Find builders near me

Whether planning a big construction project or renovating your home, choosing your builder or building contractor isn't something you want to get wrong.

Luckily, you're in the right place.

Just type your postcode into our search box to browse a selection of checked builders who cover your local area - and read on for all your questions about hiring a builder answered.

How finding checked builders works

We have three quick and easy ways to find checked builders on Checkatrade, who work in your local area.

1. Search your postcode

Just search your postcode with our handy tool and we'll give you a list of checked builders who work near you.

You can look at their profiles, check out photos of their work, and read reviews from real people. Then, contact your favourite, arrange a quote and book the job in!

2. Use our request a quote feature

Don't have the time to browse builder profiles? Our request a quote feature can do the heavy lifting for you.

Just tell us what job you need a builder for. We'll then contact a selection of checked builders on Checkatrade and ask them to contact you directly.

3. Use our app

With the FREE Checkatrade app, you can:

• Find checked 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

Why find checked builders on Checkatrade?

The best part about searching for your builders who work in your area on Checkatrade is that only builders who pass up to 12 checks and have committed to adhering to the Checkatrade Standard will appear for you.

Plus, when you find and book a trade through us, we'll guarantee their work for up to £1,000 (Eligibility and T&Cs apply).

Find builders who cover your area

• Find builders in London

• Find builders in Birmingham

• Find builders in Manchester

• Find builders in Glasgow

• Find builders in Liverpool

• Find builders in Bristol

What does a builder do?

Builders are tradespeople who construct, repair or renovate buildings and other structures.

Depending on your builder's skills and specialisms, this may involve...

• Planning, coordinating and supervising construction projects

• Constructing new buildings

• Interpreting blueprints, drawings and specifications

• Repairing and renovating homes and other buildings

• Building extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions

• Working on infrastructure projects, road, rail, bridges etc.

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Find the building services you need

• Find extension builders near me

• Find shed builders near me

• Find garden office builders near me

• Find summerhouse builders near me

• Find pergola builders near me

• Find conservatory builders near me

• Find garage conversion builders near me

• Find loft conversion builders near me

• Find porch builders near me

• Find agricultural builders near me

• Find bricklayers near me

How much does a builder cost in the UK?

The cost of a builder in the UK will vary widely depending on what kind of building work you're planning.

• For small projects such as bathroom or kitchen renovations, expect to pay between £4,500 to £15,000

• For larger projects like house extensions or new builds, prices range from £48,000 all the way to £500,000+

The cost of hiring a builder in the UK can also vary depending on factors like the materials used, and the builder's experience.

How much is a day rate for a builder?

As a guide, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £400 per day for a builder.

However, day rates can vary quite a lot depending on the work you need doing and the individual builder you hire.

Read more about builder's day rates and how much different types of jobs might set you back.

Average building costs for some of the most popular jobs

• How much does a house extension cost? – The average cost of a 20 m2 extension is £48,000

• How much does building cost per m2? – The average cost to build a house per m2 is £2,387.50

• How much does a loft conversion cost? – The average cost of a Dormer loft conversion is £60,000

• How much does it cost to build a house? – Expect to pay around £126,000-£300,000 for a 3-bedroom house

• 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 a small garden office is £7,500

• 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 £7,500

Need a job estimate to help with budgeting?

Try our AI powered job estimate calculator

How to choose the right builder for the job

Luckily, Checkatrade makes it easy to find and compare checked builders covering your local area. Here are some top tips to help you hire right first time.

Start with a search

The internet is a powerful tool for finding local builders near you.

Better still, our online search tool will only show you builders who've passed our checks and agreed to adhere to the Checkatrade Standard.

Just type in your postcode to browse builders who work in your area and read reviews from previous customers.

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 checked 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.

Getting at least three quotes will allow you to compare builders and rates.

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

What is the difference between builders and contractors?

Builders and contractors are both involved in the construction process.

However, builders are often involved in the hands-on construction of buildings, and will usually be responsible for specific parts of the construction process. For instance, they'll often specialise in specific construction techniques.

Meanwhile, a contractor will generally oversee the whole construction process from start to finish. For example, they'll often hire subcontractors, manage the workforce and procure materials.

How much should I 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.

How do I find the cheapest builders near me?

Finding a builder who fits your budget is easier when you:

• Compare quotes from multiple small builders who work near you

• 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

We understand the desire to save pennies.

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.

Is a bricklayer classed as a builder?

Yes, bricklayers are a type of builder who is responsible for laying bricks. These tradespeople will be able to build or repair walls and other brickwork structures like chimneys and archways.

Do you need a contract with a builder?

Yes! It's really important to have a written agreement between you and your builder before the work starts.

This should outline details like:

• The scope of the work

• How much it will cost

• How payments will be made

• Start and completion dates

• Who will obtain and pay for different consents and fees (like planning permission and building control approval)

• Whether the correct insurance policies are in place prior to work starting

Having an agreement like this in place will make sure you're on the same page and minimise risk both for you and your builder.

Why use Checkatrade?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson has passed up to 12 checks

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade

• Guaranteed - We guarantee Checkatrade tradespeople's work, claim up to £1000 - T&Cs apply

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