How to Choose a Reliable Contractor for Your Villa in the UAE

7 Selection Criteria

1. 1A valid license you verify yourself with the relevant authority
2. 2A record of completed projects you can visit and review
3. 3A clear contract defining the scope of work and how delays are handled
4. 4Financial transparency: itemized pricing and milestone-linked payments
5. 5A supervising engineer present on site regularly
6. 6Documented warranties on the works, delivered to you in writing
7. 7Regular reports reaching the owner during execution

Verification Steps Before Contracting

1. 1Ask for the license number and verify its validity with the relevant authority in your emirate
2. 2Visit a completed or ongoing project of the contractor, and ask to speak with previous clients
3. 3Request a detailed quote with a bill of quantities — not a single lump-sum figure
4. 4Review the written scope of work: exactly what it includes and what it excludes
5. 5Make sure the payment schedule is tied to documented milestones, not large advances
6. 6Agree on a documented change process: every change is written and approved before execution
7. 7Set a clear channel for reports and updates throughout execution

How to Compare Quotes Fairly

The difference between two quotes is usually not the final figure, but what each figure includes. This table asks the right question for each criterion:

Questions to Ask Before Signing

• What exactly does the quote include, and what does it exclude?
• Who is on site daily, who sends me reports, and how often?
• How are additional works charged, and who approves them before execution?
• What is each payment released against, and what document is required?
• What is the schedule for each stage, and what are my responsibilities as the owner?
• Can I visit a current project and speak with its owner?

What Each Party Delivers in Your Project