Find reliable builders near you
Extensions, loft conversions, renovations and repairs. See typical prices and find builders near you.
Find your townWhat a local builder can help with
Building work is the biggest spend most households make on their home. Getting three quotes and checking past work is the best protection you have.
House extensions
Single and double storey extensions, kitchen extensions and side returns, from foundations to finish.
Loft conversions
Velux, dormer and hip-to-gable loft conversions to add a bedroom or office.
Renovations and refurbishments
Whole-house renovations, kitchen and bathroom refits, and bringing older properties up to date.
Knocking through walls
Load-bearing walls removed and replaced with steel beams, signed off by building control.
Brickwork and repointing
Garden walls, chimney stacks and repointing of crumbling mortar.
Porches, garages and outbuildings
New porches, garage conversions and outbuildings built to regulations.
How much does a builder cost?
Typical UK guide prices, so you know what a fair quote looks like.
Builder day rate
£180-£300
Per builder per day. Labourers cost less.
Single storey extension
£2,000-£3,000
Per square metre, as a rough guide.
Loft conversion
£35,000-£60,000
Typical dormer. Velux conversions cost less.
Remove a load-bearing wall
£2,500-£6,000
Including steel beam and building control.
Guide prices only. London and the South East are usually higher, and your price depends on the job, access and materials.
How to find a builder near you
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Describe the job
Write down what needs doing, with photos if you can, so every quote covers the same work.
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Get three quotes
Contact at least three local builders and ask for a written, itemised quote.
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Check before you hire
Compare prices, check insurance and registrations, and ask to see recent work.
Before you hire a builder
A bad builder is the most expensive mistake on this page. These checks are worth the time.
- Check whether you need planning permission or whether the work falls under permitted development.
- Structural work needs building regulations approval, with inspections by building control.
- Get a written contract with a staged payment schedule. Never pay the full cost up front.
- If you share a wall with a neighbour, you may need a Party Wall agreement.
- Ask to see recent jobs and speak to previous customers.
Builder FAQs
How much does a builder charge per day?
Most builders charge £180-£300 a day, with labourers at around £120-£180. Larger jobs are usually priced as a whole project rather than by the day.
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Many single storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, but limits apply to size, height and location. Check with your local council or the Planning Portal before you start.
How long does a single storey extension take?
Typically 8 to 14 weeks on site once work starts, depending on size, weather and how quickly you choose finishes. Planning and design can add several months beforehand.
How many quotes should I get?
At least three. Make sure each builder is pricing the same drawings and specification, otherwise the quotes are not comparable.
Should I pay a builder a deposit?
A modest deposit for materials is normal on larger jobs. After that, pay in stages as work is completed and never pay for work that has not been done.