A builder is a construction professional who will be responsible for constructing, renovating and repairing both commercial and residential properties.

There is plenty of variety available as a builder, especially when going from one project to the next. Some tradespeople in this area may specialise in a field too, such as bricklaying or soundproofing work.

A builder’s career path may also lead them either down a route where they work for just the one construction company, or they opt to be hired on a project basis.

What do builders do?

Work that is carried out by a builder can involve the following aspects:

Being involved in construction work on public and private housing, commercial and industrial buildings, and non-residential public property
Working with a construction team to plan out a new construction development, as well as liaising with carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers and other tradespeople when their skillsets are required to complete a project
Preparing a construction area and keeping it clean throughout building work
Carrying out thorough safety audits ahead of any construction work, to ensure a site is secure and all equipment being used is fit for purpose
Being able to erect, maintain and then dismantle scaffolding safely
Undertaking construction activity using heavy machinery in the correct manner
Laying the foundations of a new build or renovation work, due to structural adjustments being needed
Making buildings soundproof and waterproof
Laying pipes and insulation around a structure
Completing projects which are in line with industry and regulatory standards, as well as the needs of the client
Preparing quotes, submitting tenders and filling out planning applications for building work

Builder job duties and requirements

These skills are all important if pursuing a career as a builder:

Being able to understand technical drawings, blueprints and specifications linked to construction projects
Have the knowledge on how to correctly move heavy objects using cranes, diggers, forklifts and trucks
Know how to safely use access platforms, concrete mixers, ladders and power drills
Being able to work at height
Have excellent attention to detail
Steadiness and the ability to stay calm under pressure
Strong coordination
A good level of health and fitness
Proven physical strength
Can work well in a team
Being able to multitask
Great time management skills
Great budgeting skills
Great communication skills

Expected builder salary

How much do builders earn will be a question people will likely have when considering this as a career. This is the average salary of this type of construction professional, according to Checkatrade research:

An apprentice builder has an average salary in the region of £11,000 per year, which works out at approximately £10,715 of take-home pay
A newly qualified builder has an average salary in the region of £32,000 per year, which works out at approximately £25,214 of take-home pay
An employed builder has an average salary in the region of £40,000 per year, which works out at approximately £30,763 of take-home pay
A sole trader builder has an average salary in the region of £56,000 per year, which works out at approximately £37,589 of take-home pay
A business owner of a Ltd company in the building sector has an average salary in the region of £57,000 per year, which works out at approximately £37,508 of take-home pay

Builder apprenticeships, degrees and courses

Three educational routes into the building industry are enrolling for an apprenticeship, earning a vocational qualification or getting a degree.

A builder apprenticeship

Taking on a builder apprenticeship provides the opportunity for people to learn and then improve their construction skills through a blend of classroom training and practical opportunities when working alongside experienced builders.

Trade unions, professional associations and employers in the construction sector all offer apprenticeships, where a wide variety of building tasks are performed by apprentices under supervision and while they earn the national minimum wage.

Apprentices can choose to specialise in a building profession during their study, such as quantity surveying or bricklaying, with an apprenticeship usually covering a three-to-five-year period.

A builder NVQ

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) within construction is another way to become a builder.

Those studying for a NVQ will see their education split between learning about the theoretical side of being a builder and working in a way that will showcase their skills in a practical setting.

Just like with an apprenticeship, NVQ students can earn an income while they learn.

A builder degree

Whether at the start of a career or during a point of a person’s working life, getting a builder degree is a great way for tradespeople to develop higher-level skills which will open the door to more senior roles in the industry.

Courses within these types of degree can cover the following topics:

Construction theory
Understanding of specialist construction technologies
Operations management and planning processes
Project scheduling and budgeting
Materials testing practices
The use of sustainable construction practices
Health and safety procedures
Understanding of building codes

It usually takes four years to complete a builder degree.

A note about the CSCS program

Within the UK’s construction sector, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a nationally recognised program.

A database within the CSCS will detail every person in the industry who has either earned a construction qualification or is studying towards gaining one. All CSCS card holders need the appropriate training and qualifications to obtain a card.

Builders will need a CSCS card to gain access to a construction site, so this should be seen as a vital component to becoming a builder.

A career route into becoming a builder should now be a lot clearer from reading this guide. Still considering your options when looking to become a skilled tradesperson though? Be sure to read our comprehensive career guides focused on roofers, plumbers, joiners and carpenters.

Career Guide: How to Become a Builder

What is a builder?