An area contractors love ripping people off is the exterior finishings. Whatever you do, do not get the Egyptian natural stone which goes for around 20 dirhams/ square meter, it’ll go moldy (yes, actual green mold) within a couple of years, and break apart within 5 or 6 years.

If you want natural stone go for the more expensive Syrian or Omani, those would remain great for a long time, they’re okay with humidity and won’t become brittle or break apart until at least 15-17 years.

If you want Artificial stone, go for a brand called Top Stone, out of all the brands those deal the best with humidity, and while they’re on the expensive side for artificial stone, they still perform (not look) better than the good types of natural stone.

If you want paint, Jotun or National are okay, the key is making sure the idiots don’t use gypsum when filling up cracks, that’ll crack away and force you to repaint just as the main contractor’s forced service period is up.

Also, everyone that deals in anything can take a commission, skip the middle men and go straight for the source or buy the stuff yourself, overall you can save close to 15% of the cost of finishings. Anything else like concrete or blocks is heavily regulated, and its very hard to rob you there. The bank and consultant will act like your friends, be a little wary from the consultant but don’t show it. Bad apples might be bought and swayed to overlook things.