Looking for a builder across Mid & East Antrim? NI Trades is an introduction service that matches Northern Ireland homeowners with builders who have passed our application-stage checks. Mid & East Antrim is one of 11 NI council districts; tradespeople choose the councils they cover, so picking a council means you reach every builder who works anywhere in this district. 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.
What hiring a builder in Mid & East Antrim looks like
Mid & East Antrim is a mix of coastal towns and rural hinterland north of Belfast, home to around 139,000 people across towns like Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. Housing runs from post-war and mid-century estates in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne to coastal stock along the Antrim shore and dispersed rural farms inland toward the Antrim plateau.
For a builder that usually means extensions, structural alterations and renovations. Carrickfergus and Larne sit on the Phoenix gas network and Ballymena on the firmus network, but the rural hinterland is largely oil-heated.
Mid & East Antrim at a glance
Population
around 139,000 (2021 Census)
Main towns
Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne
District
a mix of coastal towns and rural hinterland north of Belfast
Heating
Carrickfergus and Larne sit on the Phoenix gas network and Ballymena on the firmus network, but the rural hinterland is largely oil-heated.
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).
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How it works
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Post your job
Describe what needs doing and confirm your job is in Mid & East Antrim. 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 Mid & East Antrim
If your builder job involves building, electrical, heating or drainage work that needs sign-off, it is approved by Mid and East Antrim 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 Mid & East Antrim 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
- 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.
Helpful NI guides for hiring a builder
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.
Mid & East Antrim 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.