The purpose is not to give a contractor an absolute label, but to test whether identity, experience, references, proposal and communication are consistent enough for the next decision.
What to check
Use this list as a starting point. The depth of review should still match the project stage, decision value, documents and risks.
- Match party names, responsible people, bank details, address and relevant documents.
- Request evidence of the contractor's role on reference projects, not only finished photographs.
- Ask references about scope, schedule, changes, quality and defect closure.
- Align drawings, specifications, quantities, exclusions and responsibilities before comparing price.
- Link deposits and payments to explained needs and verifiable progress.
Questions before deciding
A useful answer should be traceable to documents, site conditions, a responsible party or a clearly stated assumption boundary.
- Who signs the agreement and receives payment?
- What happens when schedule, quantities or specifications change?
- What evidence does the owner receive before each payment?
How to document the outcome
Record information sources, review dates, documents read, people interviewed, inaccessible conditions, key findings, decisions, owners and follow-up deadlines. Separate facts, third-party statements, assumptions and recommendations.
For legal, structural, geotechnical, tax, permitting, land, design or specialist-testing decisions, use appropriately authorised and qualified professionals.
This article is general educational guidance. Project, contract, land, building and legal conditions vary and may require a specific review.