20% of NI homeowners have lost money to unqualified builders, with average losses of £493 – contributing to £14.3 billion lost UK-wide
New research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reveals that one in five (20%) homeowners in Northern Ireland have lost money to unqualified or unlicensed builders. Among those affected in the past five years, the average loss was £493.
The findings underscore an emerging crisis where financial pressures from rising costs are forcing families into dangerous decisions. More than one in four (27%) have hired unreliable builders, and 10% have hired unqualified ones.
Most alarmingly, the research reveals that 15% of Northern Ireland homeowners have requested payment plans from builders – 67% above the UK average of 9% – and 11% have taken second jobs to cover the cost of building work.
Meanwhile, 37% have never hired a builder at all, suggesting widespread deferred maintenance and deteriorating housing stock.
Gavin McGuire, Hub Director of Northern Ireland for the Federation of Master Builders, said:
“These figures show that Northern Ireland families are being hit harder than anywhere else in the UK. When 15% of homeowners are asking builders for payment plans – nearly 70% above the national average – we’re not just talking about rogue traders, we’re talking about a cost-of-living crisis that’s leaving people unable to keep their homes safe and habitable.
“The £493 average loss might not sound enormous, but for families already struggling, that’s money they can’t afford to lose. And that’s just the financial cost – the real damage is in the unsafe work, the botched repairs, and the complete breakdown of trust in our industry.
“That’s why we’re taking this directly to Stormont. On 21 May, we’re hosting a Parliamentary Reception to make the case for mandatory licensing – a system that would vet builders, stop rogue operators from simply rebranding after complaints, and give homeowners the protection they desperately need. This isn’t about red tape; it’s about preventing families from being ripped off and ensuring basic professional standards across the industry.”
Steven Nickell, President of FMB Northern Ireland, said:
“As a builder who’s seen firsthand how rogue traders damage trust in our industry, it’s alarming that 20% of homeowners here have lost money to unqualified operators. With families taking second jobs or begging for payment plans just to fix leaks or keep homes habitable, we’re witnessing a maintenance crisis.
“Basic repairs shouldn’t bankrupt households – that’s why mandatory licensing is essential to protect consumers and genuine small builders like myself and other FMB members. We want to raise professional standards, not punish legitimate tradespeople. A licensing system would actually help honest builders by weeding out the cowboys who undercut us and destroy our reputation.”
The FMB is campaigning for the introduction of a mandatory licensing system for builders in the UK – a “Licence to Build” – which would require all builders to meet minimum professional standards before working on site, with individual directors being tracked to prevent “phoenixing” (closing down a company and immediately rebranding to escape consequences).
The organisation is hosting a Parliamentary Reception at Stormont on Wednesday 21 May 2026 (12pm-2pm) to present the case for licensing to MLAs, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
