How much you pay for a builder will depend on the type of job you want them to do and your location. For small jobs they will usually charge an hourly rate, while larger, more complex jobs will be charged at a day rate. 

At HaMuch, our database of hourly and daily rates of extension builders in the UK helps you to get an idea of how much your building job will cost. Find out the average hour and day rates in our guide below. 

Builder hourly rate

Builders will usually charge an hourly rate for a smaller job like installing an RSJ or a concrete foundation for a shed. The average hourly rate for a builder is £29, but it can range from £19 - £53.

You’ll usually pay more per hour for your builder if you live in the south of the UK or in major cities. Rates are lower in the north of England and Wales where the cost of living tends to be lower.

Builder day rate

For larger projects that will take at least a day, builders will usually give you a day rate. They may also decide to give you a fixed price for labour and materials. Jobs that are usually charged by the day include loft conversions, garage conversions and flat roof extensions. 

The average day rate for a builder is £208, but this will vary depending on where you live. The cheapest day rate we have on our database is £132 (Belfast), while the highest is £255 (Aberdeen).

Take a look at our UK builder rates table to get a more accurate idea of rates in your nearest town or city. HaMuch has members across the country who display their rates so you can see how much they charge before you make contact with them.

Rates for common building jobs

Two storey extension

Average rate: £250 per day, at least 2 builders

Average time: 12 weeks (5 days per week)

Average material cost: £60,000 (including party wall surveys and other paperwork)

A two-storey extension is a big job, and many tradespeople, like plasterers and electricians, are involved. If you are managing the project yourself and hire builders separately from other trades, you’re likely to spend £250 per day, per builder. A two-storey extension will cost around £60,000 in materials and planning/documentation, bringing the total cost to at least £90,000.

Dormer loft conversion

Average rate: £210 per builder per day

Average time: 6 weeks

Average material cost: £11,500

A dormer loft conversion is ideal if you need some extra headroom in your loft to make it useable. The builders will add a box-like structure to your roofline which will give you more space for a bedroom, office or playroom. Expect to pay at least £210 per day per builder for at least two builders, plus material costs of £11,500 for a single dormer, making the total cost £26,000.

Build a garage

Average rate: £210 per builder per day

Average time: 3 weeks for a single garage

Average material cost: £12,000

Garages are still highly sought after, whether to house vehicles in or to use as extra storage space. If you don’t already have one, or you’ve converted your old garage into a living space, you can build another one for around £6,500 in labour costs and £12,000 in material costs, making the total £18,500.

Your checklist for finding and comparing builder rates

1. Define your project

Before you start looking for a builder, make sure you have a clear understanding of the work you want done. Whether you’re planning an extension, converting a loft or simply renovating a room, knowing exactly what you want will help you communicate effectively with builders and ensure you get accurate quotes. Create a list of tasks, include your desired materials, and think about any additional features you may want, such as underfloor heating, skylights or specific fixtures.

For larger projects, you may want to have architectural plans or designs drawn up in advance. Builders can then provide quotes based on these plans, making the process more transparent and straightforward.

2. Consider independent builders

Independent builders can offer significant benefits over larger firms. They often have lower overhead costs, which means they can charge more competitive rates while maintaining a high standard of workmanship. Independent building companies also tend to provide more personalised service, as you're likely to deal directly with the person managing your project.

Don’t be put off by lower rates - many independent builders have years of experience and are highly skilled. In fact, their flexibility and personal investment in the success of the project often make them a better choice for smaller or bespoke builds. However, it’s important to get the balance right between lower rates and good service. Extremely low rates could mean the building firm has less experience or cuts corners.

3. Get multiple quotes and read reviews

It’s always a good idea to obtain at least three quotes from different builders. This will give you a better understanding of the market rate and allow you to compare services. When comparing quotes, make sure they are itemised and include labour, materials and any subcontracted work. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, find out why - there may be hidden costs or compromises on quality.

Plus, take the time to research reviews online. Ask the builder for examples of previous projects, and if possible, contact previous clients to get feedback on their experience and the quality of the builder's work.

4. Verify insurance, qualifications, and experience

Hiring a skilled and experienced builder is essential, especially for large or complex projects. You should check that the builder has public liability insurance to cover any accidents or damage to your property. If your project involves structural work, such as knocking down walls or extending your home, the builder should also have employer’s liability insurance, and it's worth checking whether they are covered by the Federation of Master Builders or another recognised trade association.

In terms of qualifications, builders may hold NVQs or City & Guilds certifications in construction. Experienced builders should have a solid portfolio of past work to demonstrate their skills. Don’t hesitate to ask about their specific experience with the type of project you’re planning; someone with extensive experience in home extensions might not be the best choice for a listed building renovation, for instance.

5. Discuss payment terms

Before work begins, make sure you fully understand the payment terms. Large building projects often require staged payments, with a deposit paid upfront and the rest split into instalments, usually in line with key project milestones. This could include payments after the foundation is laid, once the roof is completed, and so on.

Be sure to clarify whether the builder is VAT registered and whether VAT is included in the quote. Always insist on a written contract that outlines payment terms, milestones and completion dates to protect both parties.

6. Compare timeframes and availability

When gathering quotes, also ask about the builder's availability and estimated timeframe for completing the project. Some builders might offer a lower rate but have a long waiting list, which could delay your project. Others might promise quick completion but could end up rushing the job. Look for a balance between quality, price and timeline. Be wary of builders who can start immediately - it could be a sign that they are not in high demand, or they may not have ongoing projects.

How to prepare for your builder’s visit

• Organise parking and access: Make sure there is adequate parking for your builder’s vehicle or van. If your area requires a parking permit or if there are restrictions, arrange this in advance to avoid any delays on the day. For longer projects, discuss whether you need to allocate a consistent parking spot or permit throughout the duration of the work.

• Clear the work area: Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible before the builder arrives. If they're working indoors, remove furniture, personal items and valuables from the areas where they’ll be working to protect them from dust, dirt and potential damage. Outdoors, clear garden furniture, plants, or toys if the project involves external work like extensions or landscaping.

• Consider alternative living arrangements: If your project is extensive, you may also want to consider alternative living arrangements if the disruption becomes significant, particularly for kitchen or bathroom renovations.

• Discuss power and water supply: If your project involves a lot of work, such as digging foundations or working with power tools, ensure the builder has access to electricity and water. You may need to make provisions for outdoor access to these utilities, especially if the work involves external areas of the house or garden.

• Prepare for noise and disruption: Building work, especially in larger projects like extensions or renovations, can be disruptive. Prepare yourself and your household for periods of noise, dust and mess. Communicate with your builder about their daily working hours and how they plan to minimise disruption. If possible, schedule the work for a time when it will have the least impact on your daily life.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your builder’s visit, ensuring the project goes smoothly and efficiently. 

Ready to find a builder for your project? Post your job on HaMuch now and connect with trusted local builders in your area.

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