Introduction: Careful consideration before signing a contract protects against costly mistakes A construction project – whether a private home, commercial property or public contract – usually involves high investment and long-term consequences. This makes it all the more important to take a close look before signing a contract. Choosing the wrong contractor risks construction stoppages, poor workmanship, delays or, in the worst case, insolvency during the construction phase. This article shows you how to systematically check the creditworthiness, references and quality of a building contractor – and introduces Molphoro.ch, a digital tool that makes this process much easier.
- Creditworthiness – check financial stability Construction is capital-intensive. A contractor must be able to pre-finance materials, pay wages and provide guarantees – even in the event of unexpected project delays. That is why a credit check should always be the first step. a) Obtain credit reports Reputable construction companies have nothing to hide. Obtain specific information about: ● Credit agencies such as Creditreform or Dun & Bradstreet ● Bank references (with consent) ● Self-disclosure by the company, e.g. latest annual financial statements or business indicators
A healthy equity ratio, continuous growth and punctual payments are strong indicators. b) Recognising insolvency risks Early warning signs: ● Very low prices (price dumping) ● Unexpected requests for advance payment ● No fixed contact persons or changing company addresses ● Non-transparent company structure
If in doubt, it is worth taking a second look – or obtaining an independent assessment via a specialised portal.
- References – experience counts No two construction projects are identical, but experience with comparable projects is a decisive advantage. References are often the most honest insight into a company's actual performance. a) Ask to see relevant projects Ask specifically for reference projects that match your project: ● Project type and size ● Scope of services (e.g. shell construction, interior finishing, building services) ● Special features such as listed building status or sustainability standards
The more specific the information, the better the comparability. b) Contact reference customers directly A personal conversation with former builders often yields more than any brochure: ● How was the communication? ● Were there any delays or additional costs? ● How were problems dealt with? ● Is the contractor still available today if you have any questions or complaints?
Trust your instincts – and not just the attractive images on the website.
- Quality – What is really behind the offer? Price quotes alone say little about the actual quality of the work. Here, it is important to ask specific questions about quality features and request proof. a) Certificates & qualifications Reputable construction companies can provide relevant evidence, e.g.: ● Chamber of Crafts registration, master craftsman's certificate ● ISO certifications (e.g. ISO 9001) ● PQ-VOB (pre-qualification for public contracts)
● Construction manager or foreman qualifications
b) Construction processes and quality controls Ask about internal processes: ● Is a construction log kept? ● Are there regular checks by the site management? ● How are subcontractors checked?
A structured construction process not only reduces errors but also increases transparency for the client. c) Samples and trial services For larger projects, it may be advisable to agree on sampling or a sample room. Visiting a current construction site also reveals a lot about order, organisation and craftsmanship.
- Molphoro.ch – Digital support for awarding contracts Especially for clients, architects or project managers who are not involved in contract awarding on a daily basis, selecting a reputable and efficient construction company can be a challenge. This is exactly where the Molphoro.ch portal comes in. What is Molphoro? Molphoro is an independent digital platform based in Switzerland that specialises in the transparent referral and verification of contractors in the construction industry. It helps you: ● Find qualified contractors ● Obtain comparable offers ● offers the opportunity for direct negotiations
Who is the portal suitable for? ● Private builders ● Architectural firms and general planners
● Investors and property developers
Thanks to its combination of digital structure, human review and neutral mediation, Molphoro makes work much easier and reduces the risk of wrong decisions.
- Communication culture as a reflection of quality The way a contractor behaves during initial contact is often a harbinger of how the collaboration will proceed. Pay attention to: ● Response time to enquiries ● Clarity of documents ● Constructive handling of queries ● Willingness to be transparent
A supplier who appears unreliable or evasive when submitting a quote is unlikely to improve during the project.
Conclusion: Check carefully – build better Anyone who hires a contractor without thoroughly checking them first is taking an unnecessarily high risk. Creditworthiness, references and proof of quality are the three pillars of selection. Tools such as Molphoro.ch not only make the review process easier and more efficient, but also more objective. This allows you to identify good providers, avoid bad ones and make fair decisions that will stand the test of time.
Final tip: Before awarding the contract, create your own checklist – or use Molphoro's guided tender structure to make transparent, documented decisions. If you choose carefully, you'll end up with a more relaxed build.