Why Contractor Selection Is Critical
The success of a construction project depends heavily on choosing the right contractor. The wrong pick leads to budget overruns, delays, poor workmanship and even structural safety issues. This checklist is distilled from Turallar Yapı's 20+ years of field experience.
1. Construction Authorization Certificate
Every contractor in Türkiye must hold a Construction Authorization Certificate (YAMBİS). The class (A, B1, B2 … H) determines the project size the firm is allowed to undertake.
Practical tip: Verify the firm's class and history at yambis.csb.gov.tr.
2. Reference Projects and Site Visits
Renderings on a brochure don't count. Visit a delivered building.
- Has the firm completed at least 3 projects?
- Will they let you walk through them on-site?
- Will they put you in touch with previous clients?
3. Financial Capacity
The contractor must sustain cash flow throughout the build. A half-finished construction is a nightmare.
Ask for:
- Tax registration and trade registry certificate
- Social security clearance (SGK)
- Bank reference letters
- Last 2–3 years of turnover
4. Technical Staff
A real contractor employs at least:
- Site chief (civil engineer or architect)
- Occupational safety specialist
- Quantity surveyor / progress-payment officer
A firm that says "I have a foreman" is a subcontractor, not a contractor.
5. Contract and Specification Discipline
A professional contractor:
- Provides a detailed technical specification
- Prepares a finishings schedule (room-by-room materials)
- Submits a work program
- Accepts late-delivery penalties
A firm that says "we don't need a contract between us" is refusing accountability. Red flag.
6. Insurance and Warranty
- All-Risk construction insurance in place?
- Workers' compensation active?
- 2-year defects liability after handover?
- 10-year structural warranty (legal requirement) in writing?
7. Communication and Transparency
A good contractor shares site photos regularly, presents progress reports openly, answers your questions. Avoid contractors you can't reach.
Red Flags
Walk away if you see:
- An unusually low bid (20%+ below market)
- Refusal to sign a contract
- No verifiable references
- A 50%+ upfront payment demand
- No record in the YAMBİS database
- Outstanding tax or SGK debt
FAQ
What's the biggest risk?
The work being abandoned mid-project. Mitigate this with progress payments, performance bonds and milestone-based releases.
Should I pick the cheapest bid?
No. In construction, low price almost always means cuts to material, labor or safety.
Should the contract be notarized?
Not legally required, but for large projects notarization or wet signatures with signature circulars provide strong protection.
At Turallar Yapı İnşaat our certificates, references and financials are shared transparently. Get in touch to schedule a consultation.
