General Contractor
A general contractor manages construction projects from foundations to finishing. El-Eman Office provides general contracting services across all Egyptian governorates.
Criteria for comparing contractors
Choosing a general contractor calls for an organised comparison that does not rely on price alone. Look at previous work similar to yours in size and type, the ability to manage labour and subcontractors, and punctuality in delivery. Visit one of the contractor's completed projects if you can, and speak with past clients about adherence to specifications and deadlines and how problems were handled.
- Clear legal details and commercial and tax registration.
- An engineering team supervising execution, not just workers.
- Willingness to provide a schedule and a work plan.
The contract: what it should include
A written contract protects both parties and should include a precise description of the scope, the technical specifications, a payment schedule tied to progress, the construction period, delay penalties, how changes and extra works are handled, the maintenance period after handover and any retention. It should also say who is responsible for permits and for supplying materials.
- Attach the drawings, bills of quantities and specifications to the contract.
- Do not pay large sums in advance without progress to match.
- Require handover minutes for each stage.
- Define how disputes will be settled.
Following up execution and managing risk
Even with the best contractor, independent supervision and weekly follow-up are needed, including checks on the quality of concrete pours, steel and plastering and testing of samples. Writing notes into signed reports supports your rights. It also helps to know in advance what will happen if materials are delayed, prices change or work stops.
Questions to ask a contractor at the first meeting
The first meeting reveals a lot. Ask about experience with projects like yours, how the schedule is managed, who supervises the site daily, how requested changes are handled, and whether there is a fixed team or changing labour. Ask also where materials come from and how quality is verified, and how worker safety is maintained on site. Detailed, realistic answers suggest experience, whereas exaggerated or vague ones call for caution.
- Ask for a written preliminary schedule.
- Ask about insurance arrangements for workers and equipment.
- Ask how work is handed over and what warranty period the contractor commits to, and have it written into the contract.
Do not hesitate to compare more than one contractor; the difference may show in the quality of the conversation before it shows in the price.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the lowest price?
Not necessarily. A very low price may hide lower specifications or later extras. Compare offers on the same specifications.
Does a general contractor do everything himself?
Often he uses subcontractors for some trades, so ask about them and about his responsibility for their work.
What is the role of the supervising engineer?
To monitor execution quality, conformity with specifications and quantities, and to review payment certificates before they are paid.
