Consumer Confidence in Builders Costs UK Economy £11.2bn a Year

A lack of consumer confidence is holding back domestic building projects, as one in five households are put off from hiring builders costing the economy £11.2 billion each year.

New research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Homeowners Alliance (HOA) also shows that 82% of UK homeowners would be willing to pay more to hire a licensed builder with proven competence.

The new data also found more than two-thirds (68%) of homeowners say mandatory licensing would increase their confidence in builders. As it stands, anyone working on a home can call themselves a builder without proving basic competence.

The data, which also shows which area is worst affected backs up a lack of confidence among homeowners in holding up domestic building projects, with one in five (19%) homeowners putting off work because they couldn’t find a builder they trust.

Yet homeowners are forced to navigate a minefield with minimal protection, leaving homeowners at risk of being ripped off by rogue builders.

Far from being vanity projects, most building work is driven by urgent need:
27% were upgrading electrics, plumbing or heating to keep homes safe and habitable.
24% were fixing structural issues or disrepair.
15% were adding essential rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders said:

“These findings are a wake-up call. Homeowners are telling us loud and clear: they want builder licensing, they need builder licensing, and they’re prepared to pay for it. Right now, families are putting off vital safety work like fixing faulty electrics, repairing structural damage, upgrading unsafe plumbing because they can’t find a builder they trust. When 82% of homeowners say they’d pay more to hire a licensed builder, the government has a clear mandate to act. A mandatory licensing scheme would give families the protection they want – and protect the reputation of reputable builders.”

Paula Higgins, the CEO of property advice website, HomeOwners Alliance added:

“Homeowners shouldn’t have to gamble when improving or repairing their homes, yet that’s exactly what the current system forces them to do. Our research shows people are holding back from vital work not because they don’t want to invest, but because they don’t feel protected. A licensing scheme would give homeowners clarity and confidence about who they’re hiring, while helping raise standards across the industry. Until that happens, too many will continue to delay essential improvements, to the detriment of their homes and the wider economy.”