Don’t Start That Build Without Asking These 5 Questions

You’ve got the drawings. You’ve picked the paint. You’re ready to go.

But hold on. Before the diggers turn up or a single brick is laid—ask these five questions. Miss one, and the whole thing could fall apart.

You’ve got the drawings. You’ve picked the paint. You’re ready to go.

But hold on—before the diggers turn up, before anyone even lifts a hammer or lays a single brick, there’s a crucial pause you absolutely can’t skip. This is the moment to step back and take a breath. Rushing into building work is tempting when you’re excited about the end result, but if you don’t ask the right questions now, you might find yourself tangled in a web of problems later—unexpected costs, legal headaches, poor workmanship, or disputes with neighbours.

It’s far more than just ticking boxes; it’s about protecting your investment, your home, and your peace of mind. These five questions aren’t just formalities—they’re your shield. Each one digs deeper into what you’re really signing up for. Don’t rely on assumptions or verbal promises. Take the time to get clear answers, in writing, before you let work commence. Miss even one, and the whole project could unravel—or, worse, cost you far more than you bargained for.

Only after this checklist should you let the building begin. Armed with the right information, your project stands a much better chance of running smoothly from the first spade in the ground to the final coat of paint.

1. “Can I see proof you’re insured?”

Don’t just ask if they’re insured. Ask for the paperwork.

Public liability and employer’s liability are the big ones. If a wall falls and hits your neighbour’s car, you’ll be the one footing the bill unless your builder’s cover is watertight.

And if they’ve got staff or subcontractors? They need to be covered too.

No insurance, no job. Simple.

2. “What’s included—and what isn’t?”

That lovely quote might sound like a bargain. But what does it actually cover?

Does it include materials? Labour? Skip hire? What about scaffolding?

And the big one—VAT. Some builders like don’t include it in their quote, then add it later. That’s a nasty surprise.

You want it all in writing. Every line. Every number, like the people at www.libraconstruction.co.uk always do. If something isn’t mentioned, don’t assume it’s part of the deal.

3. “Who’s managing the job day-to-day?”

Is it the person quoting you? Is it their mate? Is it a different team entirely?

Plenty of people hire builders based on a great first impression, only to never see that person again.

You need to know who’s on site, who’s making decisions, and who to speak to if something goes wrong.

4. “What happens if there’s a delay?”

Delays happen. Bad weather. Missing parts. Builders off sick.

But what you care about is how those delays are handled.

Will you get a revised timeline? Will other trades be moved back? Will it cost you more?

If your builder goes vague at this point, don’t expect much clarity when things slip later.

5. “Do you have any jobs I can see—or clients I can speak to?”

Not just photos. Anyone can download pictures from Google.

Ask to visit a current or recent project. Even better, speak to a past client. Ask what went well—and what didn’t.

A transparent construction firm will have no problem with this. If they get cagey, there’s usually a reason.

To Sum It Up

You don’t need to know everything about building work. But you do need to ask the right things before it starts.

Once work begins, it’s too late to change the rules. So speak up now. It could save you thousands later.