Construction & BuildingHow to choose a good builder or contractor in Botswana
Building is likely the biggest spend most families make. The right contractor makes it smooth; the wrong one can cost you months and a lot of money. Choose carefully.
See real, finished work
Ask to see photos — better still, addresses — of projects they've completed. Reviews from past clients on Pula Local tell you whether people were happy once the dust settled, which matters far more than a smooth sales pitch.
Insist on a detailed quote and schedule
A serious builder gives you a breakdown (materials, labour, stages) and a realistic timeline. Vague lump sums hide problems. Compare two or three quotes to understand the fair price for your scope.
Structure payments around milestones
Never pay everything up front. Tie payments to completed stages — foundation, walls, roof, finishes — so money follows progress. This is the single best protection against an abandoned site.
Put it in a simple written agreement
Even a one-page agreement covering scope, price, stages, timeline and what happens with changes will save arguments later. Keep all receipts.
Your quick checklist
- Evidence of completed, similar projects
- Itemised quote + stage-by-stage schedule
- Milestone-based payments (never full up front)
- A short written agreement
- Honest reviews from past clients
Red flags to avoid
- • Demands large upfront payment
- • No references or finished work to show
- • Reluctant to put anything in writing
Find a trusted construction & building now
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