20/08/2026
*All the main professionals*
in construction work and brief on what each one of them does for you as a client:
1. *Architect*
*What they do*: They design your house to your desire
*Why you need them*: To make sure the house is beautiful, functional, and legal. To oversee all the construction work in archiving what is in the drawing
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2. *Structural Engineer*
*What they do*: Designs the "skeleton" - foundation, columns, beams, so that the building doesn’t collapse
*Why you need them*: Safety. No cracks, no collapse.
3. *Services Engineer / M&E Engineer*
*What they do*: Designs electrical, plumbing, AC, fire, and water systems.
*Why you need them*: So your lights, taps, and sewage actually work properly.
4. *Town Planner*
*What they do*: Ensures your building follows zoning laws, setbacks, and land use. Helps with govt approvals.
*Why you need them*: To avoid govt demolition.
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5. *Property Lawyer*
*What they do*: Verifies land documents, does searches, drafts sale agreement.
*Why you need them*: To avoid buying fake land or land with disputes.
6. *Licensed Surveyor*
*What they do*: Measures the land, marks boundaries, produces survey plan.
*Why you need them*: To know the exact size and location of your land.
7. *Geotechnical/Soil Engineer*
*What they do*: Tests the soil to know what type of foundation you need.
*Why you need them*: So your house doesn’t sink on bad soil.
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8. *Quantity Surveyor (QS)*
*What they do*: Calculates cost of everything. Bill of Quantities, valuations, budget control.
*Why you need them*: To know how much to budget and avoid overspending.
9. *Project Manager*
*What they do*: Coordinates all professionals, timeline, budget, and quality.
*Why you need them*: So the project doesn’t scatter and delay.
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10. *Builder / Contractor*
*What they do*: Actually builds the house with laborers, using the drawings.
*Why you need them*: To bring the design to life.
11. *Site Engineer / Clerk of Works*
*What they do*: Supervises daily work on site. Makes sure contractor follows the design.
*Why you need them*: Quality control.
12. *Health & Safety Officer*
*What they do*: Ensures workers are safe, site follows safety rules.
*Why you need them*: To avoid accidents and govt shutdown.
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*Quick Order of Who to Meet*
*Land* → Lawyer + Surveyor
*Design* → Architect + Engineer + Town Planner
*Money* → Quantity Surveyor
*Building* → Contractor + Project Manager + Site Engineer
*Finish* → Interior Designer + Landscape
*Rule of thumb*:
The more professionals you involve early, the fewer "wahala" and extra costs later.
Arc. Sidiq Shekere Ah Nuury