Income Target
Working Hours
Travel between jobs, unpaid quoting visits, loading/unloading
Annual Overheads
Builders typically have higher overheads than most trades due to materials handling, larger van, heavy tools, and CSCS card costs. Use the Overhead Calculator for an exact figure.
Profit & Comparison
What is the average hourly rate for a builder in the UK?
The typical builder hourly rate in the UK ranges from £35–£55/hr nationally. In London and the South East, rates reach £50–£80/hr. North England and Wales are typically at the lower end, around £28–£45/hr.
Builders typically charge £35–£55/hr nationally. Labour rates for general building work are lower per hour than specialist trades, but daily earnings are comparable due to longer on-site time and fewer interruptions.
Call-out fees for builders
Building work suits day rates or fixed quotes better than strict hourly rates. For small repair jobs, a half-day minimum (4 hours) is standard. Always clarify whether your rate includes materials or labour only.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the average hourly rate for a builder in the UK?Builders typically charge £35–£55/hr nationally. Labour rates for general building work are lower per hour than specialist trades, but daily earnings are comparable due to longer on-site time and fewer interruptions.
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Should I charge a call-out fee?Building work suits day rates or fixed quotes better than strict hourly rates. For small repair jobs, a half-day minimum (4 hours) is standard. Always clarify whether your rate includes materials or labour only.
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How many hours a year can I actually bill as a builder?After holidays, sick days, training, and admin time, most sole traders have around 207 billable days per year. With 20% of on-site time non-billable (travel, unpaid quoting), real billable hours are typically 1,300–1,400 per year — not the 2,080 a full working year would suggest. Basing your rate on the wrong number means undercharging by thousands.