Hiring a construction company in Albania is a serious step. Whether you’re building a home, renovating a property, or starting a development, choosing the right team will determine how smoothly your project runs. Inexperienced buyers often rush into verbal deals or trust the first company they meet, which leads to delays, budget overruns, or worse. To protect your investment and stay in control, here’s exactly what you need to know.
Start with a clear project definition
Before reaching out to construction firms, define your project clearly. Are you starting from bare land or modifying an existing structure? Will you need design services or just execution? Do you already have permits, or will the company assist with that too?
Clarifying this early helps you target companies that fit your needs. Some offer full-package solutions including permits, architectural planning, and build execution. Others focus only on structural work. Without a clear project scope, comparisons are impossible.
Only choose companies that are legally registered
In Albania, every legitimate construction company must be registered with a NIPT (tax number) and listed in the national business registry. Ask for their company registration certificate and verify the number. This is not a formality. It is your protection if something goes wrong. Without proper registration, you can’t sign a valid contract, claim damages, or register the completed building properly.
A professional company will provide this information immediately. Avoid anyone who hesitates or suggests skipping paperwork.
Request a full written offer, not just a price
Many companies in Albania give quick verbal estimates or one-line offers. That’s not enough. You need a written, itemized offer that includes:
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Total cost and breakdown (labor, materials, extras)
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Estimated timeline and phases
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Who is responsible for materials and equipment
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Payment structure and terms
This document protects you and helps you compare offers side by side. The cheapest offer is not always the best. Look at what’s included and how detailed the offer is.
Inspect previous work and speak with past clients
Any reputable company should be able to show real projects they’ve completed. Ask for photos, addresses, and permission to visit a recent build if possible. Don’t just look at the finished result. Ask how long the project took, whether deadlines were met, and how problems were handled.
Client references are even more valuable. Contact past clients directly. A good company will be happy to share names. If they avoid this step or say their clients don’t want to be contacted, that’s a clear red flag.
Review their insurance and worker compliance
All construction work involves risk. That’s why you must check that the company has active insurance that covers both construction damage and worker injuries. If something goes wrong and the company is uninsured, you could be held legally or financially responsible. Also confirm that their workers are legally registered and paid properly. Informal labor is still common, but it opens you up to serious problems.
Sign a detailed, bilingual contract
Once you choose the company, make sure your agreement is in writing and clear. The contract should include every important term:
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Project scope
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Timeline
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Payment schedule
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Materials used
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Penalties for delays
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Dispute resolution
If you’re a foreigner, request a bilingual version or have it translated before signing. Never rely on oral promises. What’s written is what counts.
Clarify responsibility for permits
In many cases, the construction company handles permits. In others, the client must apply. You must agree in writing who will handle this, and by when. Starting construction without a valid building permit in Albania is illegal and could lead to large fines or demolition. This issue alone has caused serious delays and losses for foreign buyers who didn’t clarify it early.
Use milestone payments linked to real progress
To stay protected, break payments into several stages. For example:
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20% at contract signing
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30% after foundations
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30% after structure
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20% upon completion
Each payment should be tied to real progress on site, with clear evidence and site visits. Never pay everything upfront. Always request invoices or signed receipts for every payment made.
Visit the site regularly or appoint someone to do it
If you don’t live in Albania, it’s important to have someone on the ground. Delays, shortcuts, or material changes can happen without warning. Whether it’s a lawyer, an engineer, or a trusted local contact, make sure someone is checking progress on your behalf. Remote projects can succeed, but only with proper oversight.