Quotes from Local Builders
From a new garden wall to taking out a chimney breast, describe the job once and hear back from builders who work in your area.
A good builder is the person who makes everything else in a project happen. On a small job they might do the lot themselves; on a larger one they will usually run the site, bring in bricklayers, plasterers and roofers, and deal with building control on your behalf.
Because the word "builder" covers everything from a one-person outfit to a firm with its own groundworks crew, the most useful thing you can do is be clear about the job. The more detail you give when you request quotes – measurements, photos, drawings if you have them – the easier it is to compare like with like.
Building work we can help you get quoted
Knock-throughs and open-plan layouts
Removing internal walls to join a kitchen and dining room, including steel beams, padstones and making good. Load-bearing walls need structural calculations and building regulations sign-off.
Brickwork and garden walls
Boundary walls, retaining walls, piers for gates and repointing tired brickwork with a mortar that suits the age of the house.
Chimney breast removal
Taking out a chimney breast to free up floor space, with proper support for anything left above – often gallows brackets or a steel.
Renovation and refurbishment
Stripping out and bringing an older property back up to scratch: replastering, new openings, damp treatment and coordinating the other trades.
Porches and small structures
Brick or timber porches, garden rooms on a proper base and outbuildings. Many porches fall under permitted development if they stay within size limits.
Groundworks and drainage
Foundations, soakaways, drainage runs and bases for sheds, garden offices and extensions.
When you need a builder rather than a handyman
If the job touches the structure of the house – walls, beams, foundations, chimneys – or needs building regulations approval, you want a builder with experience of that specific work. A handyman is fine for shelves and small repairs, but not for removing a wall that is holding up the floor above.
It is also worth using a builder when several trades need coordinating. Paying one firm to manage the sequence of work usually saves time and avoids the familiar problem of the plasterer turning up before the electrician has finished first fix.
What to check before work starts
- Structural work such as removing a load-bearing wall needs building regulations approval, either through your local authority building control or an approved inspector. Ask your builder who will submit the application and arrange inspections.
- If the work affects a wall you share with a neighbour, or involves digging foundations close to their property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply in England and Wales. You usually need to serve notice before work begins.
- Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas can need extra consent even for work that would otherwise be straightforward. Check with the council before you commit.
What builders typically charge
These are broad, indicative UK ranges to help you sense-check quotes. Prices in London and the South East are often higher, and every job is priced on its own merits.
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Builder's day rate | £200–£320 per day |
| Removing a non-load-bearing internal wall | £800–£2,000 |
| Removing a load-bearing wall with a steel beam | £2,500–£6,500 |
| Chimney breast removal (one floor) | £1,500–£3,500 |
| New brick garden wall (per metre, around 1m high) | £250–£500 |
Prices are indicative only and include VAT where the tradesperson is VAT-registered. Always get written quotes for your specific job.
What affects the price
- Access
- A job reached through a narrow side passage or a mid-terrace house with no rear access takes longer, and waste may have to go through the house.
- Structural requirements
- Steels, padstones and engineer's calculations add cost, but they are not optional where a wall carries load.
- Waste and skips
- Skip hire and permits for skips on the road vary between councils and can add a few hundred pounds.
- Finish level
- Some quotes stop at "made good ready for decoration" and others include plastering, skirting and painting. Check where each quote ends.
Comparing builders' quotes
- Ask for a written, itemised quote rather than a single figure
- Check who is responsible for building control and party wall notices
- Ask to see recent, similar jobs – ideally ones you can visit or photos with dates
- Agree stage payments linked to progress and avoid paying large sums up front
- Confirm public liability insurance and any trade association membership
- Get the start date, expected duration and working hours in writing
Request builder quotes
Describe the job, add your postcode and compare quotes from local tradespeople. It's free, and you're under no obligation to go ahead.
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Areas we cover
You can request builder quotes anywhere in the UK. Our local guides focus on fencing, and include advice on other trades in each area.
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Builders: frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get from builders?
Three is a sensible number. It gives you a feel for the going rate without spending weeks on site visits. If one quote is far lower than the others, find out what has been left out before assuming it is a bargain.
Do I need an architect or structural engineer?
For knocking through a load-bearing wall you will need a structural engineer's calculations for the beam. Many builders can arrange this. An architect or architectural technician is usually only needed for extensions, loft conversions or significant layout changes.
How much deposit should a builder ask for?
For most domestic jobs, a modest deposit to cover materials is reasonable, with the rest paid in stages as the work progresses. Be cautious of anyone asking for a large proportion of the total before starting.
Can a builder start straight away?
Good builders are often booked several weeks or months ahead, particularly in spring and summer. A builder who can start tomorrow is not automatically a warning sign, but it is worth asking why.
Is it free to request quotes?
Yes. Requesting quotes through Fencing Quotes is free and there is no obligation to go ahead with any of the tradespeople who contact you.