Builders cost guide
Guide prices for builders work in the UK. Final costs depend on access, materials, scope and location. Treat these figures as a guide only, then compare written quotes before committing.
Prices shown are general UK guide prices and can vary depending on access, materials, job complexity, waste removal, location, urgency and VAT status. Always compare written quotes from suitable local trades.
Typical from
£150
Typical up to
£350
Measured
per day
Typical UK guide-price examples
These are cautious guide prices for common jobs. Final quotes depend on access, materials, finish level, scope, waste, VAT and local availability.
| Job example | Guide price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General builder day rate | £180-£350 per day | Labour-only guide; materials and specialist trades are separate. |
| Remove a non-load-bearing wall and make good | £800-£2,000 | Waste, electrics, plastering and flooring can add cost. |
| Structural opening with steel beam | £2,500-£6,000 | Structural calculations, building control and finish level matter. |
| Basic garage conversion | £8,000-£20,000 | Insulation, windows, electrics, plumbing and approvals affect the total. |
| Single-storey extension | £1,800-£3,000 per m² | Guide only; specification, groundworks and location can move this significantly. |
What affects the cost?
- Size and complexity of the job
- Materials and finish level
- Access, parking and waste removal
- Urgency and availability
- Location and local demand
Guide only. Final cost depends on access, materials, scope, waste, VAT and local availability.
What is usually included?
- Labour for the agreed scope.
- Standard materials where the quote says they are included.
- Basic protection of the work area and normal clean-up.
- Clear timing, access and payment terms in writing.
What may cost extra?
- Scaffolding, skips, parking permits or difficult access.
- Hidden defects found after work starts.
- Premium materials, urgent call-outs or weekend work.
- Building control, certification or specialist subcontractors where needed.
How to compare quotes
- Ask each trade to price the same written scope.
- Check whether labour, materials, VAT and waste are included.
- Compare timescale, payment stages and any guarantees.
- Keep messages and quote documents in one place where possible.
Cheap quote warning signs
- No written scope
- Large upfront payments
- Unclear responsibility for approvals
- No insurance details
VAT and regional variation
Some trades are VAT registered and some are not, so check whether VAT is included before comparing quotes. Prices can also vary by region, parking, travel distance, local demand, property type and how quickly you need the work done.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Who manages building control?
- What payment stages are proposed?
- Is waste removal included?
- Can you provide a written scope?
When to get more than one quote
For urgent safety work you may need the first available qualified trade. For planned or higher-value work, get more than one written quote so you can compare scope, materials and timing properly.
FAQs
How much does a builder cost?
As a guide, builders typically charge £150-£350 per day. Actual prices depend on the job, materials and access. Post your job for free to get accurate quotes.
How do I get quotes from builders?
Post your job on Lead and Trade in a couple of minutes. We match it to suitable local builders who can choose to quote. It is free with no obligation.
Are the tradespeople vetted?
Tradespeople build a transparent profile and can submit verification documents for review. We only show a verified badge when verification is genuinely complete; we never display fake badges, reviews or ratings.
Is my information kept private?
Your full contact details are never shown in the public job preview. They are only shared after the approved contact or unlock step, and this is explained clearly before you submit.
Last reviewed
Last reviewed: 25 June 2026. Edited by Lead & Trade using general UK pricing research and platform-specific quote comparison guidance. This is not a fixed quote or guarantee.