You want to move your building project forward, but three different conversations seem possible. An architect can discuss the design. A quantity surveyor can discuss costs. A contractor can discuss carrying out the work.
Who should you call first?
Start with the decision you cannot yet make. If you need to work out how to use your land, begin with design advice. If the design is taking shape but you need to understand affordability, bring in cost-planning help. If the work is already defined and ready to be priced, speak to contractors.
You may need more than one professional at the same stage. The aim is to ask the right question, not to force every project into an identical sequence.
When to speak to an architect
Start with an architect when you have an idea but need help developing the design. You might know that you want a family home without knowing how the rooms, outdoor areas and access should fit together on the plot.
Describe how you want to use your land and what matters to you. That could include living with an extended family, keeping space outside or exploring residential rental units.
Ask the architect to explain the proposed design service and its outputs. Does the appointment cover an initial consultation, concept options, detailed drawings or further involvement? Which work would need a separate appointment? Get the scope and fee clear before proceeding.
Useful first question: “What information do you need to help me turn this idea into a workable design brief?”
When to speak to a quantity surveyor
A quantity surveyor, usually shortened to QS, helps with the measurement and cost questions around building work. You might need an early cost plan, a bill of quantities or help understanding differences between contractor quotations.
Tell the QS what decision the figures need to support. “Can I afford this design?” is different from “Have these two contractors included the same work?” The required information and agreed output may differ too.
You can raise cost questions while the design is developing. Explain any firm budget limit and what you expect that budget to cover. If you plan to build gradually from savings, describe that as part of the brief.
Useful first question: “What can you tell me from the information I have, and what would you need for a more detailed cost plan?”
BORAQS regulates architects and quantity surveyors and provides professional registers. Ask for registration details and check the architect register or QS register when considering an appointment.
When to speak to a contractor
Speak to contractors about quotations when you can explain the work you want carried out. Drawings, specifications and a BOQ where available help contractors respond to the same brief.
You can ask a contractor an early question about the work, but distinguish that conversation from a detailed offer to build it. Ask what their price is based on, what they have assumed and what they still need confirmed.
Also clarify which parts they propose to supply, organise and supervise. If design services are part of their offer, ask who provides them and what that appointment includes.
Useful first question: “What information do you need to price this scope, and what will your quotation include and exclude?”
If you are ready for that conversation, request construction quotations.
Match your situation to your next conversation
| Your situation | A useful starting point |
|---|---|
| I have a plot but no clear layout | Architectural advice about your brief and use of the land |
| I have a design idea and a budget limit | Design discussion with early QS cost input |
| I have drawings and need measured quantities | Ask a QS what is needed to prepare a BOQ |
| I have a defined scope and want prices for construction | Contractor quotations using the same information |
| I have quotations but cannot compare them | A scoped QS review of the cost and inclusion questions |
| I do not know which of these fits | Explain your current situation and ask for help choosing |
These are starting points. A project may need other expertise, and your appointed team should explain what is needed for the work you are proposing.
What to prepare before you enquire
Bring your general location, a short description of your idea and whatever drawings or site information you already have. List the questions you want answered. If there is a budget or intended start date, share it as a planning constraint rather than a promise that the project is ready to proceed.
A useful initial message could be:
I have a plot and want to build a family home, but I have no drawings. I need help deciding how to use the space and whether my budget suits the idea. Please explain which service I should start with and what it would cover.
This is an example, not a customer case. You can make your own message shorter if that is all you know today.
You can start without choosing the professional yourself
MyJenga’s planning page lets you ask for design advice, cost-planning help or help choosing your next step. You can also save planning information without requesting provider outreach.
Get help choosing my next building step →
Prepare and review your details first, then sign in to send an enquiry or save your notes. You do not need an existing project: one is created from your details when you send or save for the first time. Agree the professional’s scope, deliverable and fee before commissioning work.
Related guide: Bought a Plot in Kenya? What to Do Before Hiring a Builder.