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When you’re planning building work, one of the first questions is usually: how much will the labour cost?

Whether you need brickwork repaired, are planning an extension, or getting structural work done, understanding the average builder day rate can help you sense-check quotes and budget more confidently.

This guide explains typical builder day rates in the UK, how much builders charge per hour, what affects the price, and what to check before hiring someone for the job.

How much is the average builder day rate?

As a guide, a builder typically charges around £400 per day. More experienced builders working on demanding projects may charge around £50 per hour.

Other trades often involved in building projects charge different day rates, so it’s worth understanding who you actually need before comparing quotes.

The exact rate you pay will depend on the builder’s experience, the complexity of the work, and where you live. Bear in mind builder day rates are often higher in London and the South East.

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For an accurate idea of costs in your area, it’s worth getting quotes from a few checked local builders.

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Builder costs at a glance

• Builder day rate: around £400 per day

• Builder hourly rate: around £50 per hour

• Self-employed builder hourly rate: around £40 per hour

• Bricklayer day rate: £240–£320

• Labourer day rate: £112–£280

• Scaffolder day rate: £280–£320

• Roofer day rate: £280–£360

How much do builders charge per hour?

Builders may charge by the day, by the hour, or as part of a fixed project quote.

For smaller jobs, an hourly rate is normally used. If your quote is based on an hourly rate, it's good to know that around £50 per hour is fairly standard. This would be for a more experienced builder working on a demanding project.

For larger projects, many builders will prefer to quote for the whole job because the work may involve several stages, different trades, materials and site preparation.

Hourly rate for a self-employed builder

A self-employed builder typically charges a little less, averaging around £40 per hour.

The rate is often lower than when hiring through a larger construction company because you’re paying them directly, rather than covering wider business overheads.

However, rates can still vary depending on experience, availability, insurance, tools, and where you are in the UK.

Should I hire a building company or a self-employed builder?

When comparing a building company vs a self-employed builder, it's important to look beyond just the hourly rate.

A self-employed builder may often charge a lower hourly rate, but that doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be the cheapest overall.

A larger company will typically cost more, but the rate might include project management, admin support, insurance, equipment and access to a wider team.

Self-employed builder

• Typical rate: Around £40 per hour

• Best suited to: Smaller jobs, repairs, straightforward projects

• Things to check: Insurance, availability, what’s included, whether extra trades are needed

Builder/construction company

• Typical rate: Around £400 per day

• Best suited to: Larger projects, renovations, jobs needing several trades

• Things to check: Project management, payment schedule, who will be on site, exclusions

What type of builder do you need for your project?

When people say they need 'a builder', they might mean anything from a general builder for a small repair to a specialist team for an extension, loft conversion or renovation. The right person for the job depends on the type of work you're planning. Some projects need one skilled builder. Others need several trades working together, such as a bricklayer, labourer, roofer, scaffolder, plumber or electrician.

You need a small structural repair

You might need a builder if a doorway has cracked, a small wall needs altering, or there are signs that part of your home needs more than a cosmetic repair.

A general builder may be able to assess the problem, carry out the repair and say whether any further checks are needed.

• Typical rate: around £400 per day

If the work affects a wall, opening or load-bearing area, ask whether structural calculations or building control approval are needed before work starts.

You’re building or repairing a garden wall

If an old garden wall is leaning, crumbling or needs rebuilding after weather damage, you may need a bricklayer rather than a general builder.

• Typical day rate for a bricklayer: £240–£320

A labourer may also be needed to help with moving materials, mixing, clearing waste and keeping the job moving.

• Typical day rate for a labourer: £112–£280

You’re planning roof-related building work

If tiles have slipped, water is getting in, or part of the roof structure needs work, you’ll usually need a roofer.

• Typical day rate for a roofer: £280–£360

For work at height, you may also need a scaffolder.

• Typical day rate for a scaffolder: £280–£320

You’re planning an extension

If you’re adding extra space to your home, you’ll usually need a builder or extension builder who can manage the structure, foundations, brickwork, roof and coordination with other trades.

• Typical builder rate: around £400 per day

Larger projects are usually quoted as a full job rather than a simple day rate. That’s because the quote may need to include materials, several trades, waste removal, structural work and building regulations.

You’re converting a loft or garage

If you’re turning a loft or garage into usable living space, you’ll usually need a specialist conversion builder rather than a general handyman-style service. A loft conversion, for example, may involve structural work, roof alterations, insulation, stairs, fire safety, electrics and plumbing. A garage conversion may involve floor levels, insulation, ventilation, windows, walls and building regulations.

• Typical builder rate: around £400 per day

Other trades may also be needed, and some parts of the work may need to be signed off before your new room can be used as intended.

You’re renovating an older or period property

If you’re working on an older home, especially one with original features, damp issues or non-standard construction, it’s worth looking for a builder with period property renovation experience.

• Typical builder rate: around £400 per day

Depending on the work, you may also need specialist trades, structural advice or permission if the property is listed or in a conservation area.

You’re removing a wall or changing the layout

If you’re removing a wall to create an open-plan kitchen, widening a doorway or changing how rooms connect, you’ll need a builder who understands structural work.

• Typical builder rate: around £400 per day

You may also need structural designs, building control approval and additional trades once the structural work is complete.

Renovation work by Checkatrade member, SM London Construction Ltd

What you need to know about Competent Person Schemes

Competent Person Schemes allow registered installers to self-certify certain types of building work, such as specific electrical, plumbing, heating or window installation work.

This can sometimes avoid a separate building control application for that part of the job, but it only applies to scheme-covered work carried out by a registered tradesperson.

For structural building work, extensions or major renovations, you should still check what approvals are needed before work starts.

What affects builder day rates?

Builder rates can vary because no two jobs are exactly the same.

The main cost factors that influence builder rates include:

• Experience: More experienced builders usually charge more

• Project complexity: Structural work or heritage building work costs more than simple repairs

• Location: Rates are often higher in London and the South East

• Team size: Some jobs need a builder plus labourers or other trades

• Access: Awkward access can slow the job down

• Specialist work: Roofing, scaffolding, brickwork or structural changes can add extra labour costs

• Business type: A self-employed builder may charge differently from a larger construction company

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

The builder’s day rate is only part of the overall cost. Depending on the job, you may also need to budget for:

• Materials

• Waste removal

• Scaffolding hire

• Extra labourers

• Specialist trades

• Professional fees for architectural drawings and/or structural calculations

• Building control fees

• Parking or access arrangements

• Tool or equipment hire

Not every job will need these, but it’s worth asking for itemised written quotes upfront. This way, you won’t waste time comparing one quote that includes everything with another that only covers basic labour.

What should be included in a builder quote?

With any transaction, it's perfectly reasonable to want to know exactly what you're paying for, and building work is no different.

When you receive a quote for building work, check whether it includes:

• Labour rate

• Estimated number of days

• Materials

• Waste removal

• Access equipment

• Any extra trades

• VAT, if applicable

• Start date and expected timescale

• Payment schedule

• What's excluded

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Builder day rate cost calculator

Use our cost calculator if you'd like an idea of rates for your project before contacting local builders for quotes. It’s designed to give a rough starting point for budgeting, not a fixed price.

Job Estimate Calculator

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For an accurate cost, ask a selection of local builders to assess the work and provide a written quote.

Can you do building work yourself?

Some small maintenance jobs may be suitable for people confident with DIY tasks, but structural building work is a different kettle of fish.

If the job affects walls, roofs, foundations, drainage, openings or load-bearing areas, it’s usually better to hire an experienced builder.

Mistakes can be expensive to put right and may cause problems with safety, insurance or future sale paperwork.

Builder day rate checklist

• Describe the work clearly before asking for quotes

• Ask whether the job will be charged daily, hourly or as a fixed price

• Check how many people will be on site

• Ask whether materials are included

• Confirm whether waste removal is included

• Ask if scaffolding or other trades are needed

• Compare a selection of quotes

• Get everything in writing before work starts, including payment terms

When should you speak to a builder?

It’s worth speaking to a builder as soon as you have a clear idea of the work you want done, especially if the project involves structural changes, time constraints, multiple trades or difficult access.

A good builder should be able to explain what’s involved, who will be needed on site, and whether the work should be quoted by day rate or as a fixed project cost.

Find checked and approved builders near you

Comparing quotes from local builders is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like in your area.

A reputable builder should be able to look at the job properly, give you a written quote before work begins, and ensure you have absolute clarity, especially around the scope of the work and payment terms.

Ultimately, this helps the job run smoothly, with fewer surprises along the way.

FAQs

How much do builders charge per hour?

Experienced builders may charge around £50 per hour. A self-employed builder may charge around £40 per hour, depending on the job, experience and location.

What is the average builder day rate in the UK?

The average builder day rate is around £400 per day, although the exact rate will depend on the builder, the project and where you live.

Is a self-employed builder cheaper?

A self-employed builder may charge less than a larger company because they usually have lower overheads to cover. As a guide, a self-employed builder may charge around £40 per hour.

Why do builder day rates vary so much?

Builder rates vary because projects differ in complexity, location, risk, access, materials and the number of trades needed. A simple repair is very different from structural work, larger renovations, or specialist heritage building work.

Do builders charge by the hour or by the day?

Some builders charge by the hour for small jobs, while larger projects are often priced by the day or quoted as a fixed project cost.

What’s the difference between a builder and a labourer?

A builder usually carries out skilled construction work and may manage parts of the project. A labourer supports the job with manual tasks such as moving materials, clearing areas and helping trades on site.

How many quotes should I get from builders?

It’s sensible to get at least three quotes from builders in your area before you choose who to hire. This helps you compare prices, understand what’s included and spot any gaps in the scope of work.

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