Builder in Carrickfergus | Vetted Builders in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Looking for a builder in Carrickfergus? NI Trades is an introduction service that matches Northern Ireland homeowners with builders who have passed our application-stage checks. Post your job in two minutes — only profiles of builders 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.

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How it works

Post your job

Describe what needs doing and confirm your job is in Carrickfergus. Tradespeople see only the job — never your contact details.

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Choose and connect

Only profiles of tradespeople interested in your specific job are revealed. You decide who to contact.

Common services

Single & double storey house extensions
Loft conversions (Velux, dormer, mansard)
Garage conversions
Structural wall removal & steel fitting
Groundworks & foundations
Brickwork, blockwork & stonework
Underpinning & subsidence repair
Concrete work & oversite
Drainage & soakaway installation
New build construction
Commercial fit-out & refurbishment
Listed building & renovation work

What to ask before hiring

Are you familiar with NI building regulations?
Do you manage subcontractors and specialist trades?
Can you provide full references and photos?
Are you a member of the Federation of Master Builders?
Will you obtain all necessary permissions?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you have experience with this type of project?

Typical costs in Northern Ireland

Job type	Typical price	Notes
Single storey rear extension	£1,200–£2,000/m²	Full build, exc. fit-out
Double storey extension	£1,500–£2,500/m²	Structurally more complex
Loft conversion (Velux)	£25,000–£45,000	Basic conversion with two Velux
Garage conversion	£8,000–£20,000	Depends on finish level
Structural wall removal & steel	£1,500–£5,000	Structural engineer required
New build (per m²)	£1,800–£3,000/m²	Full specification build
Day rate per labourer	£150–£250/day	Varies by experience level
Building regulations application	£200–£500	Your builder can often manage this

Qualifications & accreditations to look for

Federation of Master Builders

UK's largest building trade association — vetted members

NHBC Registration

New Homes Quality Code — for new build warranties

CITB Levy Registered

Construction Industry Training Board registration

CSCS Manager/Supervisor Card

Site management qualification

Structural Engineer PI Insurance

Required for structural design sign-off

Public Liability Insurance

Minimum £2m recommended for building projects

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for an extension in NI?

In Northern Ireland, many extensions are covered by Permitted Development rights — meaning you do not need planning permission. Generally, a single-storey rear extension up to 4m deep (detached) or 3m deep (semi-detached) is permitted. However, permitted development rules differ from England and Wales, so always check with your local council or your builder before starting work.

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission controls whether a development is acceptable in terms of its size, appearance and impact on neighbours. Building regulations ensure the construction is structurally safe, energy-efficient and has proper drainage and fire safety. You can sometimes need one without the other. Your builder should guide you through both processes.

How do I make a confident hire on a building project?

A few habits help homeowners feel confident: get more than one written quote, ask for references from similar completed jobs and follow them up, check membership of a trade body such as the Federation of Master Builders, confirm public liability insurance is current and ask to see the certificate, and put the scope of work, timeline and payment arrangement in writing before anything starts. NI Trades is an introduction service and isn't party to the contract or payment terms — for advice tailored to your specific project, talk to a solicitor, surveyor or building consultant before work begins.

How long does a house extension take?

A typical single-storey rear extension (30–40m²) takes approximately 12–20 weeks from breaking ground to finished decoration. This includes groundworks (2–3 weeks), brickwork/block (3–4 weeks), roof (1–2 weeks), first fix plumbing and electrical (1–2 weeks), plastering (1–2 weeks), and second fix and decoration (3–4 weeks). Wet NI weather can add time to external works.

Important

For any structural work — including extensions, loft conversions, removing walls or underpinning — you will need building regulations approval from your local council. A professional builder will guide you through this process. Planning permission may also be required.

Hiring a builder in Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus 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 for the full vetting methodology, or browse all trade categories.

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Builder in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Common services

What to ask before hiring

Typical costs in Northern Ireland

Qualifications & accreditations to look for

Frequently asked questions