There’s no question about it — home projects are some of the most fulfilling things you can work on. But minsan talaga, they can be so stressful! Especially when starting with all the technical details, such as hiring the right engineer, contractor, etc. The list never seems to end!

Thankfully, our Home Buddies are happy to help. We talked to Kapitbahay Daniel Miguel Jacela, a registered civil engineer, who filled us in on the ABCs of hiring the right contractor. From the right questions to ask to knowing best practices, here’s everything you need to know to get your home project in tip-top shape — starting with the right contractor.

What’s a Contractor’s Role in a Home Project?

A contractor is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the home project. (Think of them as producers, then your home as a hit song in the making.) Their duties include managing paperwork, coordinating with everyone involved, and supervising onsite operations, among others. They must also consider health and safety hazards and limit possible inconveniences.

“Mainly, ang goal is to make sure na hindi sasakit ang ulo mo,” Jacela tells Home Buddies. 

“Dapat ang mindset mo ay dahil gusto mong wala kang masyadong magiging problema kapag tinirahan mo na ito. Getting a professional will reduce or even eliminate problems that might occur in the future,” he added.

The Basics of Hiring and Working with a Contractor

Are you still at the beginning stages of your project? Then, chances are, you’re in the market for a contractor to take charge. These are huge shoes to fill, but with proper planning and preparation, you’ll find the most suitable contractor for your dream home. 

Start By Canvassing

When you shop at the mall, do you take the first thing you see? (If you answer yes, you should consider having more shopping diskarte. Joke lang!) Ideally, you look for multiple options, then weigh the pros, cons, and things you’re willing to compromise. 

It would be best to have the same mindset when hiring a contractor. Look for someone who can execute your plans, fit within your budget, and go to the site without any issues. Ask around your friends and neighborhood–Jacela says three to five options will do. 

Have a Vision in Mind

No one likes it when you’re malabo —and no, there’s no hugot here. It isn’t easy to transact with clients who don’t know what they want or at least have an idea of it. Instead, figure out at least an outline of what you want. You don’t need to have the details down to a T, but the more precise your plan is, the easier (and faster) it will be to execute. 

These initial ideas should be your first step. Otherwise, how would you determine what’s suitable for your home project? 

“Dapat po bago pa magsimula ang pagkuha ng kontraktor, siguraduhin ninyo na ito na talaga ‘yung gusto niyong kalabasan ng inyong bahay,” says Jacela.

Get Several Quotations 

Your budget might be the most essential factor in decision-making. As always, the more affordable, the better, so you have more wiggle room in case adjustments or emergencies arise during construction.

This doesn’t mean you have to compromise quality. Contractors work with other professionals for projects, no matter your budget. 

“Meron naman tayong site engineers na mag-e-ensure na lahat ng trabaho ng ating contractor ay naaayon sa plano,” Jacela assures. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

The number one rule in any significant shopping project is if you have questions and concerns, ask away. Don’t hesitate to ask if anything’s unclear, especially in the early stages.

“As a client, takot tayong maloko at masayang ‘yung perang pinaghirapan sa mga tiwaling contractor,” Jacela says. 

And he’s right: Home projects are expensive–you should 100% know where your money is going or how it will be spent. 

Even questions that you think aren’t practical and just pique your curiosity (e.g., “Why do we use this material for so-and-so?”), you never know how integral they can be while making major decisions.

Reference Past Projects

According to Jacela, one of the most common mistakes clients make is to not look at past projects. 

“Dito mo talaga makikita kung ang mga proyekto nila ay talagang maganda at maayos,” he tells us. 

Think of it like shopping for shoes (something most of us are familiar with): “Kapag gusto mo na maganda at lehitimo, doon ka sa branded, dahil sila ay may pinanghahawakan na reputasyon.”

By looking at past projects, you let evidence and credentials speak for themselves. It’s one of the best ways to ensure legitimacy. Not only that, but it’ll also be easier to gauge if the contractor can competently execute your plans for home-sweet-home.

Know Standard Downpayment and Retention Rates

When you negotiate, especially with big projects, it’s crucial to protect the interests of both the client and the team being hired —which is why downpayment and retention payments exist. 

The standard for construction, Jacela says, is 30% for downpayment and 10% for retention. But he warns: “Kapag ang isa sa mga contractor ay nanghihingi ng mas mataas sa standard na downpayment, dapat lang na mag-duda ka na.”

Downpayment secures the service and gives the contractor the mobilization fee. This is needed in preparation for construction, from paperwork (like permits) to materials used for your home.

No matter how competent your contractor is —or how well the construction phase goes —your home might still face some issues. 

“Hindi kailanman magiging perpekto ang construction, kaya meron tayong 10% sa buong kontrata para sa pagpapaayos ng mga depekto,” says Jacela. 

The retention payment will ensure the completion of your perfect home —so you can rest assured that you (and everyone involved in its construction) smoothed out all the rough edges.

Communication is Key

Again, this is not the time for hugot, but we’ve all been in sticky situations of confronting flaws or misunderstandings. Well, at least in heartbreak, there’s no money involved. You could be shelling out thousands of pesos, only to find that your construction team didn’t get the memo.

But you can avoid these headaches simply through “constant communication with your hired contractor,” in Jacela’s words. This includes, of course, being civil and respectful even if there are shortcomings. In short, don’t be a Karen.

"‘Wag na wag mo sila itratrato na parang utusan lang. Kahit kami sa construction, hindi namin pinagsasabihan ng kung ano-ano ‘yung mga hawak naming workers,” Jacela reminds us.

If you do have concerns, inform the engineer or contractor, not individual workers. 

“Ang dissemination of information ay mahalaga,” Jacela says. 

“Maaring pinagsabihan mo ‘yung worker na ganito, eh [baka] iba ang maparating na mensahe sa in-charge nila. Mabutihin na lang na ang inyong kakausapin ay ang engineer-in-charge, para walang loss of information,” he adds.

Sabi nga ni Taylor Swift, “Maybe we got lost in translation / Maybe I asked for too much.” Pati ba naman sa construction projects natin, ganito tayo kasawi? Huwag naman, please! Avoid an “All Too Well” moment by being communicative and transparent, especially with the people in charge.

Make Room for Adjustments

Everyone who’s ever done #adulting knows nothing goes according to plan. What more if you’re handling a project with many processes involved? Flexibility is a must, whether it’s a necessary change or you just have better ideas.

However, changes require you to be on the same page with your contractor and engineers. Remember, their basis is written in the contract, and any adjustments might affect your budget.

“Sa bawat padagdag o pagbabago ng ating bahay, meron itong karampatan na bayad,” Jacela says. But, if you can negotiate, why not? He adds: “Kung kaya itong daanin sa pakiusapan, huwag mahihiyang makipag-usap at makiusap sa contractor.”

Find the Right Contractor for Your Home with the Help of Home Buddies

Your home is your shelter and sanctuary — where you’ll eat, sleep, rest, and spend most of your days. There’s no reason not to go all out, especially when it comes to the foundation of it. 

Start by hiring the right contractor. Remember, bahay mo ‘yan — it deserves the best. So pick a good match by following our foolproof guide, and let the experts handle the rest. 

P.S. Our Home Buddies members, especially Kapitbahay Daniel Jacela, are here for you! You may contact our group or ask your questions to Mr. Jacela on Facebook — he’s more than glad to share his expertise.

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