How to choose a renovation contractor in Hurghada: checklist before paying
Compare the same written scope, itemized quote, material specifications, exclusions, payment milestones and change-order process—not one total number alone.
Quick answer
Do not compare contractors on one total number alone. Compare the same written scope, itemized quote, material specifications, exclusions, payment milestones and change-order process.
If you manage the apartment remotely, agree on photo and video reporting and approval points before work starts.
1. Write the scope
List the work room by room: demolition, walls, ceilings, flooring, plumbing, electrical, kitchen, doors, painting, AC and final cleaning. A precise scope reduces disputes about what was included.
2. Request an itemized quote
Separate labour and major material or fixture items where practical. For important finishes, record the brand, model, size or minimum specification when quality affects the result.
3. Clarify exclusions
Ask about delivery, carrying materials, waste removal, consumables, final cleaning, furniture, appliances and treatment of hidden defects. Legal permits and approvals are outside this Marketplace guide and should be checked separately when relevant.
4. Use milestone payments
Tie payments to verifiable work stages rather than calendar dates alone. Nabiora does not prescribe a standard percentage; the point is to verify progress before each major payment.
5. Control change orders
Record extra work before it is done: what changed, why, price and schedule impact. This matters when opening old finishes reveals hidden issues.
6. If you are abroad
Agree on regular photos and video from consistent angles, short progress updates, procurement evidence where relevant and approval before hidden work is closed.
7. Timeline
Write target start and finish dates and define how delays or supply problems will be reported. A transparent process is more useful than an unrealistic promise of an exact completion day.
8. Final inspection
Before the last payment, create a snag list covering paint, doors, tiles, plumbing, sockets, lighting, leaks, AC and every item in the agreed scope. Close the project after agreed corrections are completed.
Red flags
Pause and clarify the offer when it cannot be compared on the same basis.
One lump-sum number
There is no clear scope or breakdown.
Large early payment
Payment is requested before a clear quote.
Vague materials
Materials are described only as “good” without specifications.
Verbal extras
Change orders are not recorded in writing.
No progress evidence
The contractor refuses to show progress.
Payment before inspection
Final payment is requested before the result is checked.
Unexplained low quote
The offer does not explain what is excluded.
Nabiora links
Compare current offers against the same scope and terms, then retain the contractor or original listing source contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Not before aligning scope and materials. Otherwise the quotes are not comparable.
Should I buy materials myself?
Either model can work. Define who buys, who handles delivery and how costs are evidenced.
How should extra work be approved?
Use a written change order covering scope, price and schedule impact before the extra work proceeds.
Current Services on Nabiora
Sources & Editorial Method
Current Marketplace listings and a practical comparison checklist
Current listings support comparison of advertised service scope and contact with the contractor or original offer source.