FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does a fit out cost?

This is a very difficult question to answer as there are so many variables. However in our quest to provide as much value to our clients as possible, we’ve created a ‘calculator’ that will help give you a good indication of the project cost by factoring in the project type, size and grade of finish (low, medium, high). If you’re worried that your budget wont stretch? As a Contractors.Direct client you may be able to spread the cost of your fit out over 3 years! Speak to someone today about the options available +971 (0) 4319 9955

Do I have to pay to use the experts?

No, the use of the experts is completely free for our customers. In fact, there is a whole host of value that our clients get throughout your project journey that is not chargeable. Ask your Account Manager for more information.

How can I get the best results from your experts?

Be as specific as possible when searching for contractors. By being specific in your search, you will get specific results – contractors with great experience in delivering what you’re looking for.

Our stringent Due Diligence checks ensures that every contractor listed on the website is capable of delivering to a high standard. You can find details and reviews of their past work by clicking on their listing direct. As every customer is different and each project unique, only you know what you are looking for. The reviews will highlight how each business has performed in areas such as time keeping or value for money.

You are now in a position to get quotes from several contractors that catch your eye. In the end, it might be availability or disposition that helps you choose between them. Whatever you decide to do, you know you are choosing a business that has made itself accountable to the public.

If you would like any further help, call +971 (0) 4319 9955 and speak to our project team.

Why are there only a few contractors listed for my search?

Contractors.Direct started as a local business and quickly grew once word spread. Even though we expanded to be able to service the hole of the UAE, building up the directory for each sector in each city does take time. However you can get some comfort knowing that the contractors that were listed are qualified.

How do I leave a review for the contractor I find at Contractors.Direct?

You will receive a call from your dedicated Account Manager at Contractors.Direct as soon as the work is completed asking you to complete short questionnaire. As the reviews are conducted by us, this means feedback cannot be biased by only listing the ‘positive feedback’ customers.

About Contractors.Direct Members.

How do you vet the contractors?

All new applications are pre-screened and told that they will be interviewed, vetted and monitored – and their previous clients contacted, and sites inspected. This alone deters a lot of contractors who know that they their service is substandard. Those contractors that are still happy to proceed with the application would then commence the Due Diligence checks:

Our team of project experts that carry out the Due Diligence checks request the following:

Trade License – we require proof that the contractor has been trading for at least 3 years & is legally allowed to carry out the works for which they want to be listed for;

Insurance – we require proof that they hold Public Liability and workman’s compensation insurance if they employ people.

References – It’s imperative that all new members supply at least 5 of their previous customers which we personally call to get their feedback on their experience with the contractor.

Site Inspections – Assuming all the above criteria is sufficient, one of our highly skilled inspectors will inspect 2 completed site with a view of grading workmanship & quality, and also visit one live / ongoing site with a view of scoring the contractors ‘health and safety’ standards.

Do you guarantee the quality of the contractors work?

The listed contractors remain independent businesses responsible for the work they each carry out. It is not possible for us to guarantee the quality of the contractors work.

What we can guarantee is that Contractors.Direct members are recommended, vetted, and monitored. They are obligated to adhere to the Contractors.Direct Standard – a code of excellent conduct. This keeps the standard of work high, and each business accountable for its performance.

We also publish all feedback – good and bad, as long as the customer has given us permission to contact the contractor about the complaint and providing it’s not anonymous and in the absence of exceptional circumstances. This means that the contractors work well because their reputations are at stake: one poor execution and they are at risk of losing future opportunities. The Contractors.Direct system gives you peace of mind. You know what others have written about each business, and that it is in their interests to work to the best of their ability every time.

What if a Contractors.Direct listed contractor does a poor job?

This is a rare event because the contractors know that unsatisfied customers will give poor scores and negative feedback which will be published on our website. If you do have reason to complain about the work of one of our members, then we will do what we can to assist with Resolving Issues.

We personally conduct the satisfaction survey at the end of every project. If the customer is happy for us to contact the contractor, we take up any dissatisfaction directly with them, giving the trade or service the negative feedback and hearing their side of the story to rectify the situation.

Often issues that have arisen are due to unclear expectations, poor communication or delayed payments. Having contacted the contractor we usually find that the problems get resolved.

Do you remove underperforming contractors?

Absolutely! In the unlikely event that a contractor falls short of the Contractors.Direct Standard, they will be suspended and may be terminated completely. The reason that the vast majority of the contractors on the experts work to a high standard is that our initial Due Diligence is stringent, and the monitoring process puts their reputation and future work on the line.

Does my business qualify to spread the cost of the project over 3 years?

Contractors.Direct has an exclusive arrangement with a UAE based organisation that provides finance (subject to terms and conditions) to our clients, making fit out projects more affordable. They have their own criteria that you would need to satisfy, but assuming you do – your business could benefit from paying as much as AED1,000,000 over 36 months. For more information speak to someone today about the options available +971 (0) 4319 9955.