Reviewed September 2026. Permit requirements and official procedures can change. Confirm the current position for the specific property and work before starting.
A successful renovation starts before the first payment or demolition. Homeowners should compare contractors on the same written scope, decide who is responsible for permits and supervision, and create a record that still makes sense when the owner is abroad.
1. Define the result, not only the task
“Repair the roof” or “renovate the bathroom” is too open to interpretation. Describe the existing problem, the required result, areas included, visible finish, fixtures, materials and work that must remain untouched. Add photographs and drawings where useful.
Ask each bidder to identify assumptions and exclusions. Quotations are difficult to compare when one includes demolition, disposal and finishing while another lists only labour.
2. Establish whether professional design or a permit is needed
Work affecting structure, layout, services or the external appearance may require professional input or an official permit. Do not rely solely on “this is normally allowed.” Ask who will verify the requirement, prepare drawings, submit documents and respond to questions.
Use the official Government of Aruba building-permit information and our homeowner guide to building and renovation permits as starting points. A contractor’s role does not replace the owner’s responsibility to understand what has been approved.
3. Check the proposed team
- Who is the contracting party and main contact?
- Who will supervise the site each day?
- Which parts will be subcontracted?
- Who is responsible for electrical, structural or other specialist work?
- Can the contractor provide recent, relevant references?
- What insurance applies to the company, workers and work?
References are most useful when the project resembles yours. Ask about communication, changes, cleanliness, delays and how problems were resolved—not only whether the finished work looked good.
4. Compare quotations line by line
A useful quotation separates labour, materials, allowances and optional items. It identifies quantities or product standards, taxes where relevant, payment timing, validity and an estimated start and completion period.
Be cautious when a low total depends on large unspecified allowances. Confirm who pays for delivery, lifting, waste removal, temporary protection, utility interruptions, final cleaning and correction of damage outside the work area.
5. Use staged payments tied to evidence
A deposit may be reasonable for mobilisation or ordered materials, but the payment plan should reflect actual progress and exposure. Define what evidence supports each stage: delivered materials, photographs, an inspection or completion of a named section.
Avoid paying the full amount before defects, documentation and site cleanup have been addressed. For substantial work, obtain project-specific legal or technical advice on contract terms and payment protection.
6. Control changes
Unexpected conditions occur, but verbal change instructions create disputes. Require a short written change order stating the issue, proposed solution, price and effect on timing before additional work proceeds—except where immediate action is genuinely needed to make the property safe.
7. Set rules for remote supervision
- One owner representative gives instructions
- Weekly progress photographs from agreed positions
- Written decisions and approvals
- No concealed work before required photographs or inspection
- Clear access hours, key control and alarm procedure
- Immediate reporting of damage, water ingress or safety concerns
8. Close the project properly
Walk through the completed work against the original scope. Record incomplete or defective items, agree correction dates and collect warranties, product information, colour references, drawings, permits and test results. Update the home’s maintenance plan when new equipment or finishes require periodic care.
You can use the Aruba contractors directory as a research starting point. Inclusion is not a recommendation: verify experience, responsibility, references, insurance and written terms yourself.
This checklist is general information and not legal, engineering or construction advice. Complex, structural or high-value work deserves advice tailored to the project.