Choosing a contractor should not be based only on the final price. A low price can still lead to problems if the scope is unclear, exclusions are hidden, or the payment and variation procedures are not properly discussed.
Before appointing a contractor, these five questions can help owners, developers and house renovation clients make a clearer decision.
1. What is included in the price?
Ask the contractor to confirm the scope included in the price. This should cover the main work items, preliminaries, materials, labour, plant, protection, testing, submission requirements and any coordination items. A clear inclusion list reduces misunderstanding later.
2. What is excluded?
Exclusions are just as important as inclusions. A price may look attractive because certain work items are excluded or treated as optional. Before appointment, check whether items such as authority fees, temporary works, disposal, making good, protection or specialist work are excluded.
3. How will variations be priced?
Variations are common in construction. The important question is how they will be instructed, submitted, assessed and agreed. Clarify whether rates from the contract will be used, how new rates will be built up, and what records are needed to support the claim.
4. What is the payment schedule?
Payment terms should be practical and clear. Check whether payment is based on monthly progress claims, milestone stages or another arrangement. The contractor should also understand what documents are required before a claim can be reviewed.
5. What records will support progress claims?
Progress photos, work done records, delivery orders, approved instructions and measurement sheets can make claim review much easier. Agreeing the required records early helps both parties avoid unclear claims during the project.
These questions are simple, but they often reveal important commercial and practical issues before the contract starts. If the answers are vague, the project may face more difficult discussions later.
The objective is not to make appointment slower. The objective is to make the appointment clearer. A contractor who can explain the scope, exclusions, variations and payment basis properly is easier to assess and easier to manage during construction.
Disclaimer This article is for general quantity surveying information only. Project decisions should be based on the specific contract, drawings, tender documents, site records and professional advice for the project.