Questions our clients ask
FAQs
Common questions about BackHome Construction, remote construction oversight, and property management support.
What is BackHome Construction?
BackHome Construction helps Africans in the Diaspora and other investors plan, monitor, and complete construction projects in Africa with better visibility, proof, control, and accountability. The company is headquartered in Kenya and starts with construction projects in Kenya.
Who is BackHome Construction for?
BackHome Construction is for Africans living abroad, foreign investors, diaspora families, chamas, landowners, and busy professionals who want to invest in property but cannot be physically present every day.
Does BackHome Construction only work in Kenya?
BackHome Construction is headquartered in Kenya and begins with projects in Kenya. The long-term goal is to expand into other African countries through trusted professionals, verified suppliers, and strong project controls.
What types of projects can BackHome Construction help with?
BackHome Construction can help with family homes, retirement homes, maisonettes, bungalows, rental units, apartments, Airbnb units, shops, and small mixed-use developments.
What makes BackHome Construction different from a normal contractor?
BackHome Construction is built around proof-based construction support. Clients receive structured reporting, dashboard visibility, document tracking, evidence records, budget monitoring, CCTV visibility where possible, and approval workflows.
How does BackHome Construction reduce the risk of being defrauded?
BackHome Construction reduces risk by combining clear BOQs, milestone-based reporting, photos, videos, receipts, delivery notes, dashboard updates, site supervision, and CCTV access where possible. The goal is to make sure major claims are supported by proof.
How do I know my money will not be stolen or misused?
The system is designed to reduce blind trust. Expenses are tracked against the BOQ, major purchases are supported by receipts or invoices, material deliveries are linked to evidence, and major decisions or variations require client approval. Where agreed in the contract, milestone-based payment controls may also be used.
Can I monitor my project while living abroad?
Yes. Clients can monitor their projects through dashboard updates, progress reports, photos, videos, document records, and live CCTV where site conditions allow.
What does the client dashboard show?
The dashboard shows project progress, milestones, budget tracking, expenses, documents, photos, videos, approvals, reports, CCTV links where available, and key actions required from the client.
Can I watch the site live?
Where internet and site conditions allow, BackHome Construction can install or connect a solar-powered 4G CCTV camera so the client can view the site remotely.
How does the CCTV camera work without electricity or Wi-Fi?
The preferred setup is a solar-powered 4G CCTV camera. The solar panel and battery help the camera operate where grid power is unreliable, while the 4G SIM connection allows live viewing through a supported app or web link. Camera performance still depends on network signal, weather, device health, and site conditions.
What happens if the CCTV goes offline?
The team checks the camera status during site visits and can investigate power, battery, SIM, or signal issues. If the camera fails, the next step depends on the device warranty, supplier terms, site access, and the service package selected.
What is a BOQ?
A BOQ, or Bill of Quantities, is a detailed cost breakdown for a construction project. It helps show expected materials, labour, quantities, rates, and the estimated project cost.
Why is the BOQ important?
A proper BOQ helps reduce surprise costs, vague money requests, and confusion. BackHome Construction uses the BOQ as the foundation for budget tracking, procurement planning, expense reporting, and milestone control.
Can BackHome Construction guarantee that the project cost will never change?
No honest construction company should promise that costs will never change. Material prices, design changes, weather, approvals, site conditions, and client upgrades can affect costs. BackHome Construction focuses on clear planning, documented changes, and client approval before major variations.
What happens if construction costs go up unexpectedly?
If a cost change is needed, the team should explain the reason, provide supporting evidence, update the BOQ or cost plan where needed, and request client approval before proceeding with major changes.
How are payments handled?
Payments should be linked to clear stages of work, not random requests. Each major stage should have progress evidence, financial records, and approval before the next stage proceeds.
Will I approve major changes before money is spent?
Yes. Major changes such as design changes, material upgrades, cost variations, or timeline changes should be documented and approved by the client before implementation.
What proof do I receive when materials are bought?
Proof may include supplier quotations, invoices, receipts, delivery notes, site photos, unloading videos, and confirmation from the site supervisor.
What happens when materials are delivered to the site?
Material delivery should be recorded with photos or videos, delivery notes, supplier details, quantities, and a link to the relevant BOQ item where possible.
How often will I receive updates?
The recommended minimum is weekly updates, with additional updates at major milestones or when urgent decisions are needed.
What kind of reports will I receive?
Clients may receive weekly progress reports, milestone reports, expense reports, BOQ variance reports, approval updates, site evidence summaries, and handover reports.
What happens if there is a delay?
Delays should be documented clearly. The report should explain the cause, the expected impact, the revised timeline, and any decision required from the client.
How long does a typical construction project take?
Timelines depend on project size, design, approvals, weather, site conditions, material availability, and funding flow. A simple house may take several months, while rental blocks or apartments can take longer. Each project should have a planned schedule and progress tracker.
Can I use my own contractor?
Yes. If a client already has a contractor, BackHome Construction can provide project visibility, site reporting, document tracking, BOQ monitoring, and independent progress verification.
Can BackHome Construction manage the full construction project?
Yes. BackHome Construction can support the full process from planning and BOQ preparation to construction monitoring, reporting, approvals, and handover.
Can BackHome Construction help if construction has already started?
Yes. BackHome Construction can review the current project status, existing documents, work done, payments made, contractor records, and site evidence before advising on the next steps.
Can BackHome Construction help with a stalled project?
Yes. For stalled projects, BackHome Construction can assess the site, review documents, check previous spending where records exist, identify missing approvals, and recommend a recovery plan.
What documents do I need to start?
Useful starting documents include the title deed or ownership document, land search, land rates or rent clearance if available, survey or beacon documents, drawings if already prepared, BOQ if available, approvals if already obtained, and receipts for money already spent.
What if I do not have all the documents?
You can still start the discussion. BackHome Construction can review what you have, identify missing documents, and guide you on what is needed before the project can proceed safely.
Does BackHome Construction help with land verification?
BackHome Construction can support the land review process and coordinate with qualified professionals where needed. Formal legal verification should be handled by qualified advocates and relevant authorities.
Do you also help with buying land and getting permits?
BackHome Construction can support land due diligence, land search coordination, title-transfer guidance, and county permit coordination through qualified professionals. Land purchase and legal transfer should always be handled through proper legal channels.
Does BackHome Construction handle county approvals?
BackHome Construction can support and coordinate the approvals process through qualified professionals and relevant authorities. The exact approvals needed depend on the project location, size, type, and county requirements.
Does BackHome Construction handle NCA registration?
BackHome Construction can help coordinate NCA-related project registration requirements where applicable, working with qualified contractors and professionals.
Can foreigners or non-Kenyans invest through BackHome Construction?
Yes. Foreign investors can be supported, but they should receive proper legal guidance because land ownership rules and investment structures may differ for non-citizens. In Kenya, non-citizens generally hold land on leasehold terms, not freehold ownership.
I live abroad. How can I sign contracts or follow up if something goes wrong?
Contracts and approvals can be handled digitally where legally acceptable. Clients can communicate through the dashboard, email, WhatsApp, scheduled calls, and video meetings. For legal matters, BackHome Construction may coordinate with qualified advocates and other professionals based on the needs of the project.
Can family members also receive updates?
Yes, if the client authorizes them. The client can name representatives or family members who may receive updates, submit documents, or help coordinate locally.
Can a chama or investment group use BackHome Construction?
Yes. BackHome Construction can support group projects by keeping records, documents, approvals, expenses, and progress updates visible to authorized members.
What is the minimum budget to start a construction project with BackHome Construction?
The minimum practical budget depends on project type, location, land status, design, finishes, and service package. A consultation helps determine whether the available budget can support the intended project or whether a phased approach is better.
What legal protections do I have if something goes wrong?
Legal protection depends on the signed contract, payment structure, professional appointments, insurance arrangements, and project scope. BackHome Construction’s process should use written agreements, documented approvals, milestone controls, professional records, and clear dispute-resolution steps. For larger projects, additional protections such as performance bonds, escrow arrangements, or insurance may be considered where suitable.
Can I sell my investment property before construction is finished?
This may be possible depending on the ownership structure, contract terms, legal status, buyer interest, and project stage. BackHome Construction can help organize project records and evidence, which may make it easier for a potential buyer to understand the project status.
What happens after construction is complete?
After construction, BackHome Construction can support handover, final reporting, document organization, snagging, and post-construction property management where requested.
Does BackHome Construction offer property management?
Yes. Post-construction services may include tenant sourcing, rent collection support, maintenance coordination, inspections, monthly statements, and property reports.
How does BackHome Construction handle rental property management after construction?
After handover, BackHome Construction can support tenant sourcing, tenant screening, tenancy documentation, rent collection tracking, repairs and maintenance coordination, inspections, owner statements, and landlord dashboard updates.
What if a tenant damages the property or stops paying rent?
The property management process should include tenant screening, clear tenancy agreements, security deposits, inspection records, maintenance tracking, and legal follow-up where needed. If a tenant defaults or causes damage, the response should follow the tenancy agreement and applicable law.
Can BackHome Construction help me earn rental income from the property?
Yes. If the property is intended for rental use, BackHome Construction can help prepare it for tenants and support ongoing management after completion.
Is BackHome Construction a construction company or a technology company?
BackHome Construction combines construction support, project management, documentation, and technology. The goal is not only to build, but to make the construction journey visible, traceable, and easier to trust.
Do I still need to travel to Kenya?
You may choose to visit, but the service is designed to reduce the need for frequent travel by giving you better visibility, reports, and proof from wherever you are.
How do I get started?
Start by sharing your land location, intended project, estimated budget, current documents, and desired timeline. BackHome Construction can then review the project and guide the next steps.