Tradespeople costs Builders
Builders can quote very different prices for the same job.
Employing a builder
Prices for the same building job can vary hugely. When we called builders and bricklayers to get a quote for building a brick wheelie bin shelter in February 2010, we found massive differences between the quotes we were given - even within the same postcode. Even in the eastern region, which had the lowest difference, the lowest quote was £200, the highest £452.
In the south west and in the north and Scotland, the gap was £526 and £595 respectively, while in the south east it stretched to £615 - the lowest quote there being £235, the highest £850. So it really is worth shopping around. See a full UK breakdown of builder quotes here.
Which? members can find reliable local builders recommended by other Which? members on Which? Local. Which? Local features hundreds of builders around the UK.
Building costs
Below we've put the prices for common building jobs. You'll find that the cost varies depending on where you live, if there are any complications to the job and the quality of material used. If you're thinking of carrying out major home improvements check out our guide to home extensions and renovations. You should also check if you need to apply for planning permission or comply with building regulations in our guide to planning permission and building regulations. All the prices in this guide are from the Building Cost Information Service.
| Tradespeople costs for building jobs | |
|---|---|
| Job | Cost |
| Build a single storey extension with one window (3m x 3m) | £16,500 to £20,500 |
| Build a two storey extension with two windows (3m x 3m) | £27,000 to £35,500 |
| A loft conversion with four velux windows (12m x 7m) | £24,500 to £29,500 |
| A basement conversion, including waterproofing walls and floor (3m x 3m) | £18,000 |
| Replace a 5m driveway | £700 |
| Rebuild 2m of boundary wall | £475 |
| Repair a 2m crack in an external wall (no scaffolding) | £220 - £340 |
| Tradespeople costs for carpentry jobs | |
|---|---|
| Job | Cost |
| Replace timber flooring | £1,220 to £8,690 |
| Replace an external door | £395 to £610 |
| Replace skirting (3m x 3m room) | £340 |
