How Do I Find the Right Builder for My Project?

When you’re planning a construction or renovation project—whether it’s a wrap-around extension, new build, or a full Passive House refurbishment—choosing the right builder is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The success of your project depends not just on the design and materials, but on the skills, reliability, and professionalism of the builder you hire.

So, how do you find the right builder for your project? Here are our key steps to consider :

1. Define Your Project Clearly

Before contacting us, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want. We have key questions that we ask which includes:

• A rough budget – we need to understand your expectations and if they are realistic for you financially

• Preferred materials or finishes – knowing what finishes you want on the build determines several key aspects of the construction process

• Timeframe or deadlines – help us guide the entire process from start to finish

• Planning permissions (if required)- we can help you with this process

• Architect or structural engineer reports – they can shape your vision into a practical and approved design

The more details you provide upfront, the more accurate and useful your initial meeting with us will be.  Your first call with Katy in the office will require some answers to these questions.

2. Get Recommendations and Do Research

At DK Building Liverpool Ltd we are fortunate that many of our jobs are word of mouth from past customers and professionals that we work with in the Merseyside and surrounding areas.  We can provide recent testimonials and onsite visits to view current work.  

It is worth asking :

• Friends or family who’ve had similar work done

• Local tradespeople (like architects or surveyors)

• Community forums or social media groups in your area

Ensure you have checked accreditations online and verified them :

• We openly show our reviews on sites like Federation of Master Builders, Google Reviews and Houzz

• We are proud members of the following professional organisations ( FMB, NAPIT, MCS, NIBE, Gas Safe Register, Mitsubishi, FENSA, Passive House plus others here)

• Examples of previous work here

3. Check Credentials and Insurance

It’s essential to ensure your builder is fully qualified and covered. We can provide you with:

• Proof of public liability insurance

• Professional accreditation certificates and/or qualifications

• Home insurance guarantees

• Health and safety policies

References from recent clients

4. Get Detailed Quotes (Not Just Estimates)

We follow a specific process for all customers and it has proved to be highly effective

• Free initial meeting in person on site – it’s more than just planning — it’s about seeing if we’re the right fit for each other

• Verbal estimate given onsite and follow up email of discussion – using our project management tool “JobTread” you can have one place to access and manage all of the information related to your project

• If customers are happy, we move to our Specification Phase – we work closely with you to specify the details — everything from taps and tiles to windows and paint colours — so there are no surprises later, a confirmed price and payment schedule

• A final plan and contract is drawn up to your satisfaction and a starting date is scheduled.

Avoid vague or unusually low quotes—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Ask the Right Questions

We are used to being interviewing as a potential builder, feel free to ask :

• How long have you been in business?

• Who will be working on-site—employees or subcontractors?

• What’s your typical payment schedule?

• How do you handle unexpected problems or changes?

• Can I see a current or recently completed project?

We are happy to answer these questions.  It is important to us that you have confidence in us and our professionalism.

6. Don’t Pay Everything Upfront

We work on a contracted, staged payment plan linked to project milestones to ensure projects are managed from start to finish.  Using Jobtread our customers can have one place to access and manage all of the information related to their project, real-time updates, clear financial insights and centralised communication on this project management platform.

7. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, choose someone you feel comfortable with. Building projects often take weeks or months, and you’ll be in regular contact—so trust, transparency, and communication are just as important as technical skill.  That’s why, at the outset of our discussions, we assess whether we’re the right fit for your project — and we’ll be upfront if we’re not.

Final Thoughts

You will want a builder who not only delivers high-quality work but will also guide you through the project with honesty and professionalism. 

If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced builder in the Liverpool area please get in touch you can also find us at the Federation of Master Builders here. 

We’re always happy to offer advice, provide references, and help you bring your project to life.