Builder in East Lothian (12)

Whether you’re fixing a leaky roof or planning a full house build, Checkatrade helps you find checked builders covering your local area of East Lothian who are ready to get the job done right. We work with homeowners and renters across the UK to make home improvement less daunting and more dependable.

Find a builder in East Lothian you can feel confident about

Every builder on Checkatrade passes up to 12 checks. You can read real customer reviews, compare quotes, and even book with confidence knowing our Checkatrade Guarantee could cover you for up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply).

From general building services in East Lothian to independent building contractors, we’ll help you find the right person for the job. Quick repair or big renovation? Either way, start your search today.

What to expect from hiring a builder in East Lothian

Common building jobs in East Lothian:

• House extensions
• Loft conversions
• Brickwork repair
• Renovations and refurbishments
• Laying foundations and building structural walls
• Garage or basement conversions
• Garden buildings (e.g. sheds, log cabins)

What’s included in a typical quote:

• Labour and material costs
• Equipment hire (e.g. scaffolding)
• Waste disposal
• Project management (if applicable)

Builders services in East Lothian: Average costs

• General Building services - £9228 on average, from £4925 to £15504
• Bricklaying - £1598 on average , from £945 to £2710
• Laying foundations - £8258 on average , from £4190 to £16221
• Scaffolder - £700 on average , from £445 to £1129
• Loft Conversions - £35928 on average , from £23495 to £54370
• Extensions - £32709 on average , from £20085 to £52106

Top tip: Always ask for a detailed, written quote and check whether materials are included.

How long do building jobs take?

• Small jobs: 1 - 3 days
• Loft conversion: 4 - 8 weeks
• House extension: 3 - 12 months
• Full build: 6 - 16 months

Qualifications to look for:

• NVQ in Construction
• CSCS Card
• Public Liability Insurance
• Membership of FMB or NFB

Do I need planning permission for my building work?

You’ll usually need planning permission if you’re:

• Building something new (like a house or outbuilding)
• Making big changes to your home (e.g. an extension)
• Changing how the building is used (like converting it into a business space)

If your home is a listed building or in a conservation area, even smaller changes might need permission.

You might not need permission for:

• Internal refurbishments
• Like-for-like roof or window replacements
• Adding a small porch or conservatory
• Loft conversions that stay within size limits

These can fall under Permitted Development Rights, but there are rules around size, height, and location.

Always check with your local council before booking if you're not sure.

Builders in East Lothian: Homeowners vs renters

For homeowners:

You’re responsible for hiring, paying, and insuring the builder. Always get a contract in writing, and check your builder has insurance in place. For big projects, planning permission or building regulations may apply.

For renters:

Your landlord is typically responsible for arranging and paying for building work unless damage was caused by you. If something needs fixing, contact them or your letting agent first. Emergency or safety-related jobs (e.g. roof collapse, damp) should be reported immediately.

Emergency builders in East Lothian

Some problems can’t wait.

If you’ve got a burst wall, fallen roof tile, or structural issue, you may need an emergency builder.

Search for urgent building services in East Lothian or use our request a quote tool for a quick callback.

Find a builder for the job you need in East Lothian

Use Checkatrade to find builders in East Lothian for:

• Loft conversions
• House extensions
• Garage and basement conversions
• Garden shed and log cabin builds
• Renovations and refurbishments
• Small structural repairs
• Chimney repairs
• Repointing and rendering
• Roof repairs

Whether you need small job builders near you or full property renovation support, we've got the right match.

Ready to get started? Use Checkatrade's directory to find checked builders and building contractors in East Lothian.