Find and book builders near me

How do I find and book a builder near me?

No doubt you've searched for 'builders near me' or 'building companies near me' because you're looking for local builders to provide a top service for a specific job.

Whether planning a big construction project or renovating your home, knowing where to find Checkatrade builders that work near your location is important. With many options available, finding the right builder for the job might seem like a daunting task. Choosing your builder or building contractor isn't something you want to get wrong.

Find checked and verified builders close to where you live

Here's how:

By using our handy request a quote feature

All you have to do is tell us what job you need a builder for. We'll then contact your local builders on Checkatrade and ask them to contact you directly.

By looking through our website for your local builders

Just search your postcode with our handy tool and we'll give you a list of reviewed builders near you. You can look at their profiles, check out photos of their work, and read reviews from real people.

The best part about searching for your local builders on Checkatrade is that only builders are committed to our high standards and pass our checks will appear for you.And to top it off, we're so confident in trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee* their work up to £1,000.* Guaranteed for 12 months - Eligibility and T&Cs apply.

Use our app to find builders near you

With the FREE Checkatrade app, you can:

• Find quality builders at your fingertips

• Share photos of the job you need doing

• Keep all trade conversations in one place

• Receive, review and compare quotes sent to you on the app

• Book appointments that work for you and the trade

• Get notifications on your project’s progress and appointments

Let's start with your top question: 'How do I find recommended builders near me?'

Some top search queries include 'what building companies are near me?' and 'how do I find good local builders near me? 'So, to answer all these questions, we've put together a recommended process for the best way to choose a builder in your area.

Start with an online search

The internet is a powerful tool for finding local builders near you. Use search engines, review sites, or trusted online directories to look up trusted builders in your area, read reviews from previous customers, and compare prices.

Get recommendations from friends and family

Ask friends and family members for recommendations. They'll be able to give you an honest opinion of a builder's work, reliability, and communication. But before you reach out, check they've been approved by us and reviewed by customers.

Check their credentials

Before hiring a local builder, make sure they have the necessary qualifications and certifications. You could ask for proof of their insurance, license, and any professional associations they belong to. For example, The National Federation of Builders (NFB) represents builders, contractors and house builders across the UK (excluding Scotland).

Ask for references

A reputable builder near you shouldn't question giving you their references from previous customers. You can then contact these references and ask about their experience working with the builder. For example, did they complete the work on time? Were they responsive to questions and concerns? Was the work completed to a high standard?

Request a quote

Once you've identified a few builders, request detailed quotes for your project. These quotes should outline all the costs involved, including materials, labour, and any additional expenses.

Don't base your decision solely on the price

While cost is an important factor to consider, don't base your decision solely on price. For example, a low price might indicate poor quality work or the use of cheap materials. It's good to look for a balance between cost and quality.

Sign a written contract

Before any work starts, make sure you have a written contract outlining the details of the project, payment terms, and timeline/milestones. This will protect you if any disputes or disagreements arise.

Your questions about builders, answered

How much does a builder cost in the UK?

For small projects such as bathroom or kitchen renovations, expect to pay between £5,000 to £15,000. For larger projects like house extensions or new builds, prices range from £50,000 all the way to £250,000 and above.The cost of hiring a builder in the UK can vary depending on the type of project, the materials used, and the builder's experience.

How much is a day rate for a builder?

Depending on the job, expect to pay £300 per day for a builder to work on your home renovation project.Read more about builder's day rates and how much different types of jobs might set you back.

Average roofing costs for some of the most popular jobs

• How much does a house extension cost? – The average cost of a 20 m2 extension is £44k

• Building cost per sq m – The average cost per sq m to build anything is £2,387

• How much does a loft conversion cost in 2023? – The average cost of a Dormer loft conversion is £45k

• How much does it cost to build a house? – Expect to pay around £210k for a 3-bedroom house

• Slate roof cost per m2 – The average cost per m2 for slate roofing is £50

• Cost of scaffolding – Expect to pay around £875 per week to scaffold a two-storey semi-detached house

• Outbuilding cost guide – The average cost to build an outbuilding is £7.5k

• Cost of building a granny annexe – The average cost to build a granny annexe is £90,000

• Cost of building a porch – The average cost to build a new porch is £7.5k

How much to pay a builder upfront

We don't recommend paying a builder the full amount upfront. This can leave you vulnerable to unfinished or poor-quality work, meaning you likely have to go through the courts to recoup any costs.Standard practice when hiring reputable builders near you is to pay an initial deposit of around 10-20% of the total cost of the project. This deposit helps cover the cost of any initial materials or labour.Make subsequent payments in instalments based on the progress of the work. These should be outlined in your payment contract as 'milestones.' Only make the final payment when you're happy the work has been completed to your satisfaction.NB: Be sure to include the payment terms in your written contract to avoid any misunderstandings.

How do I find the cheapest builders near me?

We understand the desire to save pennies in a cost-of-living crisis. However, prioritising quality over cost when hiring a builder means you're likely to pay more in the long run due to fixing poor workmanship.Even so, finding a builder who fits your budget is easier when you:

• Compare quotes from multiple small local builders

• Consider hiring a builder during the offseason (prices are often lower when there's less demand for construction work)

• Save money by sourcing materials yourself or by agreeing to a cash payment