Being able to buy a house is a life goal for many working professionals. When you become a homeowner, you have a place that you can proudly call your own. Homeownership is a joy and offers a measure of financial security since real estate is a solid investment anywhere in the world.
A major part of the construction process is finding the best contractors. Join us as we explore how to choose the best contractors in Ghana, what to look for, and more.
Become a Homeowner in Ghana
On the shores of the picturesque Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is a thriving West African nation with a fast-growing real estate sector. From a total market value of $331 billion in 2017 to $458.54 billion in 2024, Ghana’s real estate market is experiencing steady growth. Residential real estate dominates this market and is worth $389 billion.
Ghana enjoys a stable government and healthy economy, which also makes it an attractive option for expats looking to buy homes. The United States, China, and India are the top three sources of foreign investment in Ghana’s real estate sector. Whether you are a Ghanaian citizen or a foreigner, deciding to build your dream home in Ghana is a wise choice.
What To Look For in a Building Contractor
Congratulations! You’ve purchased land in Ghana and are ready to build your dream home. However, before construction can begin, you should take the time to hire a competent building contractor for your project.
Unless you have prior experience in the construction industry, building a new home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Contractors spare you from the troubles of acquiring licenses and building permits, directing workers on the building site, and deciphering blueprints. Hiring a contractor means that the project’s total cost will be higher, but it’s worth the additional expense because it can spare you a lot of hassle.
Before hiring contractors, homeowners must ensure that they’re a good match for their projects. Look at their previous work to get an idea of the kind of builds they specialize in. Ask for references from past clients who can vouch for their work. Here are a few of the characteristics to prioritize when hiring a contractor in Ghana:
- They are willing to sign a contract stating the project terms.
- They are easy to contact for queries and follow-ups.
- They are punctual when it comes to project timelines.
- Their professional license is up to date.
On the other hand, you should avoid contractors who are hard to get in touch with, who follow dubious hiring practices with subcontractors, and who have discrepancies in their licenses. A qualified, professional, and motivated contractor can mean the difference between a smooth construction project and an uncoordinated mess.
How To Choose a Contractor That Fits Your Needs
Here’s the secret to building any home: It’s easy to find a contractor, but very hard to find the right one. There are many contractors who are perfectly competent and do good work but aren’t suitable choices for building a new home. Perhaps they’ve never worked on a new construction, and only have experience with building extensions on existing homes. Or maybe they are specialists in commercial buildings but have no clue when it comes to building residences.
Whatever the reason, finding a contractor isn’t as simple as getting someone who is qualified and available. It involves interviewing different contractors and narrowing down the list until you can find the best choice for the job. Follow the three steps mentioned below to choose the right house contractors in Ghana.
1. Invite Multiple Bids
You would seek a second opinion from another doctor before a major surgery. So why should it be any different before a major building project? In fact, when it comes to contractor bids, the more the merrier. You should invite bids from three or more contractors for any large project.
There are many ways to find building contractors in Ghana and invite bids. Online directories match contractors with clients, local yellow pages contain contractors’ information, and your contacts who hired contractors in the past can offer recommendations. Once you’ve prepared a shortlist of contractors, you should reach out to them and invite bids for your project.
Each contractor’s bid will tell you something about how they will approach the project. A detailed bid that covers every aspect reveals which contractors are meticulous and focused while a bid quickly thrown together with vague terms means the contractor doesn’t take the project seriously. During the bidding process, you can also compare prices and estimate how much construction will cost.
2. Do Your Own Research
When you review a contractor bid, make sure it covers every aspect of the project. This includes things like labor costs, permit application fees, and building materials. Then, do some research on those costs and compare the results to the contractors’ quoted prices. While a slight markup is normal, this will let you eliminate any contractors who are looking to overcharge you.
The research phase is the right time to look into each contractor’s past work. See if they have experience building the style of home you want. Check if they are licensed and whether they followed building codes and regulations in their earlier projects.
3. Agree on a Payment Plan
Once you’re confident that you’ve chosen the right contractor for the job, the final step is to decide on a mutually acceptable payment schedule. Most contractors will expect a downpayment before they begin, but it’s rarely more than 15% to 20% of the total project cost. The contractor might also want you to pay them in installments over the course of the project to cover the costs of material and labor. Finally—and this is the most important—the contractor should be willing to accept their final payment only after the project has been completed, has passed inspection, and has met with your approval.
Best Contractors in Ghana
The residential real estate sector in Ghana is booming due to high demand. A 2022 report from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), a government agency, stated that the number of residential dwellings in Ghana has risen from 3.39 million structures in 2010 to 5.86 million structures in 2021.
With more and more people looking to build homes, many general residential contractors have begun offering their services in Ghana. Some of the best contractors in the country include:
- Ghana UK Construction Limited
- Gapson Company Limited
- Clifton Homes
However, for many would-be homeowners, especially expats from the US, one contractor stands out from the rest.
- Jobomax Homes
Jobomax Homes: Contractors for Your Dream Home
Jobomax Homes is a multinational contractor with projects across West African Nations. Since entering Ghana’s real estate industry in 2022, we’ve created a legacy of quality, security, professionalism, and integrity. We also offer a variety of housing models and flexible payment plans.
Established in 2014, Jobomax Homes is committed to fulfilling its mission of building dream homes for every budget. Our portfolio includes Appolonia City, a Ghanaian real estate project.
Experience the joys of home ownership while enjoying the benefits of living in a planned real estate community. Let Jobomax Homes make your dream home a reality.
