TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Builders
Comparing platforms for builder work in the UK? Here is how TradeMatch and Checkatrade stack up across the three things that matter for hiring a builder: how much you will pay, how well the tradesperson has been vetted, and what happens if the job goes wrong. Average builder cost in the UK: £1,000–£10,000.
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
£1,000–£10,000
UK average for builder work in 2026. TradeMatch customers typically pay 5–15% less than on Checkatrade because of competitive quoting and transparent pricing.
Get Free Builder Quotes
TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Builders
| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 builder quotes | Yes | Varies |
| Escrow on payment | Yes | No |
| CSCS Card verified | Yes | Yes |
| Verified reviews only | Yes | Mixed |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Dispute resolution for builder work | Yes | Limited |
Why TradeMatch Wins for Builder Work
- Builder-specific vetting — TradeMatch verifies CSCS Card and NVQ Level 6 Construction Management before any builder can quote. Checkatrade has similar checks but relies on ongoing self-attestation.
- Escrow holds your money — Payment for builder work sits protected until you confirm the job is done to spec. Critical for builder jobs involving single-storey extension.
- Five competing quotes — open competition on pricing — typically saves 5–15% on builder jobs.
- No pass-through costs — TradeMatch fees only apply on confirmed work, so there is no marketing overhead baked into your quote.
Typical Builder Jobs & UK Pricing
| Job | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension | £15,000 | £30,000 | £50,000 |
| Loft conversion | £20,000 | £40,000 | £65,000 |
| Garage conversion | £5,000 | £12,000 | £20,000 |
| Wall removal | £500 | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Porch build | £2,000 | £4,500 | £8,000 |
UK average pricing. London and South East run 20–40% higher. Get an exact quote by posting your builder job on TradeMatch.
Best platform for builder work in 2026?
For builder work, both platforms have merit — but TradeMatch's combination of 5 quotes, escrow, CSCS Card verification and dispute resolution means fewer surprises. Checkatrade's weakness around "Reviews are not tied to verified completed jobs — anyone can post" matters more on builder work than on cosmetic trades.
Builders on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than Checkatrade for finding a builder?
For builder work specifically, TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes and verified reviews from real completed jobs. Checkatrade lacks payment protection, which matters more for builder work because jobs often involve Single-storey extension where you want recourse if something goes wrong.
How much does a builder cost compared to what Checkatrade shows?
Average builder prices on TradeMatch: £1,000–£10,000. Checkatrade pricing tends to be inflated 10–20% because tradespeople pass on their annual subscription costs. TradeMatch's competitive quote model typically gets you 5–15% lower prices for builder work because professionals compete openly.
What qualifications does a builder need, and does Checkatrade verify them?
A builder in the UK should hold CSCS Card and NVQ Level 6 Construction Management. Checkatrade has lighter qualification checks than TradeMatch. On TradeMatch every builder is background-checked, qualification-verified and insurance-validated before being allowed to accept work.
What happens if a builder job goes wrong on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch?
On Checkatrade, the platform has some mediation but no escrow to hold funds. On TradeMatch, payment sits in escrow until you confirm the work is complete; if there is a dispute, our resolution team mediates and your money stays safe. For builder work — where snags like single-storey extension are common — this makes a meaningful difference.
How quickly will I get builder quotes on TradeMatch vs Checkatrade?
Most TradeMatch builder jobs receive the first quote within a few hours and 3–5 quotes within 24–48 hours. Checkatrade uses a browse-and-contact model, so quote speed depends on how many tradespeople you message. Posting your builder job on TradeMatch is free and only takes 2 minutes.
Can I read reviews of builders before hiring on Checkatrade and TradeMatch?
Both platforms display reviews. Reviews are posted by anyone who claims to be a customer — Checkatrade does not require proof of a completed booking through their platform (because most jobs are arranged off-platform). Members can dispute reviews; some reviews are removed or hidden during the dispute window. Independent investigations (Watchdog, Money Saving Expert forum threads) have flagged historic concerns about review filtering and reinstatement. On TradeMatch, every review is verified — only homeowners who have completed a builder job through the platform can leave one. No ability to buy or solicit reviews, and every review stays visible (tradespeople cannot delete negative feedback).
Compare Checkatrade for Other Trades
Builders on Other UK Platforms
Find Your Builder on TradeMatch
Post your builder job free. Up to 5 quotes from vetted UK pros. Escrow-protected payments and verified reviews.
Post a Job Free