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Builders near you

16,159 builders and building firms are listed on GotAPal across the UK. Pick your town or search by postcode, then contact a builder directly. Or post your building job free and we'll pass it to listed builders near you.

House extension cost guide →

Builders listed on GotAPal

16,159 builders listed · best match first · Featured means paid placement

Builders by town

517 towns, A to Z.

Builders that manage their own profile

58 businesses have claimed their GotAPal listing, so the details come from them rather than public records. GotAPal still doesn't vet them.

What kind of builder do you need?

General builders

Repairs, alterations, knocking through and small works.

Extensions and loft conversions

Bigger projects need drawings, a written contract and, often, approval from your council.

How much does a house extension cost? →

Bricklaying and brickwork

Walls, garden walls and repointing. Many builders do brickwork; ask when you call.

Groundworks, patios and driveways

Landscapers often do patios and driveways.

Landscapers near you →

Planning permission and building regulations

They are two different things. Planning is about what you build; building regulations are about how it is built.

Planning permission (England and Wales)

GOV.UK says: "You'll probably need planning permission if you want to: build something new, make a major change to your building, such as building an extension, change the use of your building".

Building regulations

GOV.UK says: "You must check if you need approval before you construct or change buildings in certain ways." Agree in writing whether you or the builder will deal with building control.

How to check a builder yourself

GotAPal lists businesses from public records and does not check or vet them. Before you hire, do these checks yourself. They take a few minutes.

  • For bigger jobs, get a written contract as well as a written quote.
  • Agree who will deal with building control, in writing.
  • If the builder trades as a limited company, look it up on Companies House: check it is active and the name and address match.
  • Ask for their public liability insurance certificate and check the dates on it.
  • If they say they belong to a trade body, check it on that body's own website, not on the business's.
  • Get a written quote that lists the work, materials, price and when payment is due.
  • Never pay a large sum up front. Pay in stages tied to work done.

Rules and guidance quoted on this page were checked on 27 September 2026.

Guides, and related trades and services

Are you a builder?

Claim your free GotAPal listing: no lead fees and no commission. If you have no website for it to point at, 3 Wee Pages, from the same company, builds a three-page website for builders on your own .co.uk.

Builders: common questions

How do I find a builder near me?

Pick your town from the list on this page, or search by postcode, to see builders listed near you. Open a profile to see how to contact them, and contact them directly. Or post your job free and we'll pass it to listed builders near you.

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

Often, yes. GOV.UK says you will probably need planning permission to build something new, make a major change to your building such as an extension, or change its use. Contact your council's planning team to check.

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission is about what you build and whether it is allowed. Building regulations are about how it is built, for example its structure and safety. A job can need one, both or neither.

Should I pay a builder up front?

Not a large sum. Agree stage payments tied to work done, and put them in the written contract.

Is GotAPal free to use?

Yes. Searching, contacting builders and posting a job are free for you, and builders pay no lead fees or commission. The only paid option is Top Pal featured placement, which is always labelled Featured.

Are you a builder? Your business may already be listed.

Claim your profile free. No lead fees and 0% commission.

Claim your free profile
Can't find the right one?

Post the job and let local businesses come to you.

Describe what you need. We email it to listed businesses near you, and anyone interested gets in touch. Free, no sign-up to start.

Post a building jobHow it works