FMB calls for builder licensing as homeowners report losses to unqualified contractors

By Danny BallPublished On: May 11th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has renewed calls for mandatory builder licensing after new research found that 20% of homeowners in Northern Ireland have lost money to unqualified or unlicensed builders.

According to the research, affected homeowners reported average losses of £493 over the past five years, while the FMB said the findings highlight wider pressures linked to rising repair costs, housing maintenance and consumer confidence across the construction sector.

The organisation is now campaigning for a UK-wide “Licence to Build” scheme, which would require builders to meet minimum professional standards before operating.

Northern Ireland homeowners face rising repair costs and contractor concerns

The research found that more than one in four homeowners in Northern Ireland had hired unreliable builders, while 10% said they had used unqualified contractors.

The findings also pointed to growing financial pressure on households managing repair and maintenance work.

According to the FMB, 15% of homeowners in Northern Ireland have requested payment plans from builders, compared with a UK average of 9%, while 11% reported taking second jobs to fund construction or repair works.

The research also found that 37% of respondents had never hired a builder, which the organisation said could indicate deferred maintenance and worsening housing conditions.

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.”

FMB pushes for mandatory builder licensing in UK construction sector

The FMB said it will present its case for mandatory licensing at a Parliamentary Reception at Stormont on 21 May 2026.

Under the proposed system, builders would be required to meet professional standards before carrying out work, while directors would be tracked to prevent companies from rebranding to avoid complaints or liabilities.

McGuire added: “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.”

Construction industry warns rogue traders damage trust in sector

Steven Nickell, President of FMB Northern Ireland, said the findings reflected wider concerns around standards, affordability and trust within the residential construction market.

Nickell 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.”