Builder day rate in the UK
General builders in the UK typically charge £180–£420 per day, with a national average around £250–£300 per day. Skilled trades such as bricklayers and carpenters sit at the upper end, while labourers run £120–£180 per day. Main contractors managing a full extension or renovation usually quote a fixed price that includes labour, materials and a 15–25% margin rather than a day rate.
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Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
General builder — most of UK | £200–£320/day |
General builder — London | £300–£480/day |
Bricklayer | £220–£380/day |
Carpenter / joiner | £220–£400/day |
Labourer | £120–£180/day |
Site manager / main contractor (per project margin) | £15–£25% margin |
Labour costs
Builders typically work a 7.5–8 hour day. Some specialists (groundworkers, roofers) bill on m² or fixed-price contracts rather than day rate.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Bricklayer — per 1,000 bricks laid | £600–£1,100 |
Roofer — re-tile per m² | £60–£120/m² |
Plasterer — per room (skim) | £250–£600 |
Groundworker — concrete slab per m² | £110–£180/m² |
Carpenter — fit internal door (each) | £90–£180 |
Materials costs
Material supply is usually quoted separately and at trade rates. Main contractors often pass through with a 10–15% handling mark-up.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Bricks (per 1,000) | £350–£900 |
Cement (per 25 kg bag) | £6–£12 |
OSB / plywood sheet | £25–£60 |
Skip hire (8 yd) | £250–£450 |
Scaffolding (per week, 2-storey rear) | £800–£1,600 |
Day rate by region
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
North England, Scotland, Wales | £180–£280/day |
Midlands & South West | £200–£320/day |
South East | £240–£380/day |
Central London | £300–£480/day |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — central London adds 40–60% over the North.
- ·Skill level — bricklayers and carpenters command higher rates than general builders.
- ·Self-employed vs PAYE — limited company builders usually charge 15% more.
- ·Project complexity — heritage and listed work pays a premium.
- ·Demand — rates rise 5–10% during peak summer building season.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Get a fixed-price quote for the whole project rather than open-ended day rates.
- ·Insist on a JCT or FMB written contract for any job over £5,000.
- ·Stage payments against milestones, not weekly day rates.
- ·Schedule outside summer peak for lower rates and better availability.
- ·Use FMB or TrustMark members to reduce risk of disputes and remedials.
Frequently asked questions
- What's a typical UK builder day rate?
- £200–£320 per day for a general builder outside London; £300–£480 in central London.
- Should I pay day rate or fixed price?
- Fixed price for any defined scope above a few days. Day rate suits genuinely uncertain repair or investigation work only.
- How much deposit should I pay a builder?
- 10–20% is typical for materials. Avoid paying more than 25% up front, and never pay full balance before completion.
- Are builders' quotes negotiable?
- Yes — pricing varies 15–25% between builders on the same scope. Always tender to at least three.
- Do builders charge VAT?
- Yes if VAT-registered. Most reputable building firms are VAT-registered; smaller sole traders may not be.
- Should the builder be FMB or TrustMark registered?
- Recommended — both schemes offer dispute resolution and quality vetting. NHBC or LABC warranties apply for new builds and extensions.