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.
Planning the work? Check what it usually costs, or work out your own estimate. The free quote form is at the top of this page.
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.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Most builders are honest, but a few patterns should stop you signing. Treat any of these as a reason to pause and get more quotes:
- They found you by cold-calling or knocking. Doorstep and "we are working nearby" approaches are the classic rogue-trader opener — reputable firms rarely need them.
- Cash only, or a large deposit up front. Insist on traceable payments tied to completed stages, and never hand over the full price before the work is done.
- Pressure to decide today. A genuine quote holds for days or weeks; "this price is only good now" is a sales tactic, not a fair offer.
- No written quote or contract. Verbal-only pricing leaves you exposed; get the scope, price, payment schedule and dates in writing.
- No verifiable address or insurance. A mobile number and a first name are not enough — confirm the company at source before you commit.
- Vague on trade-body membership. If they claim FMB, Gas Safe or NICEIC, check it yourself on that body's register rather than taking a logo at face value.
If something feels wrong, report it — Citizens Advice runs the consumer helpline that feeds Trading Standards, and you can confirm a limited company on Companies House. For a positive shortlist instead, read how to hire a trusted builder and how many quotes to get, or browse vetted builders in your area.
Common Questions
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