Align scope lines before price: structure, MEP, finishes, externals, furniture, and exclusions. Two proposals with different wet-room counts or stone allowances are not comparable until those lines match.
Verify supervision: named site lead, weekly reporting format, variation procedure, and defect logging through handover. Ask for a sample milestone schedule and payment map tied to measurable works.
Check references in Damascus for programmes similar to yours — villa restoration, apartment refurbishment, or property fit-out — and speak to past clients about communication, not only finish quality.
Confirm handover documentation: snag process, as-built MEP notes, warranties, and care guidance for finishes. Partners who treat handover as an afterthought often leave maintenance problems for the next season.