What does a builder do?

Builders usually work on construction projects as part of a construction team, taking on major tasks such as building homes, offices, industrial buildings and other commercial properties. Some builders are hired on a project basis, while others look to work for one construction company.

What is expected of a builder will very much depend on their level of seniority and experience. Junior builders are more likely to be supervised by their more experienced colleagues on construction projects. Although builders usually work on client projects, they still tend to do a 40-hour working week. However, some of their jobs might require working at night, such as on roadworks, when there is less chance that their work will cause a disruption.

Builder skills and qualifications

Building work primarily requires practical skills, including the know-how to move heavy objects. Other skills and qualifications of a builder include the following:

• Knowledge of how trucks, cranes, diggers or forklifts are used, as heavy lifting is often done via machinery
• Safe use of power drills, ladders, concrete mixers and access platforms
• Ability to read technical drawings
• Close attention to detail and steadiness

Builder experience requirements

Builder experience requirements depend somewhat on the area of expertise required from a builder. For building residential homes, the ability to lay piping, create floor plans, carry out framing and apply insulation are particularly useful. Companies requiring a builder for roadworks would look for someone with this kind of experience instead. Overall, recruiting an experienced builder with hands-on practical know-how is important, as well as experience in following health and safety regulations

Builder education and training requirements

As building work requires both theoretical knowledge and the practical ability to engage in safe construction practices, builders often need a formal qualification to be hired. In the UK, builders can gain a degree in Construction Management.

A more common approach, however, is to gain a vocational qualification such as an NVQ. Construction NVQs are earned while working, so as well as studying the theoretical side, the trainee’s practical skills can be evaluated and they can earn an income at the same time.

Another route into becoming a builder is to enrol for an apprenticeship. Usually offered by trade unions, employers or professional associations, building apprenticeships can help budding builders to learn the right skills for the job.

Builder salary expectations

According to Indeed UK salaries, the average salary of a builder is £28,905 per year. Salary may depend on the exact job duties and responsibilities, the employer, location and experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description doesn’t adequately describe the job opening you have, here are a few job description samples of similar positions to consider:

• Carpenter
• Painter
• Fitter

Builder job description FAQs

What different types of builder are there?

There are several different types of builder out there, and you might choose to recruit one on the basis of your business needs. General builders have broad experience in general repairs, maintenance and fixing work. Some builders have more experience working on domestic home construction projects, while others are familiar with industrial and commercial projects. Therefore, when creating a job description, it is worth specifying the kind of experience and knowledge you are looking for exactly.

What should I look for on a builder’s CV?

When considering builder candidates, it is important to look at their previous experience and qualifications. They might have worked as an apprentice on a construction site, gaining necessary on-the-job experience across a variety of different projects. A good builder candidate will be able to briefly describe tasks such as creating floor plans, laying piping, creating foundations and installing insulation. They will also be able to mention any health and safety training that they have undertaken in the past.

What does a good builder job description look like?

A good job description for a builder should ideally state the duties and responsibilities in a clear, precise manner. If you are looking for a specific kind of builder with experience in residential or commercial construction, it is worth mentioning this in the job description as well. You can describe your company and summarise the types of projects you have coming up in the future. It is also useful to state salary, pension, holidays and any other company perks on offer.