If you’re preparing to build a house in Kenya, you should generally aim to obtain three comparable contractor quotations before making your decision.
For larger or more complicated projects, you may want to obtain four or five.
However, the number of quotations is less important than their quality.
Three detailed quotations from experienced contractors are much more useful than ten vague estimates from companies that have never examined your plans.
Here’s how to approach the process.
Why should you get multiple contractor quotes?
Imagine you’re building a four-bedroom maisonette and receive three quotations:
| Contractor | Quotation |
|---|---|
| Contractor A | KSh 10.5 million |
| Contractor B | KSh 12 million |
| Contractor C | KSh 13.2 million |
That’s a difference of KSh 2.7 million between the lowest and highest quotations.
However, the price difference doesn’t automatically mean Contractor A is offering the best deal.
One contractor may have included kitchen cabinetry, wardrobes and external drainage, while another may have excluded them.
Obtaining multiple quotations helps you understand the range of prices being offered. Comparing their contents helps you understand why those prices differ.
For more detail, read our guide to comparing construction quotes in Kenya.
Is getting three quotations enough?
For many ordinary residential projects, three quotations provide a practical starting point.
They allow you to identify pricing differences without creating an unnecessarily complicated procurement process.
You can then investigate important discrepancies, including unusually low prices, different specifications or substantial exclusions.
For complex or high-value projects, obtaining four or five quotations may give you additional options.
However, there is little benefit in collecting dozens of quotations if you cannot evaluate them properly.
Your objective should be to obtain comparable bids, not simply accumulate quotations.
Should you contact every construction company?
No.
Start by identifying contractors who are appropriate for your particular project.
For example, if you’re planning a KSh 15 million maisonette, look for companies with experience constructing residential properties of a similar size and specification.
Before requesting quotations, investigate their qualifications and previous work.
In Kenya, you should also verify that the contractor has appropriate registration with the National Construction Authority.
You can start by visiting the National Construction Authority’s official website and using its registered-contractor search facility.
The NCA regulates contractors in Kenya and maintains registration information for construction companies.
You can also consult our guide to choosing a construction company in Kenya.
Give every contractor the same information
This is arguably the most important part of obtaining useful quotations.
Every contractor should receive substantially identical project information.
Ideally, this includes:
- Architectural drawings
- Structural drawings, where available
- Project location
- Building specifications
- Expected finish level
- Proposed construction timeline
- Bill of Quantities, where available
Otherwise, contractors may price completely different versions of your project.
One contractor could assume basic ceramic tiles while another includes premium porcelain.
Their quotations wouldn’t be directly comparable.
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) can help address this problem by providing contractors with the same measured scope of work.
What should you compare besides price?
When your quotations arrive, examine more than the final amount.
Pay particular attention to five areas.
1. Scope of work
What exactly has each contractor included?
Check whether the quotation covers all the expected construction stages and whether any significant work has been excluded.
2. Materials and specifications
Are the contractors proposing comparable materials?
Differences in roofing products, windows, tiles, sanitaryware and other materials can account for substantial price differences.
3. Construction timeline
How long does each contractor expect the project to take?
An unrealistically short timeline may be worth investigating, particularly if the contractor has several other active projects.
Read our guide to how long it takes to build a house in Kenya.
4. Payment structure
Understand how much money is required upfront and when subsequent payments become due.
Where appropriate, payments can be linked to agreed construction milestones or independently assessed progress.
5. Experience and references
Ask for examples of similar projects.
Where possible, speak with previous customers and inspect completed work.
A detailed quotation is useful, but it doesn’t replace investigating the company that prepared it.
What if one quotation is much cheaper?
Don’t automatically reject it, but investigate why it is cheaper.
There may be a legitimate explanation.
For example, the contractor might have lower overheads, better supplier relationships or a more efficient construction methodology.
Alternatively, important work may have been excluded.
Ask the contractor to explain significant differences between their proposal and the others.
Our building contractor quotation checklist covers the information you should expect to receive.
Should you pay contractors to prepare quotations?
This depends on the scope of the quotation.
Some contractors may prepare preliminary quotations without charging.
Others may charge for detailed estimating, design work or extensive site assessments.
Clarify any fees before providing instructions.
If you already have complete drawings and a BOQ, contractors may find it easier to prepare quotations because the work has already been defined.
What happens after receiving your quotations?
Once you’ve reviewed the bids, you can create a shortlist of contractors whose proposals meet your requirements.
You may then arrange meetings to discuss outstanding questions.
Before making a final appointment, confirm the agreed scope, specifications, payment terms, construction programme and contractual responsibilities in writing.
Remember that the purpose of competitive quotations is not simply to secure the lowest price.
It is to make an informed decision based on the complete proposal.
Get ready to request quotations with MyJenga
Instead of contacting numerous construction companies individually, MyJenga is designed to help homeowners describe their projects once and receive quotations from suitable providers.
Start by creating an indicative construction-cost estimate.
As your project develops, you can prepare the information contractors will need to price the work.
Calculate my building cost with MyJenga →
Frequently asked questions
Is getting three construction quotations enough?
For many residential projects, three detailed, comparable quotations are a reasonable starting point. More complex projects may benefit from additional bids.
Should I always choose the cheapest contractor?
No. Compare the scope, specifications, experience, exclusions, payment terms and construction timeline before deciding.
How do I verify a contractor in Kenya?
Check the contractor’s registration and practising-licence information through the National Construction Authority.
Do I need a BOQ before requesting quotations?
Not necessarily, but a BOQ can make quotations more consistent and easier to compare.
Can I request quotations before I have architectural drawings?
You can request preliminary estimates, but detailed architectural and structural information will generally be needed for more reliable construction quotations.
Final takeaway
For most residential construction projects in Kenya, obtaining three comparable contractor quotations is a sensible starting point.
Consider additional quotations for larger or more complex projects.
More importantly, ensure the contractors are qualified, give them consistent project information and compare their complete proposals rather than their headline prices alone.
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