Looking for a builder / multi-trade across Antrim & Newtownabbey? NI Trades is an introduction service that matches Northern Ireland homeowners with builders / multi-trades who have passed our application-stage checks. Antrim & Newtownabbey is one of 11 NI council districts; tradespeople choose the councils they cover, so picking a council means you reach every builder / multi-trade who works anywhere in this district. Post your job in two minutes - only profiles of builders / multi-trades interested in your specific job are revealed, and your contact details stay private until you choose who to talk to. Insurance, credentials and references are checked at application stage only - please verify current insurance and credentials directly with any tradesperson before work begins or any money is paid.
What hiring a builder / multi-trade in Antrim & Newtownabbey looks like
Antrim & Newtownabbey is a commuter belt on the northern edge of Belfast, home to around 145,000 people across towns like Newtownabbey, Antrim and Ballyclare. The district mixes large post-war and modern commuter estates around Newtownabbey and Glengormley, older town-centre stock in Antrim, and dispersed rural housing toward Lough Neagh.
For a builder / multi-trade that usually means extensions and whole-project building work. Newtownabbey sits on the Phoenix gas network and Antrim town is on the firmus network, but rural parts of the district remain largely oil-heated, in line with the NI pattern of roughly two-thirds of homes on oil.
Antrim & Newtownabbey at a glance
Population
around 145,000 (2021 Census)
Main towns
Newtownabbey, Antrim, Ballyclare
District
a commuter belt on the northern edge of Belfast
Heating
Newtownabbey sits on the Phoenix gas network and Antrim town is on the firmus network, but rural parts of the district remain largely oil-heated, in line with the NI pattern of roughly two-thirds of homes on oil.
Extension Building Control fee
around £385 (Full Plans, 2026)
Sources: NISRA Census 2021 (population); each council's published Building Control fees schedule (2026 snapshot, fees rise each April); Phoenix Energy, firmus energy and the Gas to the West project (gas-network coverage).
Our Builders / Multi-Trades are rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 verified review from customers across Northern Ireland.
How it works
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Post your job
Describe what needs doing and confirm your job is in Antrim & Newtownabbey. Tradespeople see only the job - never your contact details.
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Get notified of interest
When a vetted tradesperson expresses interest you get a notification. Maximum 3 per job - no spam.
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Choose and connect
Only profiles of tradespeople interested in your specific job are revealed. You decide who to contact.
Building Control and approvals in Antrim & Newtownabbey
If your builder / multi-trade job involves building, electrical, heating or drainage work that needs sign-off, it is approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's own Building Control office, not a UK-wide body. A typical domestic extension on the Full Plans route costs around £385 in Antrim & Newtownabbey as of 2026, and Building Control fees across the 11 NI councils rise each April.
Before work starts, check whether you also need planning permission: see our NI planning permission guide and NI Building Regulations guide. Council Building Control applications across Northern Ireland go through Building Control NI.
Common services
- Full property renovation & refurbishment
- Project management (multi-trade coordination)
- Kitchen & bathroom refurbishment
- Period property restoration
- Commercial premises fit-out
- Buy-to-let property preparation
- HMO conversion & compliance
- Insurance reinstatement work
- Property development (multiple units)
- Multi-room refurbishment
- House clearance & strip-out
- Building survey & defect rectification
What to ask before hiring
- Do you manage all trades directly?
- What is your project management process?
- Can I see 3+ completed projects with references?
- How do you handle programme delays?
- What is your variation (extras) process?
- Are you insured for the full project value?
- Do you provide a detailed programme of works?
Typical costs in Northern Ireland
| Job type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|
| Full house refurbishment | £500–£1,200/m² | Gut refurbishment, all trades |
| Kitchen & bathroom refurb | £15,000–£50,000 | Both rooms, full fit-out |
| Commercial fit-out (per m²) | £200–£800/m² | Cat B fit-out, varies widely |
| Period property restoration | £800–£2,500/m² | Listed building complexities add cost |
| Buy-to-let refurb (2-bed) | £8,000–£25,000 | Practical finish to rental standard |
| Project management fee | 10–15% of project value | Or included in contractor's margin |
| HMO conversion | £20,000–£80,000 | Depends on property size and compliance |
Qualifications & accreditations to look for
Federation of Master Builders
UK's largest building trade association
Constructionline Gold
Pre-qualification for public sector work
Safe Contractor Approved
Health & safety management verified
Project Management (RICS)
RICS APC or CIOB qualification
Public Liability Insurance
Minimum £2m — essential for multi-trade projects
Employers Liability Insurance
Required when managing employed subcontractors
Frequently asked questions
What is the advantage of a multi-trade contractor vs managing tradespeople separately?
Coordination. With separate tradespeople, you become the project manager — scheduling plasterers after electricians, chasing delayed deliveries, managing clashes between trades. A multi-trade contractor takes this responsibility, provides a single contract, a single programme and a single point of accountability if problems arise. For complex projects this is invaluable.
How do I protect myself on a large project?
A few practical habits help: agree the full scope of work in writing before anything starts, structure payments around completion milestones rather than a single up-front sum, and confirm the contractor carries appropriate insurance for the project. For larger or higher-value projects many homeowners use a written contract — formats like the JCT Minor Works or HBA Home Improvement Contract are commonly used in NI. NI Trades is an introduction service and isn't party to the contract or payment arrangement; for advice tailored to your specific project, talk to a solicitor, surveyor or building consultant before work begins.
What should a schedule of works include?
A good schedule of works lists every element of work with quantities and specification — the type of materials, finishes and standards required. It should include a programme with key milestones, a clear variation procedure, payment terms and a defects liability period (usually 12 months). This document forms the basis of your contract and protects both parties.
How do I manage a project if I am not on site every day?
Appoint a trusted point of contact and agree regular written progress updates with photos. Carry out progress inspections at key milestones (completion of groundworks, roof structure, first fix, plastering, etc.). For larger or more complex projects some homeowners choose to appoint a project manager, architect or building surveyor to administer the contract on their behalf — discuss scope and fees with the professional directly to decide what makes sense for your project.
Helpful NI guides for hiring a builder / multi-trade
Important
Get a detailed written specification before any work starts, listing exactly what is included and excluded. This prevents scope creep, disputed extras and delays. Ask how variations to the original scope will be costed and agreed.
Antrim & Newtownabbey is part of our Northern Ireland directory. NI Trades is an introduction service, we list tradespeople who have passed our application-stage checks, but we are not party to any contract you enter into with a tradesperson. See how we vet tradespeople or browse all trade categories.