Find local Builders Near You

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. 

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: 

• House extension cost guide 
• Garage conversion cost guide 
• Cavity wall insulation cost guide 
• Conservatory cost guide  
• Loft conversion cost guide  

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

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. 

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 

2. Stay in the loop and ask for updates as the project unfolds. This will allow you to address any potential issues before they escalate 

3. 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 

4. 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