A lack of trust in builders is holding back essential home improvement work, costing the UK economy an estimated £11.2bn each year.
New research from HomeOwners Alliance and Federation of Master Builders shows one in five homeowners are delaying projects because they cannot find a builder they trust.
The findings highlight a wider confidence issue in the sector, with no formal requirement for builders to prove competence before operating.
As a result, households are postponing vital repairs and upgrades, despite growing maintenance needs across the UK housing stock.
SAFETY UPGRADES
The data shows that most work being delayed is essential rather than discretionary, with 27% of projects linked to safety upgrades such as electrics and plumbing, and 24% focused on structural repairs.
Confidence could be improved through regulation, with 68% of homeowners saying mandatory licensing would increase trust in builders.
A significant 82% also said they would be willing to pay more to hire a licensed professional, suggesting strong support for reform.
The findings point to a broader impact on the housing market, as delays to maintenance and improvement work risk worsening housing quality and increasing long-term repair costs.
BUILDER LICENSING
Paula Higgins (main picture, inset), Chief Executive Officer at HomeOwners Alliance, says: “Homeowners shouldn’t have to gamble when improving or repairing their homes.
“Our research shows people are holding back from vital work not because they don’t want to invest, but because they don’t feel protected.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive at the Federation of Master Builders, added: “Homeowners are telling us loud and clear they want builder licensing.
“Families are putting off vital safety work because they can’t find a builder they trust, and a licensing scheme would give them the protection they need.”
