How much does it cost to hire a general builder in [location]?

Most general builders charge between __£200 and £350 per day__, or __£1,000–£2,000 per week__ for larger ongoing work. The final cost depends on project size, materials, and scope.

Do I need a general builder or specialist tradesperson?

For larger projects that involve multiple types of work – such as bricklaying, roofing, and electrics – a general builder is ideal. They coordinate trades and ensure work meets UK standards.

Are general builders insured and qualified?

Yes. Reputable general builders hold public liability insurance and can provide evidence of relevant experience, qualifications, and adherence to building regulations. Always check their credentials before hiring a general builder.

Can a general builder manage my whole renovation?

Many builders act as project managers, organising subcontractors, materials, and timelines. This ensures efficiency and accountability from start to finish.

How long do general building projects take?

Timelines vary massively. Small jobs may take a few days, while full house renovations or extensions can take several months. Discuss timings with builders that work in the [location] area and ask them to provide a schedule before choosing who to hire.

What should I check before hiring a general builder?

Look for a proven track record, positive reviews, and clear written estimates. Always confirm insurance and request references from recent projects.

Who can provide quotes for a new house build?

As a project, a new house is one of the biggest. Speak to builders for their advice on the best way forward. You may need to rely on [the services of an architect](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/expert-advice/do-i-need-architect/) before any other work can begin.

house renovation in Dorset (25)

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LILUX DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
10.00
(5 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Foundations
Property Maintenance / Repair
Brick / Concrete Structural Repairs
Call
B
Bailey Construction Services
9.95
(314 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Garden Studios
Steel Fabrication
Refurbishments
Call
UTB CONSTRUCTION LTD
9.96
(9 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Core Drilling
Fire and Flood Renovation
Steel Fabrication
Call
C
Cuff Building Services
10.00
(236 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Suspended Ceilings
Concreting
Workshop Design / Construction
Call
M K Carpentry South Ltd
9.80
(27 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Basement / Cellar Conversions
Fire and Flood Renovation
Project Management
Call
South Coast Property Installations Ltd
9.96
(209 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Loft Conversions
Garage Conversions
Property Maintenance / Repair
Call
AJ Vincent Loft Conversions
10.00
(111 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Loft Conversions
Partition Walls
Extensions / Conversions
Call
W Grout Brickwork
9.82
(62 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Brick / Concrete Structural Repairs
Garage Conversions
Car Ports
Call
S W E GROUNDWORKS
9.36
(23 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Wall Tie Replacements
Building Merchants
Foundations
Call
TPS INSTALLATIONS LTD
10.00
(373 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Refurbishments
Extensions / Conversions
Garage Conversions
Call
Hawkers Construction
9.89
(3 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Agricultural Building
Basement / Cellar Conversions
Sustainable Construction
Call
Bob Shearer Property Maintenance, Building & Roofing
9.44
(124 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Concreting
Cladding
Heritage Property Specialist
Call

Top rated house renovations in Dorset

/10

106 ratings

Our house renovations in Dorset are rated an average of 10 out of 10 based on a sample of 106 reviews from customers like you*

*This review aggregate is based on real customer reviews from a randomly selected postcode in this area

General building in Dorset

When you’re planning a home improvement, extension, or renovation, an experienced general builder in Dorset can make all the difference.

From groundwork and structural work to plastering, roofing, and finishing touches, general builders coordinate every stage of a project to ensure high standards and smooth delivery.

All general builders in Dorset listed on Checkatrade are vetted and reviewed by real homeowners, giving you confidence your project is in capable hands.

We get it, you need to find someone reliable, who can be trusted to do a good job. At Checkatrade, we want to help you find them too.

What does a general builder do?

A general builder typically oversees and carries out a wide range of construction and maintenance work, including:

Home extensions and loft conversions
Renovations and refurbishments
Structural alterations and wall removal
Bricklaying, plastering, and rendering
Roof repairs and basic plumbing or electrical coordination

Experienced builders can manage multiple trades, ensuring each phase of your project runs on schedule and complies with building regulations.

Typical costs and day rates

The average general builder day rate in the UK ranges from £200 to £350 per day, depending on experience, project type, and region. For larger works, builders often quote a fixed project price rather than a daily rate.

Before starting, request detailed written quotes outlining materials, labour, and timescales. Comparing quotes from several builders helps ensure you’re getting fair, transparent pricing.

Looking for more tradespeople in Dorset?

Find Checkatrade reviewed Tradespeople, get a quote today, discover related services in Dorset and check out our latest home improvement guides.

house renovation in Dorset (25)

Search results

Describe your job

Describe your job

LILUX DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

Services & skills

Bailey Construction Services

Services & skills

UTB CONSTRUCTION LTD

Services & skills

Cuff Building Services

Services & skills

M K Carpentry South Ltd

Services & skills

South Coast Property Installations Ltd

Services & skills

AJ Vincent Loft Conversions

Services & skills

W Grout Brickwork

Services & skills

S W E GROUNDWORKS

Services & skills

TPS INSTALLATIONS LTD

Services & skills

Hawkers Construction

Services & skills

Bob Shearer Property Maintenance, Building & Roofing

Services & skills

General building in Dorset

What does a general builder do?

Typical costs and day rates

Looking for more tradespeople in Dorset?