How to Check a Builder Is Registered & Vetted (2026 UK)
There is no single national “builder's licence” in the UK, so checking a builder is legitimate means cross-referencing several sources: Companies House, the right trade body (FMB, TrustMark, Gas Safe, NICEIC, NFRC), valid public liability insurance, and genuine independent reviews. No single badge proves competence on its own — the safest approach is to confirm two or three of these together before you sign anything. This guide compares each register, explains what it does and doesn't cover, and gives you a printable vetting checklist.
UK Builder Registers & Trade Bodies Compared
Which register covers what — and whether membership is mandatory or voluntary.
Gas and electrical registrations are legally enforced; the rest are voluntary marks of competence. A builder with no relevant membership isn't automatically untrustworthy, but it puts more weight on insurance and references.
Your 6-Point Vetting Checklist
- Look the company up on Companies House. Confirm it's active, check how long it has traded and whether accounts are filed.
- Confirm trade-body membership at source. Search the FMB, TrustMark, Gas Safe or NICEIC website directly — never trust a logo on a van or website alone.
- Ask to see public liability insurance. A minimum of £2m is standard; check it is current and in the company's name.
- Read independent reviews. Look across more than one platform and weigh detailed, recent reviews over a perfect five-star average.
- Get references for similar jobs. Ask to speak to two or three recent customers, ideally for a project like yours.
- Get everything in writing. A detailed written quote, payment schedule and start/finish dates protect both sides.
Skip the Guesswork — Get Vetted Builders
BestBuilders only matches you with builders we've already checked for insurance and trading history — compare up to 3 free quotes side by side.
Common Questions
Related Guides
More guides on hiring and comparing builders.