Builders near you: compare up to 5 free quotes
Planning an extension, a loft conversion or a renovation? Tell us about the project and your postcode. We pass it to up to five local builders, who can send you a quote. It is free, and you never have to accept one.
## What builders doBuilders handle larger projects that need several skills and often several trades. Because these jobs cost the most, comparing quotes and checking references matters most here.
- Home extensions, single or double storey.
- Loft conversions, from rooflights to dormers.
- Renovations and refurbishments of whole rooms or houses.
- Kitchen and bathroom projects, with the plumbing and electrics.
- Garage conversions into living space.
- Structural work, such as removing a wall with steel support.
Plan the cost before you start
For a big project, knowing the likely price protects you from a surprise, because costs can climb fast. Read our guides to house extension cost, loft conversion cost and kitchen renovation cost. Each one names its sources and warns where they disagree.
You may also need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. In England and Wales, a shared wall may also fall under the Party Wall Act, although your builder should tell you. In Scotland you may need a building warrant. Ask your builder what applies.
How much do builders cost?
Price guides from Bestbuilders and Trade2base put a labourer at about £120 to £200 a day and a bricklayer at about £180 to £300. Builders often quote single-storey extensions at about £1,800 to £3,500 per square metre, before VAT and fees. London and the South East usually cost more.
These figures leave out a lot, for example kitchens, fees and finishing. A written, itemised quote is the only reliable way to budget.
How to choose a builder
We do not vet or guarantee the builders who respond, so check them yourself. Ask for ID, proof of insurance, references and photos of similar work. Membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and registration with TrustMark are two well-known schemes, and both have online searches.
While you compare, use our list of questions to ask a builder and our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust. Agree a payment plan in writing, and avoid paying a large deposit.
Before you hire
Read questions to ask a builder, how to find a tradesman you can trust and Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a reputable builder?
Get recommendations, check registrations and compare at least three written quotes, because one quote tells you little. Visit a recent job if you can, and talk to the owner. You can also send us your job and compare quotes from local builders.
How do I find a good builder for an extension?
Look for a builder with recent extensions of a similar size. Ask to see finished work, check insurance and read independent reviews. A builder who is too busy to quote properly is a warning sign.
Should I pay a builder a deposit upfront?
Keep deposits small and tie payments to stages of work, since it protects you if the job stalls. Never pay in full before the work starts. Ask the builder what the deposit covers, and get it in writing.
Are builder quotes free?
Yes, when you use our service. Individual builders may charge for a detailed design quote, so ask first.