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 (73)

Describe your job

Give us the details of your job and we'll send it to specialist trades for you

Describe your job

Receive multiple quotes for your job from reviewed and trusted tradespeople

Sort by:

AJ Vincent Loft Conversions
10.00
(112 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Loft Conversions
Extensions / Conversions
Partition Walls
Call
Sponsored
DB Huntley Builders
9.90
(15 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Brick / Concrete Structural Repairs
Concreting
Concrete Garages
Latest verified customer review
10.0
“I am very happy with work carried out, two archways leading from the lounge to the box room and leading to the kitchen and blocking off two door ways. The team was very professional and kept me informed of progress along the way as the property was empty . The quote was competitive and reasonable.”
Call
3Lance Developments Limited
9.75
(120 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
New Builds
Steel Work Design
Demolition
Call
K
KK Builders (Dorset) Ltd
9.81
(304 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Extensions / Conversions
Brick / Concrete Structural Repairs
Insurance Claim Specialist
Call
Barada Build Ltd
9.89
(6 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Tree Houses
Refurbishments
Loft Conversions
Call
J
J S Payne Builders
10.00
(65 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Property Maintenance / Repair
Structural Steels
Extensions / Conversions
Call
B
B A Clark & Son
9.92
(139 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Agricultural Building
Emergency Builder Service
Foundations
Call
AC Renovations
10.00
(66 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Project Management
Cladding
Structural Design
Call
Parkway Developments Dorset Ltd
10.00
(14 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Concrete Garages
Refurbishments
Emergency Builder Service
Call
Ringwood Building and Maintenance
10.00
(20 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Wall Tie Replacements
Partition Walls
Insurance Claim Specialist
Call
Kore Building Ltd
10.00
(114 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Basement / Cellar Conversions
Wall Tie Replacements
Refurbishments
Call
Pro Build Services
10.00
(65 reviews)
Operates in Dorset
Services & skills
Builder
General Building
Cladding
Equestrian Stable
Extensions / Conversions
Call

Top rated house renovations in Dorset

/10

70 ratings

Our house renovations in Dorset are rated an average of 10 out of 10 based on a sample of 70 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 (73)

Search results

Describe your job

Describe your job

AJ Vincent Loft Conversions

Services & skills

DB Huntley Builders

Services & skills

3Lance Developments Limited

Services & skills

KK Builders (Dorset) Ltd

Services & skills

Barada Build Ltd

Services & skills

J S Payne Builders

Services & skills

B A Clark & Son

Services & skills

AC Renovations

Services & skills

Parkway Developments Dorset Ltd

Services & skills

Ringwood Building and Maintenance

Services & skills

Kore Building Ltd

Services & skills

Pro Build Services

Services & skills

General building in Dorset

What does a general builder do?

Typical costs and day rates

Looking for more tradespeople in Dorset?