Meet Liam O'Brien: Expert Domestic Builder in Leinster

With 20+ years’ experience, Liam O'Brien of GreenKey Construction, a Father & Son team supported by a small group of highly skilled professionals. Discover more about Liam and his passions here.

In this member spotlight, we’re thrilled to introduce Liam O'Brien, the driving force behind GreenKey Construction & Building Services Ltd, a well-respected domestic building and new builds company in Leinster.

We sat down with Liam to discuss his career, his approach to quality craftsmanship, and his perspective on building customer relationships in the construction world.

Q: What trade are you in, and what types of projects do you take on?

Liam: My company, GreenKey Construction & Building Services Ltd, specialises in domestic building projects and one-off new builds. We mainly focus on serving clients throughout Leinster, where we take on everything from smaller residential jobs to new, custom-built homes.

Q: You’re clearly experienced, but when did you officially qualify?

Liam: I became qualified in 2019, but I’ve been working in the industry and running my own business for over 20 years now. It’s been a long journey, but every step has made me the professional I am today.

Q: What types of projects do you enjoy most, and why?

Liam: I’ve always had a soft spot for period properties and listed buildings. There’s something deeply satisfying about breathing new life into these historic places and knowing they’ll stand for another century or more. It's a privilege to preserve the craftsmanship of the past while updating them for modern living.

Q: How do you approach customer satisfaction in your projects?

Liam: I treat each project, no matter the size, with the same level of commitment. Communication is key, so I ensure that every customer gets regular updates, whether daily or weekly. I provide a detailed quote upfront, breaking down exactly where their money goes, which helps build trust and transparency. For larger jobs, I also send a weekly email outlining what’s been done and what’s coming up next, so clients feel in control and informed every step of the way.

Q: Is there a project that stands out for you?

Liam: Absolutely. Right now, we’re renovating a 200-year-old property in Castlebellingham, Louth. It’s an amazing project, and I’m proud to say it will be something that future generations can enjoy. We’re putting our heart and soul into restoring it to perfection.

Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Liam: With the current global uncertainties, it’s essential to stay on top of material costs, especially for upcoming projects. Material prices can shift quite a bit, which can really impact profitability. So, we’re vigilant in updating our estimates to reflect these changes—it's crucial for running a sustainable business.

Q: How did GreenKey Construction navigate the recession?

Liam: It was tough, but we managed by securing maintenance contracts with real estate and letting agencies. These contracts helped us keep most of our team employed, both full-time and part-time. We also took on smaller domestic jobs, many of which had been overlooked during busier times. Those smaller projects were a big help in keeping us afloat.

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting in this trade?

Liam: You represent your business and first impressions matter. Hire employees who are skilled, professional, and communicative—treat them well, and they’ll stick with you during hard times. Also, listen to their advice. They’re professionals too, and showing them respect goes a long way in building a strong team.

Q: How has OnlineTradesmen.ie helped your business?

Liam: It’s been a game-changer for us. OnlineTradesmen.ie helped put GreenKey on a much larger platform than we could have imagined. It expanded our reach, allowing us to tap into different markets and grow our customer base across wider areas.

Q: Finally, any fun facts our readers should know about you?

Liam: Sure! I’m a die-hard Liverpool fan—thankfully, we’re doing well!

We’re proud to have Liam O'Brien and GreenKey Construction & Building Services Ltd as part of the OnlineTradesmen community. If you’re in Leinster and looking for a reliable, professional tradesman for your next project, Liam is ready to bring his experience and passion for quality building to your doorstep! 

Visit GreenKey Construction & Building Service Ltd Profile Here.

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