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Below, we cover tips for finding a skilled builder:

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How to find a reliable, local builder

If you’re thinking of hiring a builder, there are a few things you need to consider before you request a quote. We recommend you take the time to research a builder who will make sure work is carried out safely and professionally.  

Why hiring a local building contractor is important 

If you can, it’s always a good idea to hire a builder who works locally. The benefits of this include: 

  1. Getting a speedy response for urgent renovations or projects that span multiple days 
  2. Builders near you are familiar with your area’s climate, and will be able to recommend materials and methods that are well suited to your region  
  3. Local builders will be familiar with your area’s building regulations and the permits you’ll need to get before building work can begin 

Find a local builder by posting a job today. 

Picture of a builder using a drill to drill into a piece of wood

What is the cost of typical building projects? 

Your builder can help you with a range of different projects, from bricklaying to refurbishments. They work on existing properties as well as new builds. Below, we cover a few of the top jobs builders frequently carry out, alongside their average cost: 

Type of job Average cost  
Conservatory £30,000 – £40,000 
House extension £45,000 – £142,000 
Garage conversion £18,000 – £28,300 
Basement conversion £120,000 – £160,000 
Loft conversion £40,000 – £150,000 
Cavity wall insulation £700 – £6,100 

Your building company will likely use a team of specialists to complete your project, so make sure to include plenty of details about your job when you request a quote.  

Some projects call for specific tradespeople. For example, you’ll need a bathroom fitter for a new bathroom refurbishment, or a kitchen specialist for a kitchen renovation. Driveway replacements are carried out by driveway specialists. 

How much you end up spending on a building job will depend on a range of factors, including the size and scope of your project and where you live in the UK. 

For more information on costs and other considerations involved in getting these projects done in 2023, check out our home improvement cost guides: 

For landscaping projects, read our garden landscaping cost guide or speak to a garden landscaper. Or, if you’re hoping to get a wooden structure built, then speak to a carpentry specialist. 

Planning permission for building jobs 

Whether or not you’ll need to apply for planning permission will depend on the scope of your project.  

Your builders will be able to advise you on what approval you’ll need, so make sure you ask during the hiring process. For more information on building regulations, read our planning permission guide or visit the Planning Portal website. 

Factors to consider when choosing a local builder 

Choosing a reliable building company to carry out work on your home is very important. Failing to do this can result in stress and expensive repairs.   

Before you hire, you should do your research to ensure that your tradespeople: 

  1. Are a skilled company with a strong history of high standard projects  
  2. Have all the necessary licenses and insurance needed to protect you and their workers 
  3. Have a good range of positive reviews from previous customers vouching for their reliability  
  4. Are offering the building services you need, and are available to carry out the work in the timeframe you need it to be completed by 
  5. Are quoting a price and payment option that you are happy with, having compared the quote with other building companies  

FIND A LOCAL BUILDER

Picture of a builder building a brick wall

Questions to ask a building contractor 

Do you have public liability insurance and what does this cover? 

While it’s not a requirement for them to have it, it’s a good idea for your builders to have public liability insurance to cover you and them against any accidental damage done to your home or personal injuries. Make sure to always ask your builder what insurance they have before you hire them. This will guarantee protection for both parties and ensure your builder is legally compliant. 

How many years of experience do you have? 

Knowing how many years of experience your builder has will allow you to pick a tradesperson who you are confident has enough experience to carry out a high-quality job. When you’re finding a builder through Rated People, head over to their profile to check out the pictures on their work gallery and their ratings and reviews. 

Do you use subcontractors? If so, are they licensed and insured? 

If your builder is planning on using subcontractors, then it’s a good idea to confirm the qualifications and insurance coverage of everyone who will be working on the project. Your builders will almost definitely be using a team of specialists, whether they’re subcontractors or fully employed by the builder. Anyone working with gas needs to be registered with Gas Safe, and anyone installing electrics (in England and Wales) needs to be Part P certified to be able to self-certify their work. These tradespeople will have valid documentation that you can ask to check. 

What is your estimated timeline for completing the project? 

Knowing what the estimated timeline for completing the project is will help you set realistic expectations about how long your renovation will take to complete. 

How much will the job cost? 

Asking how much the job will cost will help you budget for your project and will ensure price transparency before you hire. How much you’ll end up spending depends on the scope of your project, and where you live in the UK, so make sure you add plenty of details when you post a job. 

Picture of a builder sawing into a piece of wood wearing protective yellow and orange work gloves

Tips for working with a local builder 

  1. Be crystal clear about what you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Clear communication is key to ensuring you and your builder are on the same page about your project’s requirements and your budget constraints 
  1. Stay in the loop and ask for updates as the project unfolds. This will allow you to address any potential issues before they escalate 
  1. Make sure you document agreements or changes to the original plan. Keeping a written record of all modifications to your project, including timelines and costs, will serve as a valuable reference point to prevent misunderstandings and ensure work is carried out to a high standard 
  1. If you have any concerns, talk to your builder straight away. Open discussion is more likely to lead to a swift resolution, and will help you maintain a positive working relationship with your builders 

Find a skilled builder in your local area 

FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS

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Reviewed by Robin on 24/5/2022

Michael replaced the window in the garage with a glass door on time and on budget. He is easy to communicate with, cheerful , efficient, and tidy. We liked his positive attitude.

Rushmore Roofing is a local independent roofing company with over 33 years of experience. We are a family business that takes pride in our workmanship. We specialise in roofing and have hundreds of satisfied customers across the south-east who have requested our services, from replacing a broken tile to installing a roof window or complete re-roofing. We provide our services at an affordable price without cutting corners, using only the very best tools and equipment. Please note that we do not employ any sub contractors nor any bodies claiming to be sister companies and it will only ever be myself that comes to quote your job. We pride ourselves on a first class workmanship and do not settle for second best. We offer 24/7 aftercare so you do not have to worry! Please get in touch today! We also offer 24hr Emergency service

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Reviewed by Njemile on 20/3/2024

High quality workmanship and friendly, knowledgeable team

We at Express painting-decorating-tiling and flooring provide quality professional and affordable work carried out and aim to keep the clients happy and satisfied with our work.

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Reviewed by Cristiano on 8/12/2023

Hard working, honest and trustworthy. Good quality work and willing to go the extra mile.

Ruhulla Test

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Reviewed by New on 20/1/2023

We are a team of 8 fully skilled tradesmen directly employed to carry out a wide range of skilled work at your homes and properties we are fully insured with employees liability and also public liability insurance. If you would like to look at our website you will see we have all 5* reviews for our works your very welcome to contact our customers for a reference.

AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY ROOFING Primeline Roofing and Building Ltd., is a fully experienced roofing company. We are a family-run business with many years in the trade. 20 Years of Experience We have a reputation to uphold for high-quality work and unrivalled personal service. Trusted and reliable local company We ensure that our prices are competitive. We provide FREE written quotations, so you can be certain of our costs before choosing our company. Insurance backed guarantee Our staff are experienced, skilled, reliable and friendly, and carry out their work with as little inconvenience to you as possible. We aim to provide good quality work and give the customer 100% satisfaction with the work carried out.

Family run business since 1995. My son and I pride ourselves in high standards. Design - Build - Maintain. Sustainable builds including extensions and loft conversions. Renewable heating and hot water installations. Full bathroom and kitchen renovations.

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Reviewed by Russell on 19/12/2022

Very pleased with Francisco got our shower working and moved the radiator for us. Good communications arrived on time and also helped us out for another call. Thanks

Newman plastering.  I am a one man band company, with just myself on the tools This means I have no overheads, so I am able to keep the cost down for my clients, but if needs be I can lay my hands on quality plasterers who share the same skill and passion for the job as me. range of services cover: * skimming plastering * Damproofing * External rendering * Dry lining * Internal rendering * Monocouche scratched renders(k rend) Why choose me? * friendly & reliable service * Many years of experience * Pay attention to health & safety * clean & tidy I have more than 10 years experience in all aspects of the plastering trade, and started learning the art of plastering with my uncle . By the time I was ready to leave school I was already becoming handy with the trowel and had some experience behind me, so I went on to do my apprenticeship and work with various other plasterers gaining more experience and learning my trade on housing sites and various  big commercial jobs, as well as doing the odd domestic and private jobs. What makes me different from most companies? Well, I actually enjoy what I do and love plastering, so you can be sure to get a top job. So now you know a bit about me, feel free to use me for your plastering needs.

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Reviewed by Chris on 15/1/2024

This is a 5 star review. I had a very big 25 meter squared ceiling to plaster. The job was finished to a fantastic standard and was left clean and tidy once completed. I can highly recommend Newman plastering and will be using them again for any future plastering jobs.

All aspects of damp proofing from chemical DPC to tanking and penetrating damp. External wall coating specialists. ALL QUOTATIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. Surveys and quotations for buyers and letting agents are available on request. Which? Approved and Birmingham City Council No Rogue Traders Here approved company.

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Reviewed by Esme on 2/12/2022

Fantastic company, all very friendly and easy to get information from, Jonathan was able to accommodate us in a busy period to allow us to get the house finished on schedule. The work was completed quickly and professionally, and the house left very clean before they left.

Stuart has been in the Building industry for 25 years and cover a broad spectrum of building works services ranging from :- plastering *decorating *bespoke bathrooms,laminate flooring and kitchens and plumbing.Fully insured (certificate on request)

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Reviewed by Nigel on 25/3/2024

td general builders

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Reviewed by Andrew on 16/8/2013

Unreliable...didn't turn up to view job as promised...didn't telephone me to explain why not...can't say about value and quality as didn't get that far

My name’s is John and I’m the owner of EAGLE SERVICE company. I’m a handyman based in Pokesdown and cover Bournemouth, Poole ,Christchurch & around area offering a friendly, reliable and honest service. I have worked in the building & property maintenance sector for the last 18years, dealing with most household jobs from the minor (electric,plumbing,carpentry ) to complete renovation of flats and houses. If it's a job that you can't do yourself or need advice don't hesitate to get in touch with me!!

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Reviewed by Rob on 19/4/2024

Just like to say thanking you for a brilliant job you done on my bath panel. 10 out of 10. I would recommend for his kindness and honesty and a fair price too and no mess Thanking you again Thanking you again

We are a family run business with 20 years of experience we are fast and efficient our team are very well mannered and our work is to your standards.

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Reviewed by Vitor on 11/4/2024

All good, thanks

We are a very dynamic and innovative company; looking to grow and offer all our clients nothing but the best quality work and advice on their projects. In our company nothing leaves us more satisfied than to see the smiles of our clients on a job well done and to see that we were able to materialise their vision of the job.

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Reviewed by Adam on 17/11/2021

Great service, professional and friendly. Quick to respond to messages. I will use again.

Goldkey supply and fit windows doors and conservatories, we also repair upvc windows, doors and upgrade conservatory roofs.

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Reviewed by Ash on 28/3/2024

Amazing services and very reasonable on price. From quote to completed job was 24 hours and good quality with too, would highly recommend.

Specialist in bathroom and kitchen renovations, i am a motivated, hard-working individual who continuously strives for high quality. I embrace challenges and enjoy problem-solving. I have a strong eye for detail and pride myself in having a high level of manual dexterity. I have 12 years of experience in plumbing and bathroom renovations and have worked for large construction and maintenance companies, for example, Wates, Mears, Westminster, and kensington and Chelsea councils. i also carry out complete home renovations and all sorts of maintenance, I am confident in providing work of exceptional quality, as can be seen in my portfolio. i have a public liability insurance of £2 million Company registered in England

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Reviewed by Joshua on 12/12/2023

They responded quickly and finished the job in an hour. Well priced as well. I would certainly hire them again.

I have been self employed for 7 1/2years now, I really enjoy the freedom it gives me to take on a wide variety of projects and the responsibility that comes with creating what customers want. I believe I have a good eye for detail, and i work hard with my customers to implement their ideas. I give alternative ideas and thoughts to give customers a better overview of what they could have and potentially achieve. I like to think I’m relaxed, easy going and approachable and i think the relationship between customer and tradesman is as crucial as the work itself. I have worked all over the country on a wide range of projects installing timber bridges, boardwalks, and jetties. This gave me great experience, dealing with customers and problem solving. I thoroughly enjoy my work and love working outdoors, helping to create great gardens for people to enjoy.

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Reviewed by Maureen on 12/3/2024

Ben and Paul did an excellent job. Ben gave clear advice about options beforehand and both were punctual and respectful of property. Paul fitted the gate skilfully and relaid stone flags beautifully, cleaning up everything afterwards. We will definitely use this trader again in the future.

DPH Plumbing and Heating Engineers are professional installers of all gas appliances, boilers and central heating systems for domestic property's. We cover all of London and some surrounding areas. Here is why you should choose us first for all you're plumbing, heating and servicing needs: I know we are new to the website so give us a call for a free quote. We can handle any boiler or central heating systems. You will receive unrivaled service, when you need it - Our professional engineers are fully trained and follow all the latest health and safety regulations. Quick response when you need it. Highly competitive rates, with free quoting. 24 hour call out.

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Reviewed by Ray on 23/11/2019

Anthony was very courteous and on time.

KP Solutions, from imagination to reality. We are a small family run business with over 20 years experience & pride ourself in giving 100% on all our work. Specialising from grounds work, garden renovation, drive ways, soffits facias, guttering, drainage, repointing and much more.

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Reviewed by ANN on 30/11/2023

Job well done very nice and polite guys who came to do the job would book them again if I need them

London Development uk ltd is our company, we have been trading for over 12 years in the construction business. - We are a fully insured company with a big portfolio of jobs completed and we are friendly and reliable on any work and business that is coming across. - We can do big jobs as new buildings or full refurbishments, basements, extensions, lofts conversions etc and also we can do small jobs as bathroom refurbishments or even smaller is always space and time for a new job. - We guarantee you that you will get the best workmanship on your job with best skills and acknowledge in the construction industry, time effective and costly effective for customers. Try our company and you will gain the benefits!!!

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Reviewed by Rita on 25/12/2023

Peter contacted me and was amazing, professional with his quote and recommendation. Very clean, tidy service and very open and honest. Peter and his team are excellent builders.

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