How to Choose a Contractor

The contractor you choose has more influence on your project's outcome than almost any other decision. A good checklist reduces the risk of delays, disputes and rework.

Before you hire

• Ask for evidence of past work — visit a completed or in-progress site if possible
• Confirm registration status with the relevant construction authority for your category of work
• Get a detailed, written quotation against your BQ — not a single lump-sum figure
• Clarify what's included and excluded (permits, professional fees, external works, etc.)
• Ask how they handle variations and how those will be priced and approved

Setting up the agreement

• Use a written contract that references your drawings and BQ
• Tie payments to verified, measured progress — not to time elapsed
• Agree a schedule with milestones, not just a single completion date
• Decide who will supervise and certify progress on your behalf

Red flags

• Reluctance to provide a written, itemised quotation
• Requests for large payments before matching work is complete
• No fixed site presence or supervisor named for your project
• Prices significantly below every other quote with no clear explanation