10 Things to Ask Your Ghanaian Contractor Before You Start Your Housing Project

Constructing a home in Ghana is a big financial and emotional investment, and so is hiring a top building contractor for your housing project. The process of house construction in Ghana can be a big investment of your time especially if you plan to be actively involved in the decision-making process. It’s however recommended to understand first-hand, what to expect before the project begins. To ensure a smooth experience, here are 10 important questions you should always ask your Ghanaian contractor before starting a home construction project.

10 Questions to Ask Every Home Contractor in Ghana

1. Are You Licensed and Registered?

The number one question every project owner should ask a potential contractor for any housing project in Ghana is the legality of their business incorporation. You must make sure you choose a top building contractor in Ghana who has the necessary licenses and is registered with relevant Ghanaian regulatory bodies. This goes to confirm their ability and legitimacy to operate within the boundaries of the country.

2. What is Our Schedule?

A schedule should be more than just a starting and ending date. Every top building contractor in Ghana should provide a work schedule to clients outlining the tasks and timing of all activities to give a clear picture view of sequencing and deadlines for things such as materials and labour. Yes, it’s important the schedule indicates when the project will be completed but it will also give a benchmark for material procurement. Don’t start a housing project in Ghana without a schedule that tells you what days and times workers will be on-site.

3. Who Will Be Managing the Project on Site?

Depending on the size and structure of the building contractor in Ghana you hire, the answer could vary widely. Many top construction companies in Ghana will require you to hire a foreman, who will be responsible for day-to-day work on-site and often reports to you as well. It will help if you ask your contractor direct questions about who opens and locks the place after work, who will supervise labours on-site, and whom to call daily with any questions.

4. What Is the Cost and Payment Structure?

Unexpected cost overruns and delays are the last things you expect when it comes to construction project cost breakdown in Ghana. That’s why you must request a detailed cost breakdown, including labor, materials, and additional fees for every housing construction project you want to undertake in Ghana. A list of building contractors in Ghana reveals that housing projects often exceed their budget by at least 20%, thus highlighting the importance of detailed planning and estimation. To help you avoid such unwelcome surprises, you should request a cost breakdown of every expenditure.

5. Do You Offer a Written Contract?

Yes, it is crucial to always ask your home contractor if they provide a written agreement that outlines exactly what they will be doing, the cost of the housing project, deadlines for the work to be done, and any available warranties that will be provided. Do not make full payments until the project is complete. This serves as legal protection for both parties.

6. How Will You Communicate With Me?

With so many available means of electronic communication at your fingertips, you may have some ideas about how you would like to receive very important information about your project especially if you're out of the country. Your building contractor in Ghana may also have some specific ways he or she likes to communicate too — daily emails or maybe just phone calls. Ensure you understand how you will be contacted and receive information irrespective of your location.

7. What Are Your Experience and Specialties?

Different building contractors in Ghana have varying expertise. That’s why you must ensure your building contractor in Ghana has experience in the type of project you are undertaking. Many top construction companies in Ghana have demonstrated experience in handling residential construction, and you should dig to confirm that. When you select a building contractor in Ghana with relevant experience, you can minimise the risk of delays and cost overruns.

8. What Part of My Project Concerns You?

There’s always something unknown about a housing project in Ghana or an area that is most likely to trigger an immediate change order. Odds are, your building contractor in Ghana already knows what that is. Talking about it upfront and letting him or her run some worst-case scenario numbers could be the best way to get a handle on what may be ahead.

9. How Do You Handle Permits and Approvals?

In Ghana, construction projects often necessitate specific permits and approvals from relevant governing bodies. Confirm whether your chosen construction company in Ghana will handle this on your behalf or you will need to do it yourself. Clear communication on this matter with your building contractor in Ghana will help avoid certain delays in your housing project and ensure compliance with local regulations.

10. What Is Your Policy on Project Changes?

Finally, seek to understand your contractor's policy on project changes. This is particularly important, especially on matters relating to how changes to the project will be handled, including cost implications and delays. This situation often arises in decision-making and giving you clear direction about what and when you need to decide on something will help you keep organised at all levels of the building process.