If you’re planning a conservatory, extension or any home build, the people you hire are the biggest factor in success. A solid labour job means the right skills, fair pay and a safe site. Below you’ll find quick, down‑to‑earth advice on finding, paying and keeping good construction workers.
Start with local references. Ask neighbours or builders you trust for names of carpenters, bricklayers or plasterers they’ve worked with. A quick phone call can reveal reliability, punctuality and quality.
Check qualifications. In the UK many trades require NVQ or City & Guilds certificates. It’s not a legal must for every job, but a certified worker is more likely to follow current building standards.
Look at past work. Ask for photos of recent projects similar to yours. If a mason shows you a neat garden wall, you can expect similar care on your foundation work.
Wages vary by region, experience and trade. As of 2025, a journeyman carpenter in England typically earns £12‑£15 per hour, while a skilled bricklayer might command £14‑£18. Always confirm rates in writing before the first day.
Use a simple contract. Include the scope of work, daily hours, rate, payment schedule and a clause for health‑and‑safety compliance. A written agreement protects both sides and avoids misunderstandings later.
Pay on milestones, not just days worked. For a conservatory roof, split payment into three parts: framework, glazing, finishing. This keeps the crew motivated and gives you checkpoints to inspect quality.
Every site must follow the UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. That means a risk assessment, proper PPE and a clear emergency plan. If you hire a labourer directly, you become the employer for health‑and‑safety purposes.
Check insurance. Your builder should have public liability cover of at least £5 million. Ask for proof before they start. It protects you if something goes wrong during the build.
Keep a tidy site. Clear walkways, store materials safely and mark any hazards. A clean site reduces trips, falls and delays.
Communicate expectations early. A short kickoff meeting on day one to go over the plan, timelines and quality standards saves a lot of back‑and‑forth later.
Provide a point‑of‑contact. Whether it’s you, a project manager or a site supervisor, workers need someone to ask questions. Prompt answers keep momentum.
Reward good work. A small bonus for finishing a phase on schedule or a thank‑you note can boost morale and encourage repeat business.
Don’t hire the cheapest worker without checking references. Low rates often hide poor workmanship or lack of insurance. It ends up costing more in repairs.
Avoid vague contracts. If the scope isn’t clear, you’ll face scope‑creep and extra charges.
Never skip the risk assessment. Cutting corners on safety can lead to accidents, work stoppages and legal trouble.
By following these steps, you’ll turn a labor job into a smooth part of your home build. Good workers, clear pay, solid safety – that’s the recipe for a conservatory or extension that lasts for years.
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