Find local builders & building companies near me

What can a builder help with?

Builders are skilled professionals capable of tackling a wide range of construction and renovation projects. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s functionality or aesthetic appeal, here’s how a builder can help:

• Brickwork and Blockwork: Expertise in constructing new walls, repairing existing ones, or creating bespoke features using bricks or blocks, essential for both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
• Roofing and Drain Work: Handling the installation, repair, or replacement of roofing materials to ensure your home is protected from the elements. This includes managing guttering and drainage systems to prevent water damage.
• Plumbing and Electrics: Collaborating with specialised subcontractors to install or upgrade your home’s plumbing and electrical systems. This ensures that all installations meet current safety standards and regulations.
• Laying Foundations: Building the foundation for new constructions or extensions, crucial for the long-term stability and safety of your home.
• Single and Double Storey Extensions: Creating additional living space by building upwards or outwards, whether you’re looking for a new bedroom, larger living area, or an expanded kitchen.
• Kitchen and Rear Extensions: Enhancing your home’s ground floor with a spacious kitchen or rear extension, perfect for modern open-plan living spaces and improving the connection to your garden.

Builders coordinate these extensive tasks by working closely with architects, engineers, and other specialists to ensure the project’s success from conception to completion. Their role is not only to construct but to manage the project efficiently, adhering to budgets, schedules, and building codes. When considering a building project, it’s essential to choose a reputable builder with the experience, skills, and resources necessary to bring your vision to life.

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

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Other builder FAQs

Should I pay a builder in cash?

Paying a builder in cash isn’t recommended for several reasons. Firstly, it lacks a paper trail, making it harder to prove payment if disputes arise. Secondly, reputable builders will have formal payment methods in place that offer both parties more security and transparency. Always insist on a receipt or invoice for any payments made.

How Do I Set a Budget for Building Work?

Setting a budget for building work involves several steps. Start by defining the scope of your project clearly and consider consulting with a professional to estimate costs accurately. Factor in a contingency fund of around 10-20% for unforeseen expenses. Obtain multiple quotes from different builders to gauge the market rate and ensure the quotes are detailed, covering all aspects of the work required.

What is Public Liability Insurance and Do Builders Need It?

Public Liability Insurance protects businesses against claims made by the public for incidents that occur as a result of their business activities. For builders, this is essential as it covers damages or injuries to third parties or their property. Ensure your builder has this insurance to protect against any potential liabilities during the construction process.

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