Build and rebuild in Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa hit the island in October 2025. This hub lists contractors and professionals checked against public registers, and explains the permits, standards and relief programmes step by step so you can rebuild without being robbed.
The World Bank and the IDB estimate the physical damage to Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa at US$8.8 billion; 41 percent of assessed damage was to residential buildings.
official newsSource: World BankcheckedJamaica's development partners (CAF, CDB, IDB Group, IMF and the World Bank Group) assembled a three-year package of up to US$6.7 billion for recovery and reconstruction, including US$3.6 billion in sovereign financing.
official newsSource: Jamaica Information ServicecheckedOnly homes formally assessed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are eligible for a Government of Jamaica grant for roof repairs or other reconstruction support; about 40,144 homes had been assessed by 9 December 2025.
government pageSource: Office of the Prime Ministerchecked
Find a trade
Counts are published listings. Verified means the name was matched to an official register entry we link to.
- Building contractorsGeneral building and civil works237
- Roofing contractorsRoof framing, decking and hurricane strapping94
- Hardware storesLumber, cement, steel, fixings76
- ArchitectsDrawings for approval and construction128
- Land surveyorsCommissioned surveyors for boundaries and plans113
- Structural engineersRegistered engineers for structural design435
- Solar installersPV, batteries and standby power13
- PlumbersWater, drainage and tanksComing
- ElectriciansWiring, inspection and reconnection411
- Quantity surveyorsCosting, bills of quantities, payment certificates65
- Building materials suppliersBlocks, aggregate, roofing sheets2
- Water tank suppliersStorage tanks and pumps32
Start here
Rebuild guides in the order most people need them.
Vet before you pay
- 1Ask for the contractor's registration and check it against the public register before money moves.
- 2Confirm the business or company name exists at the Companies Office of Jamaica.
- 3Get a written contract with a scope, drawings, a bill of quantities and a payment schedule tied to finished stages.
- 4Never pay the full amount up front; release each stage only after you, or someone you trust, has inspected it.
- 5Make sure the building approval is in your name and that inspections are requested at each stage.
- 6Keep every receipt, photo and message in one place in case you need to complain or claim.
The full procedure, with the registers named, is in How to vet a building contractor in Jamaica.
Building from abroad
Most rebuilds after Melissa are being paid for by family overseas. Distance is the risk; paperwork is the protection.
What to ask before you send money
Registration number and grade, the company's registered name, who signs the contract, who holds the building approval, and who will inspect each stage on your behalf.
Pay in stages, not in faith
Tie each payment to a finished, photographed stage: foundation, belt course, roof frame, roof covering, finishes. A quantity surveyor can certify stages for you.
Verify a register entry yourself
Every verified listing on JaRanks links to the register page we matched it against. Open the link and check the name, number and category before you rely on it.
Related guides: rebuild · property · returning residents