How Much Does a Builder Charge Per Day in the UK?

Typical daily rates for builders in the UK, what affects the price, and why day rates are not always the best way to price a project.

Builder day rates are a common way to price smaller jobs or additional work, but they vary significantly depending on the trade, location and experience level.

Typical Day Rates (2024/25)

These are approximate day rates for the most common trades:

• General builder / bricklayer: £200-£350 per day
• Labourer: £120-£180 per day
• Carpenter / joiner: £200-£320 per day
• Electrician: £250-£400 per day
• Plumber: £250-£380 per day
• Plasterer: £200-£300 per day
• Roofer: £220-£350 per day
• Painter and decorator: £180-£280 per day
• Groundworker: £200-£320 per day

What Affects the Rate?

Location

London and the South East command the highest rates - often 30-50% more than the national average. Rates in the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be lower.

Experience and Reputation

An experienced, established builder with a full diary will charge more than someone just starting out. This usually reflects genuine differences in quality, reliability and speed of work.

Specialisation

Specialist trades (structural steelwork, heritage restoration, basement waterproofing) command premium rates due to the niche skills and qualifications required.

Time of Year

Builders are busiest from spring through to autumn. Winter can sometimes offer slightly lower rates or better availability, though outdoor work is more difficult.

Day Rate vs Fixed Quote

Understanding when each pricing method is appropriate:

Day Rates Work Best For:

• Small jobs (1-3 days)
• Repair work where the full extent is unknown until work starts
• Additional work that arises during a larger project
• Maintenance and odd jobs

Fixed Quotes Work Best For:

• Defined projects (extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments)
• Work with clear drawings and specifications
• Projects where you need cost certainty

What Day Rates Usually Include

• Labour only - the builder's time on site
• Basic hand tools

Day rates typically do not include:

• Materials (you buy or they add to the bill)
• Skip hire or waste disposal
• Scaffolding
• Specialist tools or plant hire
• VAT (if the builder is VAT registered)

Tips

• Always agree the rate in writing before work starts
• Clarify exactly what is and is not included
• For larger jobs, a fixed quote is almost always better than day rates - it gives you cost certainty and removes the incentive to work slowly
• If paying day rates, check in on progress regularly to ensure work is proceeding at a reasonable pace