Anyone can call themselves a builder — accreditation schemes exist because that’s exactly the problem homeowners run into. Which? Trusted Trader vets businesses against customer feedback, trading history and conduct, while Federation of Master Builders (FMB) membership requires an on-site technical assessment of past work and adherence to a code of conduct, alongside proof of insurance and qualifications.
Neither guarantees a perfect project — no accreditation can promise that — but both give you a route to raise concerns and a baseline of vetting that an unaccredited trader simply hasn’t been through.
We hold both accreditations, and we’d encourage anyone hiring a builder, whoever they choose, to check for equivalent membership before signing anything.
