Renovating in the UK — how to choose a contractor and what it costs in GBP

The British market operates with different rates and different documents than those in Poland. If you are renovating a house in the UK or hiring a crew from Britain, here is a reference point before you sign anything. ## Labor rates in 2027 (GBP) - General labor / helper: £4–£5 per hour - Qualified tradesperson (plumber, electrician): £7–£11 per hour - Renovation crew (2–3 people): £50–£84 per day - Turnkey bathroom renovation (4–6 m²): £900–£1800 - Kitchen renovation with installation replacement: £1400–£3000 (excluding furniture and appliances) In London and the South East, add 25–40% to the rates outside the metropolitan area. ## Documents to request 1. Company number and registration in Companies House. 2. Public Liability Insurance — at least £2 million, for larger works £5 million. 3. Certificates for specialized work: electrical (Part P), gas (Gas Safe), window replacement (FENSA). 4. VAT registration for larger orders — check if the price includes VAT. Lack of a company number and insurance is not a "formality" — it is your only real means of recovering money if something goes wrong. ## Payments — a model that protects the investor - Advance for materials: 10–20%. - Installments after the completion of stages, never for "progress of work" without inspection. - 5–10% held for final acceptance (retention), paid out after defects are rectified. - Payment by bank transfer, with a description of the stage — cash without a receipt does not exist in a dispute. ## Contract — five clauses you should not start without 1. Scope of work with a list of items, not a general "bathroom renovation." 2. Schedule with start and completion dates. 3. Penalties for delay (liquidated damages) — a specific daily amount. 4. Who buys the materials and who is responsible for their quality. 5. Scope change procedure: written valuation and acceptance before execution. ## How to check a contractor in 20 minutes - Companies House: date of registration (a company registered a month ago claiming "15 years of experience" is a contradiction). - Gas Safe / NICEIC register for installation work. - Reviews based on content, not stars: punctuality, corrections, settlement of extras. - One visit to an ongoing construction site — order and safety measures say more than a portfolio. ## Compare quotes for the same scope The biggest difference in British valuations does not come from quality, but from what is missing from the quote: scaffolding, waste disposal, wall skimming, certificates. Therefore, always ask for an itemized quote and compare point by point. Publish a job and collect offers from companies in your region in GBP — with profiles, certificates, and investor reviews. The British market is now available on LocalTrader, and AI valuation will suggest preliminary cost ranges before you start talking.