Before You Pay Your Contractor: A 12-Point Checklist
Releasing money to your contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your construction project. Once funds have been transferred, recovering them can be difficult if work hasn’t been completed as agreed.
For Kenyans living abroad, verifying progress is even more challenging because you’re often relying on photos, phone calls or updates from family members.
This practical checklist will help you make more informed payment decisions and reduce the risk of expensive mistakes.
If you’re still planning your build, start with our Building a House in Kenya From Abroad – The Complete Guide, which explains the construction process from start to finish.
Why You Should Never Pay on Trust Alone
Trust is important, but construction payments should always be based on completed work rather than promises.
Before every payment, ask yourself:
“If I visited the site today, would I be satisfied that this stage has genuinely been completed?”
If you’re unsure, don’t rush the payment until you’ve verified the work.
Your 12-Point Contractor Payment Checklist
1. Has the Agreed Stage Been Completed?
Compare the work on site with the agreed payment milestone.
Never pay for work that hasn’t yet been completed.
2. Have You Seen Recent Photos?
Request clear photographs from several angles.
Photos should show the entire work area, not just close-up images of finished sections.
3. Ask for a Video Walkthrough
A short video often provides much more context than still photographs and makes it harder to hide unfinished work.
4. Has the Quality Been Checked?
Completion alone isn’t enough.
Ask yourself:
- Does the workmanship appear acceptable?
- Is everything straight and level?
- Are there any obvious defects?
Poor-quality work becomes much more expensive to correct once construction continues.
5. Are the Correct Materials Being Used?
Confirm that materials match those agreed at the beginning of the project.
Substituting cheaper products without approval can affect both quality and durability.
6. Have Any Problems Been Identified?
Every project experiences challenges.
The important question is whether they’ve been communicated honestly and resolved properly before the next stage begins.
7. Is the Project Following the Agreed Timeline?
Small delays happen.
However, repeated delays without reasonable explanation may indicate wider project management problems.
8. Have Any Additional Costs Been Properly Explained?
Unexpected costs should always be supported by a clear explanation.
Avoid making payments simply because you’re told they’re “urgent.”
9. Is the Site Well Organised?
A tidy, organised site often reflects better project management.
Look for:
- Materials stored correctly
- Active workforce
- Safe working practices
- Visible progress
11. Have You Had an Independent Inspection?
If you’re unable to visit the site yourself, an independent inspection can provide valuable reassurance before releasing money.
An inspection can confirm:
- Current progress
- Visible workmanship
- Any concerns requiring attention
- Whether the project appears ready for the next payment stage
Our guide Why Regular Site Updates Are Essential When Building in Kenya From Abroad explains why independent reporting can make such a difference.
12. Are You Comfortable Releasing the Payment?
Never allow yourself to be pressured into making immediate payments.
If something doesn’t feel right, ask more questions or arrange an independent inspection before transferring funds.
Waiting a few extra days is often far less costly than paying too early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many construction disputes begin because homeowners:
- Pay too much upfront.
- Release money before checking the work.
- Rely solely on WhatsApp updates.
- Don’t keep written records.
- Ignore early warning signs.
- Feel uncomfortable questioning the contractor.
These mistakes can often be avoided with a structured payment process.
Our guide How to Avoid Construction Scams When Building in Kenya From Abroad explains the most common warning signs and how to reduce your risk.
How Diaspora Build Safe Can Help
Diaspora Build Safe (DBS) provides independent site inspections for people living abroad.
Before you release payment, we can visit your project and provide:
- Current site photographs
- Video updates
- Progress summaries
- Honest observations
- Identification of visible issues
- Practical recommendations
Our role isn’t to replace your contractor, it’s to give you independent information so you can make confident decisions about your investment.
Final Thoughts
Every payment you make should reflect work that has already been completed—not work that’s promised.
By following a structured checklist, keeping accurate records and verifying progress independently, you’ll reduce the risk of disputes and protect your project from costly setbacks.
If you’d like greater confidence before your next payment, Diaspora Build Safe can provide independent site inspections and progress reports tailored to people building in Kenya from abroad.