Question 1

What should I ask a contractor for before I sign the contract?

Accepted Answer

Ask for a valid commercial registration and a VAT number, and a written contract that sets out the scope of work, price, payments and warranty. A clear contract protects you and the contractor.

Question 2

What's the difference between a labour-only contract and a turnkey contract?

Accepted Answer

In a labour-only contract, the contractor does the work and you supply the materials. In a turnkey contract, the contractor supplies the materials and labour and hands you the building ready.

Question 3

What's the difference between the shell stage and finishing?

Accepted Answer

The shell (structural) stage is the frame: foundations, columns, slabs and walls. Finishing is everything after it: plastering, tiles, paint, doors and sanitary fittings.

Question 4

What should I check before the concrete pour?

Accepted Answer

Make sure the pipe sleeves and the plumbing and electrical lines inside the concrete are in place, and that the supervising engineer has inspected them and signed off. After the pour, any change means breaking concrete.

Question 5

Why do pipe sleeves matter before the pour?

Accepted Answer

Pipe sleeves are casings set in the concrete before the pour so pipes can pass through them later. If they're forgotten or placed wrong, you have to drill through the concrete, which weakens it and costs you.

Question 6

When should I pressure-test the water pipes?

Accepted Answer

Before the pipes are covered with plaster or tiles. The test reveals any leak while it's easy to fix, instead of you finding it after finishing.

Question 7

Why does the load need to be distributed in the electrical panel?

Accepted Answer

So no single circuit is loaded beyond its capacity. Proper distribution means fewer tripped breakers and less wire heating, and that keeps your home safe.

Question 8

What should I watch for in the kitchen's electrical work?

Accepted Answer

A kitchen has many appliances, close to water. Plan the sockets around where the appliances go, and put the large appliances on separate circuits.

Question 9

When should I start plastering?

Accepted Answer

After the plumbing and electrical lines inside the walls are finished and tested. If you plaster before that, you'll have to break the plaster and redo it.

Question 10

When should I install gypsum ceilings?

Accepted Answer

After the electrical, air-conditioning and sprinkler lines above the ceiling are finished. If you install the gypsum before that, you'll have to open the ceiling and redo it.

Question 11

What's the difference between a fire alarm system and a firefighting system?

Accepted Answer

A fire alarm system detects smoke or heat and alerts people. A firefighting system puts the fire out with water or other agents, through sprinklers, fire hose cabinets and extinguishers. Most commercial buildings need both.

Question 12

Why does a smoke detector go off without a fire?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes: dust or insects inside the detector, steam or cooking smoke nearby, or a wiring fault. Cleaning and regular inspection fix most of them.

Question 13

Does a commercial shop need a fire system?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. Civil Defense sets what's required based on the shop's activity and size, and without meeting the safety requirements the shop's licence can't be completed.

Question 14

Why do I need regular maintenance for fire systems?

Accepted Answer

To make sure the system works when it's needed. Extinguishers lose pressure, detectors collect dust, and pumps need running and checking.

Question 15

Why does plaster crack?

Accepted Answer

Usually because it dried too fast without being sprayed with water, was applied too thick, or had no mesh where the blockwork meets the concrete.

Question 16

How often should I check a fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Check it yourself every month, have a qualified technician service it at least once a year, and get it refilled after any use, even a short one.

Common construction questions

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