, financial waste, and costly future repairs.

How can you avoid falling into the trap of choosing the wrong contractor? Here are the most essential practical and insightful steps to ensure the right choice:

1. The Price vs. Quality Rule

Focusing on the lowest price is the biggest mistake owners make. A low price often indicates:

• Using poor-quality materials: to compensate for low profit margins.
• Unclear contracts: which may include hidden clauses allowing the contractor to request additional payments later.
• Unskilled labor: which negatively affects the quality of execution.

Therefore, compare quantities and specifications before comparing prices. The lowest price that overlooks essential work is, in fact, the highest price.

2. Analyzing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

The Bill of Quantities is the core document of any construction contract. You must review and analyze it carefully:

• Ensuring completeness: Does the BOQ include all required work items without missing anything?
• Comparing quantities: Compare the quantities submitted by different contractors. If one contractor lists significantly less concrete than others, this may indicate pricing errors or an intention to reduce quantities on-site.
• Matching specifications: Ensure the submitted prices match the specifications set by your project consultant.

3. Reviewing the Contract to Protect Your Legal Rights

The contract is the only reference for resolving disputes. Do not settle for a generic template:

• Payment mechanism: Payments must be tied to completing specific, consultant-approved stages—not simply based on time passing.
• Execution schedule and penalties: A clear timeline must be set, with penalty clauses included for unjustified delays.
• Defect liability: A clear warranty period must be defined for completed work, especially for defects that appear after handover.

4. Evaluating Reputation and Visiting Completed Projects

• Site visits (when possible): Do not rely on photos. Request to visit an active project by the contractor to see real workmanship quality, site organization, and labor professionalism.
• Transparency and cooperation: A good contractor is transparent, cooperative, and easy to communicate with.

Contractor Selection Workshop

Do you feel that choosing a contractor and comparing BOQs is complicated? Ahmed Al-Tamimi Contracting & Construction makes this process easier for you. We designed a specialized workshop that gives you professional tools. Join this workshop to gain the skills needed to:

• Control cost: You will be able to reduce the cost of your home through informed negotiation.
• Effective comparison: You will learn how to compare BOQs easily and effectively to detect unrealistic prices.
• Legal safety: You will be able to review the contractor’s contract to protect your legal rights and avoid future disputes.
• Access tools: You will receive editable files (contract agreement + contractor comparison sheet) ready for immediate use.

Choosing the contractor is the true starting point for a successful project. Join the Ahmed Al-Tamimi workshop and make your decision based on knowledge and expertise—not price alone!