10 questions to ask before choosing a construction company

Of all the decisions in your project, who you hand the construction to is the most decisive. A good company turns the process into something orderly and predictable; a bad one turns it into a nightmare. Before signing, ask these questions: the answers will tell you far more than any brochure.

About experience and backing

• How many years have you been building and how many projects have you delivered? Track record is hard to improvise.
• Can I see finished projects or talk to previous clients? A serious company has no problem showing its work.
• Is the company formalized and backed? It matters for your peace of mind and for bank financing of the construction.

About the contract and scope

• What exactly does the price include and what's left out? The scope must be in writing, with no gray areas. It helps to know in advance what a turnkey contract really includes and what it doesn't.
• Is the building permit included? Confirm who processes it and whether it's in the price.
• What finish standard do you deliver? Ask for concrete brands, models, and qualities, with the detail of what the turnkey house includes.

About timelines and compliance

• What's the delivery deadline and what happens if there are delays? A deadline with a date and clear conditions is a sign of seriousness.
• How are changes handled during construction? There should be a procedure, not improvisation.

About warranty and payment

• What warranty and after-sales service do you offer after delivery? Support doesn't end with the keys.
• What's the payment structure? Payments by construction progress protect both parties. See how payment options and construction warranties work in a serious project.

Red flags

Be wary of anyone who avoids putting things in writing, pressures you to sign quickly, offers figures well below the market prices of a turnkey house, or can't show previous projects. Urgency and opacity rarely accompany a good builder.

In short

Don't choose a builder for the lowest price, but for the clearest answers. A company that answers these ten questions without hesitation is, almost always, a company worth building with.

Keep reading: the most common mistakes when building a house and how to avoid them.