1. Vague or Non-Itemized Estimates

One of the first warning signs is a contractor who gives you a large lump-sum figure without explaining exactly what the money covers.

For example, being told:

“The entire building will cost ₦X million.”

may sound straightforward, but it does not give you enough information to properly evaluate the proposal. A professional construction estimate should provide reasonable detail about the expected scope and costs of the project.

What should you look for?

Depending on the project, an estimate may include information about:

• Materials
• Labour
• Quantities
• Material specifications
• Equipment
• Transportation
• Site preparation
• Professional fees
• Project management
• Finishing
• Allowances for specified items
• Other agreed project costs

The clearer the costs are documented, the easier it is to understand where your money is going.

Why vague estimates are risky

A vague quotation can create disagreements later. A contractor may claim that certain work was not included in the original price, leading to repeated requests for additional payments.

This can make it difficult for the property owner to distinguish between legitimate variations and unexpected cost increases.

What to do

Before signing, ask the contractor to provide a clear, sufficiently detailed quotation or bill of quantities appropriate to the size and nature of the project.

Make sure you understand what is included, what is excluded and how variations will be handled.

2. Refusing or Hesitating to Sign a Formal Contract

A construction project should not depend entirely on verbal promises. If a contractor is reluctant to put the agreement in writing, consider it a serious warning sign.

A properly prepared building contract creates a shared understanding between the property owner and contractor about the project’s expectations.

Your contract should address important areas such as:

• Project scope
• Construction specifications
• Responsibilities of each party
• Project commencement date
• Expected completion timeline
• Payment structure
• Project milestones
• Quality standards
• Materials and specifications
• Change or variation procedures
• Defect correction
• Warranties where applicable
• Dispute resolution
• Termination conditions
• Health and safety responsibilities

The exact terms should suit the project and be reviewed by the relevant professionals.

Why verbal agreements can become problematic

Imagine that you and a contractor verbally agree that the project will be completed within eight months. Six months later, the project is significantly behind schedule.

Without a clear written agreement defining the timeline, responsibilities, and consequences of delays, resolving the disagreement becomes much harder.

A professional contractor should welcome clarity

A formal contract is not designed to create conflict. It is designed to prevent misunderstandings before they occur.

If a contractor says, “We don’t need a contract; just trust me,” you should take a step back and reconsider.

3. Demanding 100% Payment Upfront

Another major red flag is a contractor who insists on receiving the entire project payment before meaningful work begins. Construction projects typically involve multiple stages, materials, labor, and measurable progress.

For many projects, a milestone-based payment structure provides greater accountability because payments can be linked to agreed stages of work.

Why full upfront payment is risky

Once a contractor has received the entire project budget, the property owner may have significantly less leverage if:

• Work slows down
• The contractor becomes unresponsive
• Materials are not purchased as promised
• The project is abandoned
• The scope changes
• Quality deteriorates
• The contractor experiences financial problems

A better approach

Where appropriate, structure payments around clearly defined milestones.

For example, payments may be linked to agreed stages such as:

Project mobilisation → Foundation → Structural works → Roofing → MEP installations → Finishing → Completion

The specific structure should be determined by the project’s scope, contract terms and professional advice.

Remember

Payment should be connected to performance, not simply promises.

A transparent contractor should be willing to discuss a payment structure that gives both parties clarity and accountability.

4. Poor or Unclear Material Quality Control

The materials used in construction directly affect a building’s durability, functionality, and safety. If a contractor is vague about material specifications or seems willing to substitute materials without approval, raise concerns.

Construction is not simply about making a building look good. What happens beneath the surface matters just as much.

Important materials can include:

• Cement
• Concrete
• Reinforcement steel
• Blocks
• Sand
• Aggregates
• Timber
• Roofing materials
• Electrical components
• Plumbing materials
• Doors and windows
• Finishing materials

The right specifications depend on the project’s design and engineering requirements.

Why quality control matters

Poor-quality or unsuitable materials can contribute to:

• Cracking
• Water penetration
• Premature deterioration
• Plumbing failures
• Electrical problems
• Structural problems
• Expensive repairs

For structural components in particular, materials should meet the requirements specified by the project’s engineers and applicable standards.

Be careful with unauthorized substitutions

Suppose your building specification calls for a particular grade or type of material.  A contractor should not simply substitute a cheaper alternative without appropriate approval.

Cost-saving should never come at the expense of quality or safety.

Ask about quality control

Before signing a contract, ask:

• What material specifications will be used?
• Who approves material substitutions?
• How will materials be inspected?
• Are relevant tests required?
• Who supervises construction quality?
• How will defective work be handled?

A professional construction process should clearly answer these questions.

5. No Transparent Site Reporting

A construction project should not become a mystery once the contractor starts working.

Property owners need to know what is happening on their site, especially when they can’t visit every day.

Treat a contractor who refuses to provide meaningful updates or documentation with caution.

What should transparent reporting look like?

Depending on the project, reporting may include:

• Regular site photographs
• Video walkthroughs
• Progress reports
• Completed work updates
• Material delivery records
• Project milestone updates
• Information about delays
• Updates on approved variations
• Financial or payment documentation where agreed

Technology makes remote project monitoring much easier than it used to be.

A property owner living in another city or country should still receive meaningful information about their project’s progress.

Why reporting matters

Regular reporting can help you identify problems early.

For example, if a project is supposed to have reached a particular stage but the progress report shows otherwise, you can address the issue before it becomes a much larger problem.

Transparency is not just about communication. It is a form of project protection.

Other Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

The five red flags above matter, but property owners should also do broader due diligence. Before hiring a contractor, consider asking:

1. Can you provide evidence of previous projects?

Review completed projects where possible. Look at the quality of work, finishing and overall execution.

2. Can I speak with previous clients?

Feedback from previous clients can provide valuable insight into communication, reliability, workmanship and project management.

3. Who will supervise the project?

Find out who will actually be responsible for managing the site and coordinating workers and subcontractors.

4. Are the appropriate professionals involved?

Depending on the project, qualified architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers and other professionals may have important roles.

5. How are variations handled?

Construction plans sometimes change. Your contract should establish how additional work and cost variations are requested, priced and approved.

6. How are delays handled?

Ask what happens if there are delays and how the parties will communicate and manage them.

7. What happens if defective work is discovered?

There should be a clear process for identifying and correcting unacceptable work.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Your contractor can significantly influence the overall experience and outcome of your construction project.

The right contractor should provide:

Transparency — You understand what you are paying for.

Accountability — Responsibilities are clearly defined.

Quality control — Materials and workmanship are properly managed.

Communication — You receive regular and meaningful updates.

Professionalism — The project is managed according to agreed processes.

Safety — Construction activities are conducted with appropriate attention to worker and public safety.

Financial discipline — Payments and project costs are properly documented.

Building With Confidence Starts Before Construction Begins

The biggest construction mistakes are not always made when the first block is laid. Sometimes, they begin when you choose the wrong contractor.

Before signing a building contract, take time to investigate the contractor, review the proposal, understand the scope, verify previous work, and ensure the agreement clearly protects both parties. Do not choose a contractor simply because they offer the cheapest quotation.

The lowest initial price can become the most expensive option if it results in poor workmanship, delays, variations, material substitutions or repeated repairs.

Instead, look for a construction partner that combines experience, transparency, quality control and professional project management.

Choose Transparency. Build With Confidence.

At Petik Limited, we focus on helping property owners approach construction with greater confidence through structured planning, transparent processes, and quality-conscious execution.

Whether you are building a family home, commercial property or investment development, your project deserves more than promises.

It deserves proper planning, clear documentation, quality materials, accountable execution and consistent communication.

Before you sign, ask the right questions.

Before you pay, understand the agreement.

Before construction begins, make sure your contractor has earned your trust.

Your building is a major investment. Choose a construction partner that treats it that way.

Quick Contractor Red Flag Checklist

Before signing your building contract, ask yourself:

☐ Is the quotation sufficiently detailed?

☐ Is the scope of work clearly defined?

☐ Is there a formal written contract?

☐ Are payment milestones clearly established?

☐ Are material specifications documented?

☐ Is there a process for approving variations?

☐ Will I receive regular site reports?

☐ Can I verify previous projects?

☐ Are qualified professionals involved where required?

☐ Are quality and safety responsibilities clearly defined?

☐ Do I understand the contract before signing it?

If you cannot confidently answer these questions, pause before committing your money.

Protect your investment. Demand transparency. Build with confidence.