Typical planning cost£180–£350 / day
Broader project rangeVaries by region and trade mix
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.
What affects the cost?
A day rate is useful for small or uncertain jobs, but fixed-price quotes are usually easier to compare for defined projects.
- Region
- Experience and specialist skills
- Job duration
- Travel and parking
- Whether labourers are included
- Tools, waste and materials
Typical cost breakdown
Skilled labourPrimary cost
Labourer or mateMay be additional
Travel, parking & accessProject dependent
Tools and consumablesMay be included or separate
Regional planning examples
The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.
London£230–£450 / day
Manchester£170–£330 / day
Birmingham£180–£340 / day
Glasgow£170–£330 / day
Cardiff£160–£320 / day
Sources used for this guide
Detailed source mapping for this labour-rate guide is being expanded. See the site-wide Sources & Data page and methodology for how planning ranges are handled.
Frequently asked questions
Should materials be included in a builder day rate?
Do not assume so. Ask whether the rate is labour-only and request separate material and waste allowances.
Related costs
Cost guide
Bricklayer day rate
Typical UK bricklayer day rates and the factors that affect masonry labour pricing.
£240–£320 per dayView guide →Cost guideCarpenter day rate
Typical UK carpenter and joiner day and hourly rates for budgeting.
£240–£360 per dayView guide →Cost guideLabourer day rate
Typical UK general building labourer daily and hourly rates.
£112–£280 per dayView guide →