Ask These 10 Questions Before Hiring a Construction or Design Firm in Nigeria — Or Risk Losing Your Investment

Choosing a construction firm in Nigeria can feel like walking through a minefield.

One wrong step and you might end up with subpar materials, endless delays, and skyrocketing costs. We’ve heard stories from frustrated clients who came to us after wasting money on unreliable contractors.

So how do you protect your investment and your peace of mind?

Here’s a checklist of 10 critical questions you must ask before hiring any construction or design firm in Nigeria.

1. Are You Properly Registered and Licensed?

Don’t skip this. Every reputable firm in Nigeria must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and depending on services offered should have affiliations with bodies like COREN or ARCON.

✅ At Realistic Projects Limited, we’re fully licensed, and our certifications are available on request.

2. Can You Show Me Real Projects You’ve Done?

Any serious firm should have a verifiable portfolio. Don’t settle for mockups ask to see real, completed work.

👉 Check out how we draw inspiration from architectural excellence in our blog: Kajuru Castle: A Testament to Timeless Architecture

3. Who Will Be in Charge of My Project?

This is key. You need a dedicated project manager, not just a random supervisor. Ask who your main point of contact will be, and how often you’ll receive updates.

4. How Do You Manage the Project Timeline?

Construction delays are common—but how a firm handles them is what matters. Ask about realistic timeframes and how they communicate setbacks.

5. What’s Your End-to-End Process Like?

From initial sketches to final handover, a trustworthy firm should walk you through each step. If they’re vague, that’s a red flag.

✅ We guide our clients through every stage—from design to M.E.P. implementation—making it stress-free and transparent.

6. Do You Handle Structural, Electrical, and Plumbing Designs Internally?

In-house M.E.P. design means better coordination, faster execution, and fewer surprises. Outsourcing this work often causes avoidable delays.

7. Do You Have Testimonials or References?

If they can’t show reviews or introduce you to a past client, that’s your sign to run. Always request references.

🗣️ “Realistic Projects Limited delivered my house ahead of deadline and helped cut down unnecessary costs.” — Mr. Peter, Lagos

8. What Kind of Contract Will We Sign?

Ask about payment terms, penalties for delay, warranty clauses, and completion guarantees. A well-structured contract protects both sides.

9. Will You Handle Permits and Government Approvals?

Many projects in Nigeria stall due to regulatory bottlenecks. A firm experienced in navigating this terrain will save you headaches down the road.

10. What Sets You Apart from Other Firms?

Don’t accept vague answers. Look for specific differentiators—like quality assurance, transparent billing, or responsive customer service.

✅ At Realistic Projects Limited, our edge lies in our local expertise, technical depth, and full in-house design-to-execution process.

💡 Final Takeaway

These 10 questions are your toolkit to avoid costly mistakes and shady contractors. Whether you’re building a home in Ibadan or developing a property in Lagos, don’t skip this checklist.

🚀 Ready to build something extraordinary?

Let’s bring your vision to life with integrity, precision, and passion.

📞 Call: +234 707 353 7168
📩 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Request a Free Quote Now

🎯 Want more industry insights?

👉 Read our blog: Kajuru Castle: A Testament to Timeless Architecture

Or explore more tips on construction trends and project management on our main blog page.