Choosing a building contractor is the single most important decision you will make for your new home. A great contractor will turn your vision into a reality, while a bad one can lead to a nightmare of delays, budget overruns, and shoddy workmanship. In a market where stories of abandoned projects and “cowboy contractors” are all too common, how do you find a partner you can truly trust?
At iDFAC Engineering Solutions, we believe that an empowered client is a protected client. We operate with full transparency because we are confident in our professionalism. This guide provides you with the 10 essential questions you must ask any potential contractor to vet their credibility and protect your investment.
A legitimate business has a formal structure. Ask for their company registration number (SSM) and their physical office address. Be wary of contractors who only operate via a mobile phone number; a physical office is a sign of stability and accountability.
This is non-negotiable. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is the official government body that regulates contractors in Malaysia. Ask to see their certificate and verify it online. For a typical home build, you should look for a contractor with at least a G3 grade, which certifies them for projects up to RM1,000,000. Engaging an unregistered contractor is not only risky but also illegal.
A portfolio of beautiful photos can be misleading or even faked. The best way to judge a contractor’s quality is to see their work in person. Ask to visit a project that is currently under construction. Pay attention to the site’s cleanliness, organization, and the quality of the workmanship.
A confident contractor will be happy to connect you with previous clients. Speak to these homeowners and ask about their experience. Was the contractor professional? Was the project completed on time and on budget? How did they handle challenges?
You need to know who is managing your project day-to-day. A professional firm like iDFAC will have a structured team, including a dedicated Project Manager and Senior Engineer, ensuring your project is overseen by qualified experts.
Ask for a realistic construction timeline. More importantly, ask how they handle potential delays. A professional contract should include a Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) clause, which specifies a penalty the contractor must pay for each day of delay that is their fault.
A major red flag is a contractor who demands a huge upfront deposit. A standard professional practice is a milestone-based payment schedule. You should never pay more than 30% as an initial deposit, with subsequent payments tied to the completion of specific, verifiable stages of work (e.g., foundation, roofing).
A reputable contractor stands behind their work. Ask about their Defect Liability Period (DLP). A standard DLP is 12 to 24 months, during which the contractor is obligated to return and rectify any defects in workmanship at their own expense.
Ensure the contractor has adequate insurance coverage, including Workmen’s Compensation and Public Liability Insurance. This protects you from financial liability in case of accidents or damage on site.
This is a direct but crucial question. You can independently verify this by checking the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s (KPKT) official TEDUH portal, which maintains a public blacklist of errant developers and their directors.
A professional and trustworthy contractor will not be intimidated by these questions; they will welcome them as an opportunity to demonstrate their credibility. At iDFAC, our processes, credentials, and track record are an open book.
While this guide covers the construction phase, the entire journey to building a home is much more comprehensive. For a complete A-Z roadmap covering everything from land assessment to final handover, read our Complete Guide to Building a Home in Malaysia.
Explore our next Ultimate Guide To Home Renovation & Interior Design.
Ready to partner with a contractor who meets the highest standards of professionalism? Contact iDFAC today for a consultation.
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From building a dream home on your own land (bina rumah atas tanah sendiri) to complex house extensions and renovations, our certified team manages the entire process.
As a leading solar panel installation company in Malaysia, we design and install high-ROI grid-tied solar systems. Reduce your electricity costs by up to 75% and increase your property's value
We provide comprehensive M&E services in Kuala Lumpur, from complete system design and electrical wiring to critical troubleshooting for commercial facilities.
An integrated contractor like iDFAC manages all key services—building, civil, M&E, solar, and interiors—with our own in-house teams. This provides you with one point of contact, eliminating the risks, delays, and communication gaps common when juggling multiple companies. It’s a turnkey construction service designed for efficiency and peace of mind.
Absolutely. iDFAC Engineering Solutions is a registered company and holds a Grade G3 license from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for Building (B04), Civil Engineering (CE21), and Mechanical & Electrical (ME) works. This ensures our operations meet strict national standards for quality and safety.
Our primary operational areas are Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (KL), including key locations like Shah Alam, Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Ampang. We have also completed projects across Peninsular Malaysia, including in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak.
Our clients have seen their monthly TNB bills reduced by as much as 75%. For instance, a 9 kWp system we installed in Bukit Jalil took a client's bill from RM600 down to just RM150 per month. We provide a detailed ROI calculation as part of our free solar consultation.
The process generally involves design and planning, submission for local council (PBT) approval, financing, construction, and obtaining the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Our integrated service is designed to guide you through every step, making the journey clear and manageable.
