Whether you're a homeowner getting quotes or a self-employed builder setting your prices, you need to know what builders are actually charging in 2026. Rates vary hugely depending on your trade, region, and experience. Here's the full breakdown of builder day rates across the UK.
Builder Day Rate by Trade — UK 2026
The term "builder" covers a wide range of trades. Here's what each one charges per day in 2026:
| Trade | Day Rate (Outside London) | Day Rate (London) |
|---|---|---|
| General labourer | £120-£180 | £160-£220 |
| General builder | £220-£350 | £350-£500 |
| Bricklayer | £250-£380 | £380-£500 |
| Carpenter/Joiner | £220-£350 | £350-£480 |
| Plasterer | £200-£320 | £320-£450 |
| Roofer | £250-£380 | £380-£520 |
| Groundworker | £200-£300 | £300-£420 |
| Tiler | £220-£350 | £350-£480 |
General Builder Day Rate — Regional Breakdown
Here's what general builders charge across different parts of the UK:
| Region | Day Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £350-£500 | £50-£70 |
| South East | £300-£420 | £42-£60 |
| South West | £250-£350 | £35-£50 |
| Midlands | £230-£330 | £32-£48 |
| North West | £220-£320 | £30-£45 |
| North East | £200-£300 | £28-£42 |
| Scotland | £220-£330 | £30-£48 |
| Wales | £200-£300 | £28-£42 |
| Northern Ireland | £180-£280 | £25-£40 |
Common Building Job Prices
Here's what customers typically pay for common building work in 2026:
| Job | Typical Price (Labour + Materials) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden wall (per metre) | £200-£400 | Varies |
| Patio/paving (20m²) | £2,000-£4,000 | 3-5 days |
| Single storey extension | £30,000-£60,000 | 8-12 weeks |
| Garage conversion | £10,000-£20,000 | 3-4 weeks |
| Chimney removal | £1,500-£4,000 | 2-4 days |
| Internal wall removal | £1,000-£3,000 | 1-3 days |
| Damp proofing | £2,000-£5,000 | 2-5 days |
| Loft conversion | £30,000-£60,000 | 6-10 weeks |
For detailed pricing on specific projects, see our guides on quoting loft conversions and kitchen installations.
Pro Tip: For larger building projects, always provide a detailed, itemised quote rather than an estimate. Customers are more likely to choose the builder with the most professional, clear pricing — even if it's not the cheapest.
How to Calculate Your Builder Day Rate
Your day rate needs to cover more than just your wages. Here's the formula:
- Target take-home: What do you want to earn? E.g., £35,000
- Add tax & NI: Roughly 25%. So £35,000 + 25% = £43,750
- Add business costs: Van, insurance, tools, fuel, skip hire, plant hire, phone. Roughly £8,000-£15,000/year. Total: £55,000
- Divide by working days: 220 days (allowing for weather, quiet periods, holidays). £55,000 / 220 = £250/day
- Add profit margin: 15-25%. £250 x 1.2 = £300/day
Day Rate vs Fixed Price — Which is Better?
Day rate works best for:
- Small maintenance and repair jobs
- Work where the scope might change (e.g., uncovering hidden problems)
- When working as a subcontractor on larger sites
Fixed price works best for:
- Extensions, conversions, and major renovations
- New builds and complete refurbishments
- Any job you can accurately measure and price
Fixed pricing is generally more profitable. As you gain experience, you complete jobs faster but charge the same price. Don't undercharge yourself — your skill and speed have value.
What Affects Builder Day Rates?
- Trade specialism — Bricklayers and roofers command higher rates than general builders due to specialist skills
- Experience — A builder with 15+ years and a strong portfolio can charge 30-50% more than someone starting out
- Reputation — Google reviews, Checkatrade scores, and word-of-mouth referrals justify premium pricing
- Certifications — CSCS card, Federation of Master Builders membership, and trade body accreditations add credibility
- Insurance — Public liability insurance (at least £2m) is essential. Customers increasingly ask for proof
Tips for Setting Your Builder Rates
- Research your local market — Check what other builders in your area charge. Ask subcontractors what they're paying
- Don't compete on price alone — The cheapest builder rarely wins the best jobs. Compete on professionalism, reliability, and quality
- Review your rates annually — Material costs, fuel, and insurance go up every year. Your rates should too
- Track your time — Know exactly how long each job type takes so you can price accurately
- Use quoting software — Professional, itemised quotes win more work and reduce admin time. See our best apps for tradesmen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average builder day rate in the UK in 2026?
The average general builder day rate is £220-£350 outside London and £350-£500 in London. Specialist trades like bricklayers charge £250-£500 depending on location.
How much does a labourer cost per day in the UK?
A general building labourer costs £120-£180 per day outside London and £160-£220 in London. Skilled labourers with CSCS cards and plant operation tickets earn more.
How much does a bricklayer charge per day?
Self-employed bricklayers charge £250-£380 per day outside London and £380-£500 in London. Top bricklayers laying 400-500 bricks per day earn at the higher end.
Should I charge a day rate or quote per job?
For small jobs and maintenance, a day rate is simpler. For larger projects like extensions, loft conversions, and renovations, always provide a fixed-price quote. Fixed pricing is more profitable as you get faster with experience.
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