Types of construction company in Lagos
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Large civil and infrastructure contractors | Roads, bridges, industrial plants, high-rise | Rarely take private homes; minimum project sizes |
| Design-and-build firms | Homes, estates, churches, offices: one team from drawings to keys | Check they have registered engineers, not just designers |
| Developers | Buying a finished unit in an estate | You buy what they built; check title and approvals |
| Independent builders / foremen | Small works with close supervision | No company to hold to account; payment control is on you |
| Project managers | Running a build with your own contractors | Make sure someone is responsible for the structure |
Eight criteria to compare (and where to check them)
| Criterion | What to look for | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | CAC registration; COREN engineers; ARCON architect | CAC search; COREN and ARCON registers |
| Relevant projects | Projects like yours (homes vs roads vs towers) | Portfolio pages with locations and dates; site visit |
| Open costing | Itemised BOQ you can check | Ask for a sample BOQ |
| Payment control | Stage payments after inspection | The payment schedule in the contract |
| Reporting | Camera, weekly reports, inspection reports | Ask to see a past report |
| Insurance | Contractors’ all-risk cover | Insurer’s policy schedule |
| Aftercare | Defects liability period; handover pack | Written in the contract |
| References | Clients who will speak to you | Two or three calls |
Lagos-specific things to ask
- Building approval: who handles the permit with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the building control inspections.
- Soil: much of Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi and Victoria Island is reclaimed or waterlogged. Ask how they decide between strip, raft and piled foundations (the answer should start with a soil test).
- Estate rules: working hours, levies and material delivery rules can add time and cost.
- Traffic and logistics: how they schedule deliveries of sand, granite and concrete.
Where Artemis Atelier fits
We are a Lagos design-and-build firm (RC 1484495, since 2010) in Anthony Village, focused on homes, renovations, churches and commercial buildings, many for clients abroad. Judge us on the same criteria: see our projects, how we build and who we are.
Questions people ask
What is the best construction company in Lagos?
It depends on the project. For a house, look for a registered design-and-build firm with COREN engineers, finished homes you can visit, an itemised BOQ and stage payments after inspection. Compare at least three.
How do I verify a construction company in Lagos?
Check its RC number on the CAC search, its engineers on the COREN register, its architect with ARCON, and visit or video-call a finished project and its client.
Do I need a building permit in Lagos?
Yes. New buildings and major alterations need planning permit approval from LASPPPA, and construction is inspected by the Lagos State Building Control Agency. Your contractor or architect should handle the application.