Contents:
Introduction: The importance of choosing the right professionals
The success of any real estate project in Senegal depends to a large extent on the choice of the professionals who will accompany it. Whether building a family home in Dakar, a vacation villa in Saly or an investment property in Thiès, the quality of the architect and contractor selected directly determines the final quality of your investment.
The consequences of the wrong choice can be dramatic: structural defects, considerable delays, unforeseen cost overruns, non-compliance with current standards, and sometimes even outright abandonment of the project. On the other hand, competent, reliable professionals guarantee the delivery of quality work, on time and on budget.
This article provides you with all the essential criteria for selecting the best architects and contractors in Senegal, based on practical advice and real-life examples from the Senegalese field.
The architect's role in construction
The architect's role in construction
The architect plays a central role in the design and supervision of your construction project. His main missions include :
- Architectural design The architect translates your needs and wishes into detailed technical plans. He optimizes the layout of spaces, guarantees the building's functionality and ensures its harmonious integration into the existing environment.
- Compliance with standards and regulations In Senegal, the architect ensures that your project complies with local planning regulations, current building standards and the requirements of the Construction Code. This expertise is crucial to avoid administrative complications.
- Technical supervision Although the contractor is responsible for execution, the architect provides technical supervision of the site to check that the work conforms to the approved plans.
- Coordination with engineering firms The architect coordinates work with structural engineers, fluid engineering firms and other specialists required for the project.
The concrete benefits of a good architect
Calling on a qualified architect offers several tangible advantages:
- Aesthetic optimization : An experienced architect creates spaces that are both beautiful and functional, enhancing the value of your real estate investment.
- Space optimization : Thanks to his expertise, the architect maximizes the use of every available square meter, which is particularly important on restricted sites such as those often found in Dakar.
- Legal compliance guaranteed : The architect is fully aware of local regulations, so you don't have to deal with the relevant authorities.
- Long-term savings A well-designed project from the outset avoids costly modifications during construction.
The cost of architectural services
In Senegal, architect's fees generally represent between 5% and 10% of the total cost of the construction project. This variation depends on several factors:
- Project complexity (simple house versus complex architectural villa)
- Scope of services required (design only or complete follow-up)
- The architect's reputation and experience
- Project location (Dakar is generally more expensive than the regions)
Although the investment may seem substantial, it often pays off in savings on modifications, delays and avoided defects.
See also: The section on regulations in the article Building a house in Senegal
The contractor's role in construction
The missions of the general contractor
The general contractor, also known as the main contractor, is responsible for the physical execution of your project. His main missions include :
- Carrying out the work The contractor translates the architect's plans into concrete reality, in compliance with defined technical specifications and quality standards.
- Workforce management : Recruits, trains and supervises all the teams working on the site: masons, electricians, plumbers, tilers, painters, etc.
- Meeting deadlines The contractor draws up a detailed work schedule and coordinates the various trades to meet the agreed deadlines.
- Supply management : He handles the purchase and delivery of materials, negotiating the best prices while guaranteeing quality.
- Staying within budget The contractor must carry out the work within the defined budget, justifying any overruns.
The fundamental difference with the architect
While the architect focuses on design, creativity and regulatory compliance, the contractor focuses on the practical and technical aspects of implementation. This complementarity explains why many projects in Senegal involve both an architect and a general contractor.
The contractor provides expertise in :
- Knowledge of local building techniques
- Controlling material and labor costs
- Optimizing work methods
- Solving technical problems in the field
The vital importance of references
Unlike architects, whose work can be assessed on the basis of plans, contractors can only be judged on the basis of their concrete achievements. It is therefore crucial to :
- Visit several sites completed by the candidate contractor
- Meet former customers to gather their testimonials
- Check the company's financial soundness
- Make sure it can handle projects of a similar size to yours
A contractor with no solid references, or who is reluctant to provide them, must be automatically rejected.
See also: Mistakes to avoid when building a house in Senegal
Criteria for selecting a reliable architect or contractor
Previous experience and achievements
The first criterion for selection should be experience in projects similar to yours:
For an architect :
- Ask to see a portfolio of recent projects
- Choose those who have designed similar projects (single-family homes in Dakar, villas in Saly, apartment buildings).
- Check that his creations match your aesthetic tastes
- Make sure it understands local constraints (climate, available materials, regulations)
For an entrepreneur :
- Ask for a list of recent jobsites, including the owners' contact details
- Organize site visits to assess the quality of finishes
- Check its ability to manage projects of your budgetary scale
- Find out about its reputation among local suppliers
Professional certifications and approvals
In Senegal, the profession of architect is regulated:
Approved architects Check that your architect is registered with the Ordre des Architectes du Sénégal. This registration guarantees his or her training, level of competence and compliance with strict ethical rules.
Qualified contractors Although less formalized, the entrepreneurial profession benefits from a number of certifications:
- Membership of professional associations (Syndicat des entrepreneurs du bâtiment)
- Quality or environmental certifications
- Approvals for certain types of specialized work
Customer references and testimonials
Never be satisfied with the references provided by the professional. Conduct your own investigation:
- Contact former customers directly
- Ask specific questions about on-time delivery, budget, quality of finish, etc.
- Ask if they'd use the same professionals again
- Visit projects whenever possible, even several years after completion
Read also: The Cost Section in the article Building a house in Senegal
The importance of a detailed, transparent contract
A serious professional always provides :
A detailed estimate including :
- Details of each expense item
- Precise technical specifications
- The quality of the materials
- Deadlines for each phase
A timetable for completion with :
- Project milestones
- Delivery dates for the various phases
- Conditions for acceptance of work
Protection clauses including :
- Penalties for late arrivals
- Guarantees (ten-year warranty, completion guarantee)
- Conditions for modifying the project during construction
- Payment in instalments
Examples of successful projects in Senegal
Case study 1: Ecological house in Thiès
The project Construction of a 200 m² family home incorporating ecological solutions (solar panels, rainwater recovery, local materials).
The team Architect specializing in sustainable construction, a graduate of the Dakar School of Architecture, in partnership with a local contractor experienced in ecological techniques.
Challenges met :
- Harmonious integration of solar equipment into the architecture
- Use of locally produced compressed earth bricks
- Natural ventilation system adapted to Senegal's climate
The results :
- Project delivered on time (8 months)
- Energy savings of 60% compared with conventional construction
- Local materials keep final costs down
- Total satisfaction of the owners who recommend this team
The lessons The close collaboration between a visionary architect and a contractor skilled in alternative techniques enabled us to create an innovative house within budget.
Case study 2: Luxury villa in Almadies
The project 400 m² contemporary villa with swimming pool, on a sloping plot facing the ocean.
The team Renowned architect specializing in high-end housing, general contractor who has already built several prestigious villas in the area.
Challenges met :
- Adaptation to complex topography
- Resistance to sea spray
- Top-of-the-range finishes with imported materials
- Coordination with numerous specialized trades
The results :
- Remarkable architecture enhancing ocean views
- Exceptional finish quality
- Perfect integration into the Almadies environment
- Significant capital gains for homeowners
The lessons : Specific experience in the geographical area and type of construction is crucial to the success of complex projects.
Read also: Sustainable real estate in Senegal
The importance of architect-contractor collaboration
These two examples illustrate a crucial point: the quality of the collaboration between architect and contractor largely determines the success of the project. The best results are obtained when :
- The architect and contractor know each other and have worked together before
- Respecting each other's expertise
- Communication is fluid and regular throughout the project
- Decisions are taken jointly with the project owner
Conclusion: Finding the best professionals for your project
These two examples illustrate a crucial point: the quality of the collaboration between architect and contractor largely determines the success of the project. The best results are obtained when :
- The architect and contractor know each other and have worked together before
- Respecting each other's expertise
- Communication is fluid and regular throughout the project
- Decisions are taken jointly with the project owner
