Builder’s Day Rates in 2023
Are you planning a renovation, extension, or new house construction in 2023? Understanding the expected builder’s day rates can help you budget and plan your project more effectively. In this guide, we analyze 2022 rates, regional variations, and estimate the day rates for various contractors in 2023. We’ll also discuss factors that influence the labour costs and how to manage your construction budget during these volatile times.
Factors Affecting Builder’s Day Rates
Construction costs are currently volatile, and while labour rates tend to be slower to change, there have been noticeable fluctuations. Our analysis of 2023 builder’s day rates is based on thousands of labour rates held within the BuildPartner system. Several factors can impact day rates, including:
- Location: Urban areas such as London typically have higher labour rates due to increased demand and higher living costs. In contrast, rural areas may have lower rates due to less competition and lower living expenses.
- Experience and skill level: More experienced and skilled builders tend to charge higher day rates, reflecting their expertise and ability to complete projects efficiently and to a high standard.
- Type of project: Complex or specialized projects may require specific skills or equipment, resulting in higher day rates for specialized contractors.
Builder’s Day Rates by Trade and Region
We’ve created a comprehensive range of day rates broken down by trade and region to help you understand what to expect in 2023:
London Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £263 | £297 | £331 |
| Carpenter | £246 | £288 | £330 |
| Electrician | £260 | £313 | £365 |
| General Builder | £262 | £291 | £320 |
| Labourer | £136 | £173 | £211 |
| Plasterer | £254 | £288 | £322 |
| Plumber | £272 | £330 | £389 |
| Roofer | £249 | £294 | £339 |
| Tiler | £247 | £288 | £329 |
East Anglia Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £159 | £204 | £248 |
| Carpenter | £158 | £202 | £245 |
| Electrician | £200 | £242 | £285 |
| General Builder | £140 | £181 | £222 |
| Labourer | £131 | £151 | £171 |
| Plasterer | £133 | £181 | £230 |
| Plumber | £143 | £202 | £260 |
| Roofer | £125 | £181 | £238 |
| Tiler | £133 | £181 | £230 |
Midland Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £124 | £182 | £240 |
| Carpenter | £151 | £204 | £257 |
| Electrician | £196 | £241 | £285 |
| General Builder | £125 | £182 | £240 |
| Labourer | £112 | £148 | £183 |
| Plasterer | £122 | £182 | £242 |
| Plumber | £146 | £204 | £262 |
| Roofer | £124 | £182 | £240 |
| Tiler | £154 | £179 | £203 |
North Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £172 | £220 | £268 |
| Carpenter | £180 | £213 | £246 |
| Electrician | £207 | £240 | £273 |
| General Builder | £138 | £188 | £237 |
| Labourer | £125 | £138 | £151 |
| Plasterer | £145 | £188 | £230 |
| Plumber | £130 | £207 | £284 |
| Roofer | £154 | £196 | £238 |
| Tiler | £139 | £184 | £228 |
South East Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £176 | £218 | £261 |
| Carpenter | £207 | £241 | £274 |
| Electrician | £259 | £285 | £311 |
| General Builder | £185 | £218 | £252 |
| Labourer | £137 | £156 | £174 |
| Plasterer | £193 | £218 | £244 |
| Plumber | £210 | £241 | £271 |
| Roofer | £181 | £218 | £255 |
| Tiler | £196 | £218 | £241 |
South West Rates
| Low | Avg. | High | |
| Bricklayer | £143 | £200 | £257 |
| Carpenter | £177 | £210 | £243 |
| Electrician | £230 | £253 | £275 |
| General Builder | £141 | £196 | £251 |
| Labourer | £143 | £158 | £172 |
| Plasterer | £166 | £196 | £227 |
| Plumber | £133 | £216 | £299 |
| Roofer | £170 | £196 | £223 |
| Tiler | £165 | £189 | £212 |
Strategies for Managing Construction Labour Costs
To help you manage labour costs effectively, consider the following strategies:
- Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from several builders to compare prices and services. This will help you understand the market rates and find a contractor that fits your budget and requirements.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with builders. Discuss your budget constraints and see if there’s any flexibility in their pricing.
- Be flexible with project timelines: If you’re not in a rush to complete your project, consider scheduling it during a less busy time for builders. They may offer lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- Use online tools: Utilize online tools like BuildPartner to estimate and manage your construction costs effectively.
Stay Informed on Construction Costs and Trends
Stay updated with the latest UK material construction cost trends by visiting our latest UK construction material costs report for January 2023. Also, explore our resources on managing residential construction costs and understanding why construction costs vary.
Remember to monitor market trends and labour costs regularly to make informed decisions about your construction project. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to contact@buildpartner.com.
Written by,
Ken Vilaysane
Product Manager at BuildPartner
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