UK Builder Rates at a Glance (2025)
| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| National average | £25–£45/hr | £180–£350/day |
| London | £38–£65/hr | £280–£480/day |
| South East | £30–£55/hr | £240–£420/day |
| Midlands | £22–£40/hr | £175–£320/day |
| North England | £20–£38/hr | £160–£300/day |
| Scotland | £22–£40/hr | £170–£310/day |
| Wales | £20–£36/hr | £160–£285/day |
Are you a builder? These are market averages. Your rate should be based on your actual costs, target income, and overheads. Use our free builder rate calculator to find your real minimum.
How Much Do Builders Charge for Common Jobs?
Single-storey extension
£1,200–£2,000/sqm
Labour and materials
Loft conversion
£20,000–£45,000
Full project
Garden wall (10m)
£800–£2,000
Labour and materials
Concrete floor pour
£50–£80/sqm
Labour only
Knock through wall
£1,200–£3,500
Inc. steel beam
Block paving driveway
£50–£100/sqm
Supply and lay
Brickwork repointing
£20–£35/sqm
Labour only
Garage conversion
£6,000–£15,000
Full project
What Affects a Builder Rate?
- FMB membership — Federation of Master Builders members are vetted and insured. They typically charge more but offer better protection.
- Project size — Large projects are quoted as a fixed price. Day rate applies for smaller or undefined work.
- Location — London and South East builders charge 30–50% more than the national average.
- Specialist skills — Structural work, heritage restoration, and groundwork command higher rates.
- Materials — Always confirm whether a quote is labour only or supply and fit.
Are you a builder? Know your real rate.
Use our free calculator to find the minimum you need to charge based on your actual costs, tax, and target income.
Calculate My Builder Rate ›Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a builder charge per day in the UK?UK builders typically charge £180–£350/day nationally. London and South East builders charge £280–£480/day. Day rates vary significantly based on the type of work and experience level.
- Should I pay a builder by the day or get a fixed quote?For large defined projects (extensions, conversions), always get a fixed-price quote. Day rate suits smaller or variation work where scope is unclear.
- How much does a single-storey extension cost in the UK?A single-storey rear extension typically costs £1,200–£2,000 per square metre including labour and materials. A 20sqm extension therefore costs roughly £25,000–£40,000.
- Do builders charge VAT?Only if VAT registered (turnover over £90,000/year). New builds and certain conversions are zero-rated for VAT. Always check your quote carefully.