Building in Nigeria while living in the UK
Independent quantity surveying and site verification in Nigeria, for clients in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and across the United Kingdom.
The UK is the largest single source of diaspora construction money into Nigeria, and the pattern of instructions we receive from it is very consistent: a plot bought years ago, a build started with a relative or a local contractor, and a monthly transfer that has become difficult to justify.
Two things make the UK different from other markets. First, the time difference is small: West Africa Time is one hour ahead of the UK, so a call is easy and a site visit can be arranged and reported on within a normal working rhythm. Second, many UK-based clients still hold the Nigerian bank account that made the original payment, which makes the practical side of arranging a visit straightforward.
The professional comparison is also useful. UK clients are used to a quantity surveyor as a standard part of a building project, because UK procurement practically assumes one. That expectation is exactly right for a Nigerian build as well: measurement before, and measurement during.
How it works for clients in UK
- Reports before each paymentDelivered to your UK morning, so the decision is made with the evidence in front of you.
- One hour time differenceWest Africa Time is one hour ahead of London, which makes scheduling conversations genuinely easy.
- British construction expectationsMeasurement, valuations and certificates are normal practice in the UK, and they work in Nigeria too.
Questions from UK clients
Can you work around UK working hours?
Yes. West Africa Time is one hour ahead of the UK, and reports are written documents, so nothing depends on a live call. Where a conversation is useful, it can be scheduled before or after your working day.
How do I pay a Nigerian professional from the UK?
Bank transfer to a naira account is the usual route and is available from UK banks. You will receive a written fee proposal and an invoice before work begins.
My project is in a village outside Lagos. Can you still attend?
Generally yes. Tell us the nearest town and we will confirm access, travel cost and timing. Remote sites cost more to visit, and we would rather quote that openly than absorb it.
Tell us about the project
Send the drawings, the site location, the stage of work and your next payment date. We will reply with a scope and a fee.
We read everything sent to info@peterch.org. Replies go out by WhatsApp — include a working number, with country code, in your first message.