The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is warning homeowners could face higher costs and safety risks after new research found almost nine in ten people would not call a builder - even after a DIY project has gone wrong.
A survey of more than 2,000 UK adults found 86% of homeowners would not turn to a professional following a failed DIY attempt and 49% will not hire a builder despite it involving structural changes, like knocking a wall down.
The data also reveals only 1 in 4 of the British public would call a builder if they thought a project is expensive, with 75% going it alone. The findings suggest many homeowners are willing to take significant risks rather than hire a builder, even when projects involve specialist skills or safety-critical work.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said:"These figures are alrming. We are not talking about painting a wall or putting up a shelf, we are talking about structural work and installations that, if done wrong, can cause serious harm. The fact that nearly half of homeowners would consider tackling structural work themselves, and that 86% wouldn't call a builder even after a DIY job has already gone wrong, tells you everything about the confidence crisis in hiring tradespeople.
"That lack of confidence is not surprising when anyone can call themselves a builder with no checks, no qualifications and no accountability. The answer is a Licence to Build - a mandatory licensing scheme that gives homeowners the certainty that the builder they call is genuinely qualified to do the job safely and to standard. Until that happens, we will keep seeing homeowners take dangerous risks simply because they don't know who to trust."
FMB research has also found that 86% of homeowners would be willing to pay more for a licensed builder, underlining strong public support for higher standards and greater consumer protection in the construction sector, with one in five homeowners being put off doing domestic work due to a lack of confidence in the industry or knowing where to find a reputable builder.
The FMB's Licence to Build campaign is calling on Government to introduce mandatory licensing for domestic building companies, ensuring firms meet verified standards of competence and professionalism before carrying out work in people's homes.
ENDS
Notes to editors: Research conducted by Savanta on behalf of the Federation of Master Builders, May 2026. Sample size: 2,120 UK adults.
The research also found that nearly half (49%) of homeowners would consider carrying out structural work themselves rather than hiring a professional builder. Four in ten (40%) would not call a professional for plumbing work, while more than half would attempt window installations (54%) and kitchen or bathroom fitting projects (54%) without expert help.
