How to identify a construction company in Kenya for your next project
The construction sector in Kenya is a lucrative area that has greatly been influenced by the vast growth of the real estate sector, particularly, house building plans, hotels, offices, and retail developments. Construction companies in Kenya have been regarded as among the main boosters of economic growth for the past five years. Kenyan Economic outlook has indicated that many investors from all corners of the world have continued to explore East Africa through Nairobi and seek to create opportunities in areas of upgrading slums and informal settlement, renewal of urban areas, development of middle- and low-income housing, and the manufacture and supply of building materials and components.
West Kenya Real Estate Ltd is a real estate construction company in Kenya offering services such as residential, institutional, and commercial construction based on the corporation or individual works. In case you need any construction services, kindly contact us for professional and skilled commercial architects and a construction team that is transparent and accountable.
What are the services offered by a construction company in Kenya?
At a certain point in life, every individual prefers their own home. The process of constructing a home that meets all your desired standards and requirements can be quite a challenge. It is therefore important to hire a construction company in Kenya with long-term contracting experiences and expertise to assist you to finish the project on time as per the basis of the agreement.
A construction company in Kenya provides all aspects of constructions services which includes, management consultancy, design and construction consultancy, new constructions and takes over projects, real estate development service, site improvement, remedial and repair services, protective and maintenance services
Management consultancy
Are you inexperienced in the management construction world? Do you want to prevent any chances of losing money? To make your dream home a reality project and a success it is highly advised to seek Management Consultancy plans such as management of different activities involved in the construction process to understand a breakdown on cost budgeting and an outline of any possible risks and challenges likely to occur during the project.
Design consultancy
Before any construction, it is important to get a professional construction consultant who will offer expert assistance and guidance on planning, design, and construction issues. This is mostly necessary on complex projects, or where specific expertise is required to tackle a particular problem.
Remedial or repairing services
Do you want to save extra bucks? Well, remedial and repair services such as refurbishment, roofing repairs, and corrosion protection are the best decision. These services are aimed at protecting or prolonging the lifespan of the existing infrastructure of a building from natural catastrophes such as storms or flooding that causes damage to properties.
Services maintenance
A construction company in Kenya provides various kinds of maintenance services along with repairing and construction such as painting, carpentry, plumbing, cleaning and restoration, refurbishment, electric works, and much more. All these services can also be tailored as per the requirements of an individual.
Building a new structure or building
We assist our clients to realize their desire of owning a property. We construct both residential and commercial buildings. A construction company in Kenya will operate between residential or commercial properties. A few do both but some prefer to deal with one area; residential or commercial.
Factors to consider when looking for a House Builder in Kenya
Regardless of the type of home, you desire to construct, the type of Building and Construction Company you choose will play a vital role in the quality of results. It is important to not overlook any company because if you settle for the wrong company you could end up having wasted your time and money. Settling with the right house constructor in Kenya for instance makes the project easier, smooth, and affordable. Whenever you need a construction company in Kenya or rather a house contractor company in Kenya the following is essential factors to consider.
1. Reputation of the Construction Company
The first thing you should keep in mind when choosing a construction company to work with is the reputation they have. Are they trustworthy? Have they been involved in corruption or swindling? You should investigate and inquire from other clients about the kind of services they offer as it determines if you are going to construct the home of your dreams.
Apart from asking people around you for recommendations, you should go online and check out their website and view comments from their previous customers. Check to see if the comments are negative or positive. This will give you the basics of the company’s quality of work.
2. Service agreement
Always make sure you have a contract signed up before starting the construction. clearly outline the responsibilities of each party, the compensation or payment, and the services that will be provided, among other things to allow smooth and efficient flow of work and prevent any kind of exploitation in the course of work.
Delays are very expensive. Make sure that when you enter into an agreement with your contractor, you should include timelines, a start and completion date.
3. Customer support
It is crucial to consider the type of customer support offered by a company. Customer support is important in ensuring that you get the home you wished for. It is highly advised to choose a construction company with good customer service; Make sure that you diligently inquire about them before engaging in any business. Make sure you choose a company readily available, understand and fulfil their part of the bargain on time and efficiently.
4. Location
It is important to consider the location where the site is situated before hiring a construction company. This is for easier accessibility and proper service delivery.
5. The construction company’s work experience
One way to know a company’s capacity to perform its duties efficiently is by checking its progress and success. If a construction company recently and successfully completed a project with many similar elements as your own, there’s a good chance they can do it again. They’ll have learned how to approach the project successfully and what types of issues can potentially arise.
To evaluate which company has the best experience for your project, first determine what specific elements your project will entail. What types of rooms or spaces are in the building? How big is the project? Will the project take place in an occupied building, or is it new construction?
6. Cost
Do you want to save as much money as possible? Well, when determining which construction company to hire as much as you want quality work, by qualified and experienced house builder constructor Kenya Make sure that the construction team can deliver the best project for the least amount of money. You want services that are affordable and not overcharged. Before settling with a certain company, inquire from other construction companies that offer similar services and compare their service charge. –
Although prioritizing cost above everything can be a risky approach, you need a construction team that is not only committed to working within your budget but will do so while considering overall value.
7. Security
If your construction team isn’t secured enough, then you can’t have a successful project. Before hiring any construction company, you should be guaranteed their strict adherence to safety measures and implementation of effective safety programs.
Inquire about their company’s safety policy and what they have done to eradicate or rather measures that have been put forward for safety purposes. Do they have a full-time safety officer?
8. Equipment available
Do you want quality work? Make sure that you choose a construction company with the right equipment to get the work done properly and on time.
9. Type of construction services
You ought to choose a construction company that professionally manages their work and will deliver a quality finished project as per the agreement.
10. Service coverage
A construction site can be a quite risky place to be. A person can easily get unexpected injuries. Make sure that for safety purposes, you’ll want to hire a construction company that is fully insured. Every company is legally required to have insurance coverage to cater for any liabilities that could occur on a construction site.
In this scenario, the most important insurance coverage to consider is general liability insurance. All the insurance covers given to you should be valid.
Challenges to avoid when selecting a construction company in Kenya
Choosing the best building company in Kenya for your company might be difficult. The process of picking the ideal fit for your facility’s architecture and construction can be complex because every general contractor and construction business approaches a project differently. It’s critical to conduct research, ask the proper questions, and understand the essential evaluation criteria. Here are the challenges you might face and how to avoid them.
1. Family involvement
When choosing a house contractor in Kenya remember to include your loved ones in your plans. Because you’ll be sharing a space, it’s crucial that they like the design as well. Think about what your family thinks about the construction company. Include your partner and children in the planning process. The framework of the building, appliances, furnishings and all other components of home design should be suited to the demands of your family.
2. Proceeding without a contract
As they say, a contract is binding. Always make sure you have a contract signed up before starting the construction. Is your contractor going to stand by their contract? Will they be in business for the entire warranty period? Will they return if repairs are required? People frequently lose money when they hire untrustworthy contractors.
Choose a contractor in Kenya who has been in business for a long time and will be there for you in the future. Make sure to get a contractor that will not run away from an issue. Above all, ensure that you and your firm receive the safety and security that you and your organization deserve.
3. Not communicating your expectation before start
Effective management communication is a critical contributor to achieving a successful project. To guarantee that all parties are involved in the process, you must have timely and transparent communication techniques. It’s critical to find a commercial architect and construction team who will communicate openly and honestly.
You don’t want to engage someone who is difficult to locate when you require their services. During the interview process, be open and honest about your communication expectations.
4. Project management and supervision
Project managers must ensure that all project stakeholders are on the same page and have a clear understanding of the project’s goals. In the closing stages of a project, an uninvolved client can cause a slew of issues, so it’s critical to consider the customer’s comments and keep them informed throughout the process.
5. Not sticking to the agreed materials and plan
This comes down to the contractor’s reputation. Don’t dismiss the reputations of contractors. What kind of contractors do your peers use? In your industry, who has the contractor worked for? What do individuals have to say about their business? Case studies, testimonials, and references from previous clients should be provided by a contractor to demonstrate their quality and worth. Read testimonials, call references, and speak with people who have employed a contractor in the past if you want to know the truth about them.
Best practices in Construction companies apply
Best practices in construction are the established and planned processes used in the building business to provide the best output and profit. These practices can take the form of a policy, process, or an entire system that is applied over some time. The best practices for one project may not be very useful for another. Below are some fundamental principles that, when followed to the letter, can help any construction project succeed.
1. Pre-project planning
Pre-project planning is the process of gathering enough strategic information to allow owners to assess risk and select where to invest resources to increase the likelihood of a successful project. The procedure starts when a validated project concept is established during the business planning phase and ends when a decision is made on whether or not to allocate money for the project’s execution.
To reap the full benefits of pre-project planning, it must be adjusted to the company’s business needs, suited to specific projects, and implemented consistently to all projects.
2. Alignment
The most effective way to accomplish alignment is to arrange each construction contract in such a way that collaboration is encouraged. Identify the misaligned habits during key conversations about planning. Create communication checkpoints to ensure that behaviours are aligned with incentives. Establish simple, direct, and directly aligned monitoring procedures that are simple, direct, and directly linked with objectives.
To build the most efficient process to assist the construction project, all parties must bring resources, technology, data, communication, and methods to the table. As a result of this method, all parties’ capabilities, ambitions, and objectives should be linked in the construction contract to support productivity.
3. Constructability
Constructability is a project management application that is used in the construction industry. Its major goal is to assess and identify the project consultants’, contractors’, architects ‘/designers’, and clients’ cumulative expertise and experience in order to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and execute construction projects on time or ahead of schedule.
Consider project management to be a blueprint for your journey. Constructability is the ability to organize a road trip with your friends, create the route on a map, load the car, and hit the road.
4. Design Effectiveness
The first step in designing and developing energy-efficient structures is determining the best location. When evaluating the most efficient use of a construction site, there are several things to consider. It is best to identify places that require the least amount of land disturbance for maximum sustainability.
Efficient building design makes the most of resources. Because the construction of new buildings generates a significant amount of garbage and waste, it is critical to use resources properly in order to keep the sector viable.
5. Materials management
Money does not grow on trees, and neither do construction supplies emerge out of the sky like “mana” from heaven. Material management in a construction project can be a quite difficult and critical component. While many people connect material management with purchasing and delivery, it encompasses a much broader range of tasks, ranging from planning and procurement to waste management and disposal.
A well-executed material management strategy can save time and money while also increasing project efficiency. A poorly executed one can result in significant delays, safety problems, and a loss of profit.
6. Team building
Many occupations, particularly those in the construction industry, require team building. To execute building projects safely and quickly, construction workers frequently operate in crews or teams. If you’re a construction manager, contractor, or leader, understanding more about construction team-building exercises can help you improve your team’s ability to work together on the job.
Collaboration is a vital skill on a construction site, and team-building exercises can help with that. When working on construction projects, team members frequently collaborate to ensure that tasks are completed safely. They can excel in their positions if they have strong teamwork abilities.
7. Planning for start-up
You’re in control, and you’re in charge of creating work and ensuring that the projects you take on are completed successfully, on time, and on budget. Any action that hasn’t been planned or budgeted for can have an impact on your bottom line and profit potential. That implies you must factor in the possibility of unforeseen challenges and problems in whatever planning you conduct.
Even on little jobs, it will help if you write down specific requirements that must be met and satisfied for various tasks, such as making suggestions, putting in bids, Contract negotiations, organizing tasks, budgeting management, and Dealing with the procurement process.
8. Partnering
Partnering refers to a collaborative management strategy that emphasizes openness and trust between contracting parties. The parties become reliant on one another for success, which necessitates a shift in supply chain culture, mindset, and procedures. It’s most typically utilized on contracts that are substantial, long-term, or high-risk.
Successful partnering should allow for the long-term integration of the entire project team for everyone’s benefit, therefore choosing the proper partners is critical. Commercial objectives and culture of partners should be matched, resource allocation should be optimized, and risks should be assigned to those who can best minimize them.
9. Quality management
Construction projects cover a wide range of tasks and involve a variety of special parties and trades, but they always have one thing in common: the goal to execute high-quality work on time and on budget.
Quality control is a critical component of total construction project management, and it can mean the difference between success and failure for a corporation. Quality management in construction in Kenya refers to the policies, processes, and procedures put in place (typically by management) to improve an organization’s ability to consistently and continuously improve its ability to deliver quality to its customers, whether those customers are clients/owners, contractors, or subcontractors.
10. Dispute resolution
Construction contracts in Kenya require conflict settlement in order to avoid potential legal action. Construction conflicts develop when one party breaches the contract in some way, or when there is a simple misinterpretation between the parties. Conflict can also arise as a result of the following factors:
Conflict does not always result from a breach of contract, although it can lead to contract breaches or the agreement being terminated by one party. Before a project begins, each party in a contract should take certain precautions to protect themselves in order to limit the risk of a disagreement.
11. Zero accidents techniques
It takes more than just having workers “follow the rules” or making small changes to the way work is done to achieve zero injury performance. In reality, a compliance culture is often the adversary of better safety since no one thinks to ask if something may be done in a less risky, safer way. Making gradual process improvements, on the other hand, can trigger the law of “unintended consequences,” because it’s impossible to predict how changes in one process would affect other processes that are dependent on it.
12. Implementation of products
The cost of materials accounts for a significant amount of the total building cost in Kenya. Materials are sometimes ordered weeks or even months ahead of time, resulting in uneconomical inventory on building sites or in the warehouses of contractors. Building material inventory represents the cost of acquiring, storing, and ensuring the inventory, as well as the cost of preventing theft and the cost of replacing the inventory as it becomes obsolete.
13. Benchmarking
This method is used to compare projects that have already been finished. The results of several projects are compared to one another. The lessons learned from each project are applied to future initiatives in order to get the greatest results.
Benchmarking is a method for improving the project’s performance logically and systematically. Who is the superior performer? Why do they do better than others? What actions will you do to improve your performance?
14. Project delivery method & contracting strategy
Every construction projection in Kenya needs a combination of services, such as planning, design, and construction. Construction project delivery techniques offer a variety of ways to contractually structure such services in order to complete a project.
While each project team typically consists of an owner, a designer, and a builder, how each project is carried out varies. Before beginning design, it’s critical to choose the correct project delivery mechanism, as it sets the tone for how the team will interact and how funds will be divided.
How construction companies keep their clients happy
For today’s best contractors in Kenya, simply finishing the work isn’t enough. Contractors must engage clients beyond the bottom-line goals of on-time and on-budget projects to ensure happiness and lasting relationships. Contractors understand the need of cultivating a positive culture that combines real-time cooperation with exceptional execution to produce satisfied customers.
Here are some basic tactics that contractors can use to impress clients.
Consistently provide on time, on budget
Contractors’ success is measured by their ability to stick to project deadlines and budgets. A baseline goal should be to provide a constant degree of value to clients by meeting these baseline objectives regularly. Every building project is unique and comes with its own set of obstacles. Contractors may expedite procedures to deliver on-time, on-budget projects by employing cutting-edge construction technology that improves productivity, decrease project risks, reduce errors, and boost collaboration.
Contractors can operate smarter and more efficiently using today’s integrated, cloud-based construction management software platforms, mobile construction apps, and business intelligence solutions. Clients are more comfortable knowing their projects are in the hands of solid contractors since these technologies encourage a collaborative atmosphere, complete with real-world, real-time data and precise statistics.
Create a truly collaborative environment
Breaking down departmental bottlenecks and creating company-wide teamwork should be a major priority for all contractors. But what about actual cross-organizational project collaboration? Modern contractors can use technology to bring everyone involved in a project together in real-time to access pertinent data, give simple means to update information for everyone at once, and automate communication and workflows. A client will be impressed if you can achieve that degree of teamwork.
The transparency and capacity for users to communicate directly via the program delivers regular updates, progress reports, and inclusion to allow a client to feel included and confident in the project.
Impress with positivity
Construction companies in Kenya regularly invest in staff training in areas such as safety, skills, and technology. But teaching employees to retain a professional, responsive demeanour is just as crucial. Small details, such as nice employees, can have a big impact on customers. When working with project managers or project team members, clients do not want negativity. They also don’t want to work with people who don’t reply to information demands promptly.
Contractor project teams must thrive in both areas, fostering good, timely interactions at every opportunity for communication. Human attitudes and responsiveness can be taught, but if the technology and software are employed to make it difficult to obtain timely information, it can still cause discontent among project teams and clients.
Avoid negative incidents
When it comes to public perception, no client wants a bad name. Accidents, fines, or disagreements that occur during the development of projects they own might give them a bad reputation in the public eye. It’s a lot easier to avoid these dangers when you have solid measures in place to prevent them – or to respond quickly if they do occur.
Modern cloud-based construction software with construction-specific features for compliance and document management, as well as safety management, can supplement sound tactics by streamlining the activities that surround them.
Having this level of readily available, relevant information available to project teams can help reduce significant Jobsite injuries, eliminate disagreements between contractors and subcontractors, and ensure project teams follow all legal, contractual, and union laws and regulations in Kenya.
Keep it simple and visual
The average client does not desire or require a large amount of data. Use dashboards, graphs, and critical project updates to keep communications easy and clear. These simple solutions aid a client’s awareness of project progress without overwhelming them with information that could cause confusion or misunderstanding. A common misconception concerning dashboards and streamlined reports is that they conceal the true picture of what’s going on.
Modern construction software, on the other hand, allows users to drill down into comprehensive data from dashboards and reports for more in-depth research. Modern software also offers more robust data analytic and business intelligence capabilities, allowing users to quickly evaluate vast amounts of data in nearly any format to make better business decisions. These analytical tools are being utilized to develop even more useful and user-friendly reports for clients.
Establish credibility
The first meet-up with a client should establish a trusting relationship. They want to know that you’re the best candidate for the position. This isn’t the time to be modest, instead, remind them about similar projects you’ve worked on in the past. Show them your digital portfolio and explain how your previous accomplishments relate to the project you’re about to start.
The significance of these first impressions cannot be overstated. Your client’s confidence in you immediately will set the tone for the entire endeavour. They’ll be more willing to cope with future problems or delays in good faith if they trust your competence. Similarly, if you come across as uncertain or unskilled, you’ll be dealing with a restless, apprehensive client for the next three months.
Avoid industry jargon and buzzwords
Excessive technical jargon, buzzwords, and jargon can sabotage a great customer experience in any industry. In highly specialized sectors like construction, you’re particularly vulnerable. Thousands of phrases used by builders, engineers, and contractors would baffle the average person’s head.
When engaging with a non-construction client, using industry vocabulary can be problematic for two reasons:
1) It obstructs clarity. Your client is less likely to comprehend the nuances of their job, and they may be too embarrassed to inquire.
2) It is impolite. Excessive construction jargon can appear deliberate, even if you’re doing it unintentionally as if you’re attempting to appear more informed than your client. You’ll probably come out as haughty or uncaring.
The longer you work in construction, the more difficult it becomes to recognize your lingo. It may, however, be broken, just like any other bad habit, with a little patience.
When things go wrong, one of the most aggravating things for a client is not knowing who to contact. Construction has a significant problem with this because there are so many parties involved, even on little projects. Site supervisors, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and electricians are just a few of the people who work on a construction site. When architects and experts are involved, things become even more convoluted. Who reports to whom?
The internal chain of command is usually spelt out in your contract, and all teams must perform properly. It’s easy to forget that your client might not grasp the order. Having a single point of contact for your client is a fantastic idea.
Practice active listening
The basic truth is that the vast majority of individuals are not. According to studies, we only remember about half of what we are told. In some ways, technology has exacerbated this by simplifying our communication habits. How frequently do you exchange messages, emails, or memes instead of having a face-to-face conversation?
Many professional organizations now provide training in ‘active listening’ after recognizing the problem. Instead of letting your thoughts wander, active listening is when you genuinely focus on the speaker and process their message. Effective client management necessitates active listening. You can often solve problems, improve accuracy, and avoid confrontation just by listening to your clients.
Define rules of engagement
Why are rules necessary? Because every client has different communication demands. You could be working on a makeover for a first-time buyer whose home is their pride and joy, and they’re biting their nails nervously. Even tiny spouting decisions plunge them into a full-fledged panic. They want to be updated all the time on the phone.
Another client, on the other hand, could be a distant overseas investor who prefers to avoid small talk. Maybe they’re working on several projects and don’t give a damn about the tiny things as long as everything gets done. They only expect a monthly phone call or a written progress report. Regardless of the sort of client, you must establish this from the start so that no one is disappointed.
Use visual technology
Your client is investing a significant amount of money to make their dream come true, and they want to know exactly what they’re getting. This requirement has been met by technology, and hand-drawn sketches and a few images will no longer do. Clients nowadays expect to see immersive 3D models of buildings that do not exist. They want images that are wonderfully created, complete with thorny trees and smiling imagined people. It is your responsibility to provide them with this virtual experience.
Don’t be intimidated. Even the smallest construction companies can compete in this market. Technology has advanced quickly, and there are now more affordable instruments on the market than ever before. You can revolutionize the way you connect with clients by utilizing visual technologies such as Hover, Multivista, and Cad soft
Hover
Using images from your Smartphone, Hover allows you to construct a 3D interactive representation of a place. Show your client how the renovations to their building will look in real-time. Hover’s technology can even calculate building dimensions from photos!
Multivista
Multivista is an online service that provides construction pictures and visual documentation. They provide construction projects with customized video, photo, and webcam solutions. Provide your clients with fast access to complete photographic documentation of their projects via their mobile devices.
Cad soft
Cad soft is a leading provider of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for residential building companies of all sizes. Cad soft includes professional, conceptual design tools for presenting creative ideas to your clients among its numerous capabilities.
Be transparent
You’re almost done with the project. The building looks fantastic, everything went off without a hitch, and communicating with clients was a joy. Then you hand them the bill, and their entire world comes crashing down around them. A nasty surprise on a client’s bill is bad news for them, and it’s even worse for you. It has the potential to ruin your company’s reputation in an instant.
Why do these occurrences occur? This is because the building business is prone to delays and unforeseen costs. I’m sure you’re aware of the myriad of things that may go wrong: suppliers cancel, subcontractors inexplicably vanish, timelines collide, and even the weather can wreak havoc on your project schedule.
Conclusion
From what we have covered above you now have a better understanding of the best construction companies in Kenya.
West Kenya Real Estate Ltd is an all-in-one real estate company offering construction, management, letting, sale, and valuation services to clients all over the country. We’ve over 8 years of experience and have handled a diverse range of property constructions, designs, and management. Talk to us today about your next project. You can reach us on call/SMS/WhatsApp via +254789 217 685 / +254 724 481 087
If you are looking a house designs in Kenya or a construction company in Kenya for your next project, think Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd.
We are a Design and Build Construction Company in Kenya with over 25 years of experience in active building construction in Kenya. We mainly do house plans, project planning, building construction, renovations and extensions, institutional building, commercial office blocks and plumbing and drainage services.
