14 Best Builders in Belfast for 2026

🏗️ 14 businesses · 📍 Belfast
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Trades Editor · Verified 29 May 2026
Belfast's housing stock is genuinely varied, and that keeps local builders busy with an unusually broad range of work. The city has a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing, particularly across areas like the Ormeau Road, Ballynafearg and the lower Newtownards Road, where original red-brick facades and period sash windows need careful handling during any renovation or extension. Further out towards Castlereagh, Dundonald and Lisburn Road, you'll find a mix of 1930s semis and post-war bungalows where rear extensions, attic conversions and full rewiring projects are common requests. Newer developments in Titanic Quarter and parts of north Belfast bring their own demands around snagging, fit-out and landscaping on tighter plots. Ground conditions vary too: Belfast's proximity to the Lagan and the underlying clay-heavy soils in parts of south Belfast mean experienced builders will often recommend a structural engineer's assessment before laying foundations for an extension.

The businesses listed on this page are drawn from third-party public business listings and ranked by review rating and review count, with a small lift applied to those that show a working website and a contactable phone number. Before any business appears here, we check its homepage to confirm that builders work is what it primarily offers, which is how unrelated trades get filtered out. Listings flagged as permanently closed are removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge next to a business, that business has additionally passed our full verification process, covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history and registered company information. You can find the full list of what that covers on our How We Verify page. Businesses without that badge have not been independently verified by us, and you should carry out your own checks before booking.

When you're getting quotes for any building work in Belfast, ask each builder to provide a written, itemised estimate rather than a rough verbal figure. For structural work like extensions or load-bearing alterations, confirm whether building regulations approval is needed and who is responsible for submitting the application to Belfast City Council's Building Control team. Always ask to see proof of public liability insurance before work starts, and check whether the company holds any relevant accreditations such as Federation of Master Builders membership. For jobs over a few thousand pounds, getting at least three quotes is sensible. Prices for a single-storey rear extension in Belfast typically run from around £25,000 to £50,000 depending on size, specification and finishes, so the spread between quotes can be significant.
How We Select & Rate The Best Builders in Belfast

Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count, sourced from third-party business listings, with a small additional lift for businesses that have a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm that builders work is what they primarily offer, keeping unrelated trades off the page. Listings flagged as permanently closed are removed automatically. Businesses marked Trust Verified have additionally passed our full verification, covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.

Positions 1–5 (Recommended and Featured) may be paid placements. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →

Quick Comparison — Builders in Belfast

# Business Rating Reviews Phone
1 ACD Joinery & Building Improvements Recommended ⭐ 5.0 102 +44 7813 097788 View →
2 North Building Contractors Featured ⭐ 5.0 19 +44 7555 584700 View →
3 Unit Construction Ltd Featured ⭐ 5.0 14 +44 7713 963956 View →
4 Bespoke Construction NI Featured ⭐ 5.0 9 +44 7596 098620 View →
5 GRAHAM Featured ⭐ 4.8 12 +44 845 600 6300 View →
6 Cecil Smyth Ltd ⭐ 4.7 12 +44 7493 501697 View →
7 Farrans ⭐ 4.1 28 +44 28 9055 1300 View →
8 Flynn Construction (VSS LTD) ⭐ 4.3 17 +44 28 9030 3800 View →
9 Gilbert-Ash ⭐ 4.5 10 +44 28 9066 4334 View →
10 Lagan Specialist Contracting Group ⭐ 4.5 10 +44 28 9045 5531 View →
11 Merex Construction Ltd ⭐ 5.0 4 +44 28 9045 9021 View →
12 RAFFERTY Build & Fit-Out Belfast Northern Ireland ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 28 9002 6609 View →
13 RefuRRb Property Refurbishment Contractor Belfast ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 28 9002 6609 View →
14 Kieran McCann ⭐ 4.3 6 +44 7968 347762 View →

Our Top Picks

6
Cecil Smyth Ltd
Not Verified
4.7 (12 reviews)
Belfast +44 7493 501697

Cecil Smyth Ltd provides building services across Belfast, earning a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12 verified customer reviews. The company operates from their established base in the city, offering construction and building solutions to local clients. Their consistent customer ratings reflect their reliable approach to building projects in the Belfast area.

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7
Farrans
Not Verified
4.1 (28 reviews)

Farrans provides building services across Belfast and the surrounding areas from their base in Dunmurry. The company maintains a 4.1-star rating from 28 verified customer reviews on Google. They serve both residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Belfast region.

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8
Flynn Construction (VSS LTD)
Not Verified
4.3 (17 reviews)

Flynn Construction (VSS LTD) provides building services across Belfast from their base in Dunmurry. With a 4.3-star rating from 17 verified customer reviews, the company operates from Springbank Industrial Estate and maintains an established web presence. They serve the local Belfast area with construction and building work for residential and commercial clients.

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9
Gilbert-Ash
Not Verified
4.5 (10 reviews)

Gilbert-Ash is a Belfast-based building company operating from Boucher Place in the BT12 area. The firm provides construction services to clients across Belfast and surrounding areas. With a 4.5-star rating from 10 verified customer reviews, Gilbert-Ash has established a solid reputation for reliable building work.

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10
Lagan Specialist Contracting Group
Not Verified
4.5 (10 reviews)

Lagan Specialist Contracting Group provides building services across Belfast from their base in the BT3 area. The company has earned a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from 10 verified customer reviews on Google. Their established presence on Sydenham Road serves clients throughout the Greater Belfast region with professional construction solutions.

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11
Merex Construction Ltd
Not Verified
5.0 (4 reviews)

Merex Construction Ltd provides building services across Belfast and County Antrim from their base on Old Channel Road. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality construction work. They serve the BT3 area and surrounding Belfast neighbourhoods with professional building solutions.

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12
RAFFERTY Build & Fit-Out Belfast Northern Ireland
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)

RAFFERTY Build & Fit-Out offers comprehensive building and fit-out services throughout Belfast, operating from their base on Apsley Street in the BT7 area. The company maintains a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews on Google, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship. They provide both construction and interior fit-out solutions for residential and commercial clients across Northern Ireland.

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13
RefuRRb Property Refurbishment Contractor Belfast
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)

RefuRRb Property Refurbishment Contractor Belfast specialises in building and refurbishment services throughout Belfast from their High Street base. The company maintains a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. They serve clients across the BT1 area and surrounding Belfast neighbourhoods with comprehensive property renovation solutions.

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14
Kieran McCann
Not Verified
4.3 (6 reviews)
Belfast +44 7968 347762

Kieran McCann operates as a builder serving the Belfast area from his base in BT11. The company maintains a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 6 verified customer reviews on Google. His services cover general building work for residential and commercial clients throughout the local area.

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Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears in those positions. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a builders cost in Belfast?
Single-storey extensions typically cost £15,000-£25,000, while two-storey extensions range from £25,000-£45,000 depending on size and finish quality. Loft conversions run £12,000-£20,000, and full house renovations can cost £40,000-£80,000 for a typical three-bedroom terrace. Prices vary based on materials chosen, structural work required, and current demand. Always get quotes from three different builders to compare pricing and approaches.
Do I need planning permission for building work in Belfast?
Most extensions, loft conversions, and significant alterations require planning permission from Belfast City Council. Single-storey rear extensions under 6 metres (terraced houses) or 8 metres (detached houses) may fall under permitted development rights. Conservation areas have stricter rules. Your builder should advise on requirements, but ultimately it's your responsibility to check with the council's planning department before work starts.
How long do typical building projects take in Belfast?
Single-storey extensions usually take 6-10 weeks once started, while two-storey extensions need 10-16 weeks. Loft conversions typically require 4-8 weeks. Full house renovations can take 3-6 months depending on scope. Weather delays are common in Belfast's climate, and material delivery times can vary. Factor in additional time for planning permission (8-13 weeks) and building regulations approval.
What building regulations apply to construction work in Belfast?
Most structural alterations, extensions, and conversions require building regulations approval from Belfast City Council. This covers structural safety, insulation standards, drainage, and electrical work. Applications cost £150-£500 depending on project scope. Your builder should handle the application process and arrange required inspections during construction. Don't start work without approval, as this can cause problems when selling your property.
Should I use local Belfast builders or larger construction companies?
Local builders often provide more personal service and understand Belfast's housing stock and planning requirements. They're typically more flexible with smaller projects and neighbourhood access issues. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive warranties and structured project management but can be costlier. Consider your project size, budget, and preference for hands-on involvement when deciding.
How can I verify a builder's credentials and reliability?
Check their public liability insurance certificate (minimum £1 million coverage) and ensure it's current. Ask for recent customer references and visit completed projects if possible. Verify their business registration and look up their Google reviews going back several years. Check if they're members of trade bodies like the Federation of Master Builders. Get detailed written quotes and avoid anyone demanding large upfront payments or pressuring immediate decisions.