What does a contractor do? Which type of contractor do you need? How to choose and find a contractor? How to work with and get the most of your contractor? What are the contractor’s fees? These are some of the aspects that Dalia Sadany addresses in this article about the contractor which also includes useful tips and illustrative diagrams

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Credit of Photography Ahmed Mleeg
All site photographs are from
the construction of the project. The 2- Work: The contractor hires sub-
actual Dezines’ projects contractor hires specialists to do different contractors; as well as individual workers.
jobs. These specialists, better known as The Contractor hires, schedules and pays
the subcontractors are responsible to the subs. When you hire a Contractor, you
the contractor who in turn is responsible only have a contract with him not the
to the owner. The contractor is the “last subs. A good Contractor has an extensive
man out” of the project. He or she takes network of relations with all types of
care of all the finer details and takes subs. He has worked with many subs ,and
responsibility for your overall satisfaction. knows the best in terms of quality, cost,
More importantly, the contractor ensures and ability to deliver on time. He also
that the project is completed on time and knows how they work and is able to deal
within budget. with them. It is because of this ongoing
relationship, the Contractor makes sure
What does a contractor do? that he gets a high quality job from the
1- Bid: The tender is treated as an offer subs. At the same time, the subs are
to do the work for a certain amount of confident of dealing with a construction
money (lump sum), or a certain amount professional that will pay them on time
of profit (cost plus). The tender that is and bring future jobs.
usually submitted by the competing
contractors is generally based on a bill Types of Contractors
of quantities__ where approximate There are different types of contractors.
quantities of materials, parts and labor All the criteria that we are going to
costs are itemized. It generally shows the discuss later -how to choose, work with
cost estimate in square meters for walls, and pay a contractor - are the same and
THE number of doors and windows, etc apply to all of them;
CONTRACTOR
"Dalia Sadany Ask Magazine's design consultant, In the previous article, we voyaged into
the world of “The Architect”, the main
Chief Designer, Founder of Dezines Architecture artery in the body of any construction.
& Interiors, Managing Director & Partner of We discussed their role in the building
Divine Contracting is dwelling into the world of process, how to choose and deal with
him, their fees and the documents you
Architecture, Interior Design, and Contracting." should expect from them during the
proper sequence of execution.
In this article, we will venture into the
less dreamy, more aggressive hectic
world of “The Contractor”. Their role is
by no means of a lesser importance than
that of the architect. Simply because no
matter how professional the architect is,
and the designs he prepares are brilliant;
as well as fully detail and mirror the
client’s visions, yet they are still ideas on
paper;only an experienced contractor
can interpret them properly into reality
with the upmost quality and perfection.
What is a Contractor?
The contractor executes the architect’s
designs. He turns your dream home from
a conceptual design into reality. In doing
so, he or she is responsible for the day-to-
day management of the construction site;
as well as providing all the equipment,
materials, and services required for
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other venue I would highly recommend is
1- There is the construction contractor; driving around your area to look at homes
the individual or firm responsible for having work done. You can also check
the construction of buildings, land professional magazines, which could be
excavation, soil treatment, laying the a good source of information. Surfing the
foundations, columns, beams, slabs; net should be your last resort.
as well as wall brick work.
TIPS
2- There is the finishing contractor, the • Make sure you choose a well established
individual or firm responsible for experienced contractor with a good
executing all the finishing work such portfolio, so that he would be as resourceful
as plastering, electromechanical, as possible with sub-contractors. So, if the
floorings, tiling, painting etc…. sub-contractors drop out or don’t do their
jobs right then their substitutes would be
3- There is the landscape contractor, available when needed.
the individual or firm responsible
for executing all hardscape and • Make sure that the contractor you
softscape. He could execute the pool choose is capable of working in your area,
with its electromechanical or sub it to putting into consideration that small
a separate firm under his supervision. contractors could charge you excess
money for travel expenses. Whether
4- There is the General contractor who bigger contracting professionals would
would perform all of the above. have that point covered due to their
various diversified work sites.
solving, teamwork, time-management accomplishments. Try to see pictures of
How to work properly with a and budgeting skills. Having rapport with their previous work to get a sense of their
“Why Hire a General Contractor?” your contractor is very important. You abilities and make sure they have done
contractor?
An experienced general contractor can usually determine that at your first the same work you want done. Whenever
Good contractors are good project
provides countless benefits: meeting. Ask questions about their past possible, visit past clients’ homes to see
managers. The key skill sets you should be
looking for are communication, problem projects, their clients, qualifications. and the contractor’s work firsthand.
• They know how to manage
subcontractors and integrate tasks;
• Contractors are in this business neck
deep, so they may introduce you to
ideas you haven’t considered;
• One point of contact for any questions
and concerns will make your life
easier. Having the project managed
reduces the stress of having always to
be available, favourably by one person
allows you to concentrate on product
selection, and focus on fine details; as
well as monitoring the process. What does a Contractor deal with? How to choose a contractor?
Building a house requires 30 to 50 There is no shortage of contractors
• A general contractor's experience different tasks depending on the in all fields in Egypt, but they are not
allows ease of execution, and reliable complexity of the design. These tasks household names. They generally don’t
problem solving. are spread over the construction process advertize themselves so you have to do
where some tasks run concurrently, some homework. I always prefer personal
• Key knowledge of all aspects of while others overlap. Since construction recommendations myself. Start with your
construction, and how to co-ordinate requires the integration of these tasks, architect first, ask for his preferences.
the different stages and trades the management of subcontractors is an If for any reason that doesn’t work: ask
involved is imperative to a smooth essential part of the Contractor’s job. friends, relatives, neighbors, colleagues
experience. etc. If you have good work experience
Below is a diagram that clarifies the with subcontractors, then ask them too,
• Connections with material suppliers number of sub-contractors involved in but make sure, they had some former
mean better pricing and faster service. the construction of a house. satisfying experience with them. One
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Once satisfied with the cooperation of A- The Lump Sum Contract: is when
the Contractor, you can proceed further the Contractor provides the required
in getting an estimate of the cost. Get a contracting services for a fixed price
feel for the contractor when asking for covering the cost of labor, materials,
the quotes. If the quote is very detailed, supplies, equipment, and professional
consultants to do the job as well as the
there's a good chance their work will • How many projects have you done? contractor’s overhead and profit margin.
also so be thorough.. If the quote is
unorganized and takes a long time to • How long will the project take and give a
complete, then that could be a sign of maximum dead line if I hold up my end? B- Cost-Plus-Contract: its contract is direct
what his work habits will be like. • Which interior designers or architects costs and an additional percentage.
did you work with? The calculated cost of Labor, materials,
There are no hard and fast rules for the supplies, equipment known as direct
• How do you handle change orders? costs, added to that a fixed percentage,
number of estimates you should get. to bad quality control or inappropriate
Some people prefer to get a number of • Who were your two best and worst which covers the fees for the contractor. choice of the materials agreed on.
bids before making a decision. Others clients? Why?
Below is a diagram that explains the • Make sure you have a penalty clause
discover after the interview process that • Compare the estimate carefully and During the work • Who are your top 3 material suppliers? differences between both methods in your contract in case of delay of
there is one contractor they strongly make sure that everything you ask for • If there are any delays in your remodeling • How accurate does your cost estimate work that is not due to you; whether in
prefer, and consequently only ask that is included. plans, or if you make any changes, let
tend to be? Tips paying or doing changes, and also not
contractor to submit an estimate. What your contractor know right away.
matters is that you feel comfortable you
• In your comparison, make sure that the • From your experience where in the work • Make sure the method of payment is
due to designer’s alterations.
have enough adequate information
quality level is a constant factor. • If you are in charge of having the material process does usually mark ups happen,
In the upcoming article we will enter the
ready, then you should have that material clearly clarified in your contract;,as well world of the glamorous Interior designer,
to make the right choice. As a general • Ask the contractor to submit it in person available to prevent any delays.
if ever? And by what percentage? as the installments, whether related to and dig deep into all the aspects needed
rule, with the proper drawings and so you can discuss it. dates or scope of work.
• Don't stick your nose in the subs work, How are Contractors paid? to have a fruitful choice and a successful
specifications, three estimates will usually • Assume that anything not listed is not
provide sufficient information for you to if you have any comments never go Generally, there are two types of • Make sure you have a penalty clause in collaboration with one.
included in the price. contracts: Lump Sum Contract and Cost- your contract that could protect you in You can reach me at my email
make a decision. directly to the subs, go to the contractor,
• Make sure the contractor provides you he manages them. Plus Contract. the situation of bad work execution due askdalia@ask.com
with a construction schedule.
Tips: • You have to tell your contractor your
Before the work • Sometimes contractors submit lower comments and requests, but you have
• Try to stick to reputable credible tenders to win the contract and get the to also LISTEN, he is the expert.
job. Don’t jump for the lowest bid. It may
companies to eliminate future
be unrealistically low. The contractor
• Pay right away, don’t delay payments,
problems that could occur. because that will accordingly delay work,
may not have understood the project,
• Request a formal bid based on the plans may be underestimating what it will
and specifications prepared by your Interview Questions for Contractors
take to complete the work, or simply
architect. trying to get a price advantage over
• What is the average number of jobs you
do at the same time?
• Make sure you give the same set of the competitors. Generally speaking,
plans to all bidders to make sure you if a bid looks too good to be true, it • Will there be someone on-site and in
can properly compare the bids. probably is. charge of my job each day?
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