Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
Federation of Master Builders — the UK's vetted-builder directory. Last reviewed April 2026 by the TradeMatch editorial team.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest UK trade association for builders, founded in 1941. FMB members are vetted on entry — independent inspection of recent work, financial-stability check, plus references from clients, suppliers and sub-contractors. FMB members commit to the Master Builders code of practice, are required to offer written quotes (not estimates) and must have current liability insurance. The FMB is also a TrustMark scheme operator, which means any FMB member is automatically TrustMark-registered for the trades they cover.
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What does FMB cover?
FMB membership covers general building, extensions, conversions, renovations, refurbs and structural work. It does NOT certify the technical specialities — gas, electric and renewable energy work still need their respective competent-person schemes layered on top. FMB also operates the Master Bond, an Insurance-Backed Guarantee specifically for FMB-registered work, currently insured for up to £100k per project. This is one of the strongest workmanship-warranty products in the UK trades market.
Verifying a FMB-registered tradesperson
- FMB membership number — verify on fmb.org.uk; the search shows the trades they're vetted for and inspection date
- FMB Master Bond IBG offered on any quote over £5,000 — covers workmanship warranty if the firm ceases trading
- Detailed written quote (FMB members are required to issue quotes, not estimates) with itemised labour + materials
FMB applies to these trades
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Every job, every payment, every time. Funds held in a segregated client account until you sign off the work.
- Held in escrowFrom the moment the deposit clears until the job is signed off.
- Released on sign-offFunds release within 24 hours of you confirming the work is done to spec.
- Disputed = frozenIf something is wrong, the payment freezes pending review by our resolution team.
TradeMatch escrow operates through FCA-regulated payment providers. Customer funds are segregated from operating accounts and protected under UK consumer law.
FMB FAQ
How does FMB vetting actually work?
New members are inspected at recent jobs, supply 2-3 client references, 2 trade references (suppliers/subcontractors), bank statements and accounts. The inspection looks at workmanship, site management and customer-handling. Reassessed every 3 years. Roughly 30% of applicants do not pass first time.
FMB vs TrustMark — which is more important?
FMB membership automatically grants TrustMark status, so an FMB member is also TrustMark-registered. The reverse is not true. For general building work, FMB membership is the stronger signal because the inspection is hands-on; TrustMark on its own is more of a code-of-conduct accreditation.
Does FMB cover small jobs?
Most FMB members focus on £5,000+ projects because the inspection cost makes small jobs uneconomic. For small repairs, look for FMB members who explicitly offer maintenance work, or use a TrustMark-only sole trader.
What is the FMB Master Bond?
A purpose-built IBG covering FMB-registered building work — workmanship warranty up to 6 years insured up to £100k per project, with surveyor inspection if a defect arises. Costs ~1-2% of project value. Strong protection for major work.
Why FMB verification matters before any deposit
Lapsed accreditations are the most common silent failure on UK trade hires — registrations expire annually and not every trader updates their listing. Always verify the FMB number on the public register on the day you sign, not at first meeting. On TradeMatch, every FMB-registered tradesperson is independently re-checked before they can quote on your job, and the registration link is shown on their profile so you can confirm yourself.
Get a FMB-Verified Quote
Up to 5 quotes from UK tradespeople — every FMB-relevant member independently verified by TradeMatch. Escrow-protected payments. Reviews tied to completed jobs only.
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