Builder is a term that can be thrown around to describe anyone with a hammer, having some knowledge about different types of builders and an understanding of who does what can be a great advantage in terms of the efficiency, price and quality of work done on a property.

 Main Contractor

A main contractor manages a project for you; he will take responsibility for everything to do with the job, however loosely linked.

He will organise the materials along with hiring sub-contractors, checking building regulations, dealing with inspectors, and he will liaise with your architect.

If anything goes wrong the main contractor or their company should deal with it, they have total responsibility for the quality of the end product.

Obviously all of this comes at a price, to cover the overheads it is likely to put a mark-up of at least 15% on the cost of the work.

Sub-contractor

Shouldering the project management yourself can be extremely stressful, especially if you are dealing with a large, complex job and you are inexperienced. Sub-contractors and individual tradesmen are the people you will be dealing with to get your individual jobs done.

Sub-contractors will often need to have association with regulatory bodies, such as CORGI (Confederation for the Registration of Gas Installers), NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), or other related trade organisations.

However, do not take it for granted that a quality job is guaranteed by these qualified members, it is always advisable to go by personal recommendation and references.

Small Contractor

Small Contractors do a similar job to the main contractor only with dampened responsibility; they may leave any regulation checks, architect dealing, material supply and suchlike to you.

Builders like this will often specialise in a trade and bring in other tradesmen such as plumbers or electricians as the job requires.

‘Odd Job Man’

This can be the cheapest option as his overheads will be lower; he will be able to perform the work of a lot of different tradesmen. A day rate or fixed price decision will be made between you and should be kept reasonably formal.

The knowledge of the job you are getting done may need to be more accomplished if you are to hire an odd job man as you will almost certainly have to provide all the right materials and make decisions when something unforeseen comes up.

Comparing rates (per day):

Specialist builder: £180-£200                       General Builder: £120-£180 per day

Labourer: £40-£100                                         Odd Job Man: £65-£120 per day