What does a builder do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Builders oversee and work on a range of construction projects, as well as repairs and renovation. You could work on residential buildings, for example on remodelling, brickwork, and plastering. Or you may work on small commercial projects doing minimal repairs and restoration work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not uncommon for self-employed builders to do a bit of everything when it comes to domestic construction projects. While with specialist skills you may be subcontracted to work on larger commercial or non-residential property projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
How much do builders earn in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The average builder salary in the UK is \u00a343,500, according to job site Totaljobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as a self-employed builder you can set your own hours and day rates. This can vary depending on experience and specialism, as well as where in the country you\u2019re working. A builder day rate can range from \u00a3150 to \u00a3280<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your rate might vary for different skills though. For example, a bricklayer salary in the UK can be around \u00a3150 to \u00a3200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to working environment, you\u2019ll generally be working outdoors, but there may be some internal work too. You\u2019re likely to work in a variety of settings, both residential and commercial, including houses, hospitals, or even roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you set your own rates, there\u2019s no set self-employed minimum wage, but make sure you\u2019re aware of the current national and living wage<\/a> rates if you employ anyone in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And as you can see from our data, builders ranked as the top earning trade in the UK in 2023. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n But as you can see from the image below, location also plays a role in your earning potential as a tradesperson. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re thinking of starting your own business<\/a>, read on for our seven-step guide to becoming a self-employed builder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re becoming a builder for the first time, you\u2019ll need some training. Many builders learn on the job or through apprenticeships<\/strong>, but there are other options available if this isn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could go down the route of formal construction qualifications and adult courses at your local training provider. For example, City and Guilds offers a General Construction course<\/a>, plus specialist courses in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your long-term goals and business plan<\/a>, you may start by building general skills, and consider specialising further when you have some experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You have two main choices when it comes to choosing a legal structure for your business: sole trader<\/strong> or running a limited company<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being a sole trader is likely to be the simplest option, though you\u2019ll still need to register with HMRC and complete an annual Self Assessment tax return. That said, there can be advantages to setting up a limited company and paying yourself that way, depending on your earnings and other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about the differences between sole traders and limited companies<\/a> to decide what works for your business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important that you understand your tax responsibilities as a self-employed builder. You\u2019ll need to register with HMRC<\/a> as soon as you start trading, and you\u2019ll need to complete and file an annual Self Assessment tax return<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can subtract some self-employed expenses from your turnover<\/a> when working out how much tax you need to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a builder, your tax-deductible expenses will likely include things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re working from a temporary workplace, you can also claim for travel and subsistence costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our guide to what tax you need to pay<\/a> explains more about how this works.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/top-earning-trades-2024.png?w=1024\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"top-earning-trades-locations.png\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/top-earning-trades-locations.png?w=1024\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBecoming a self-employed builder: a 7-step guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Consider builder qualifications and training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Setting up your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Know your tax responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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