17 Best Builders in Derby for 2026

🏗️ 17 businesses · 📍 Derby
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated 16 May 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Trades Editor · Verified 16 May 2026
Derby's mix of Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, and modern developments creates unique challenges for builders working across the city. From Allestree's hillside properties requiring careful drainage work to the tight access roads in Normanton, local builders need to understand everything from clay soil conditions to conservation area restrictions in areas like Friar Gate. The city's industrial heritage also means many properties have older foundations and unusual construction methods that require specialist knowledge.

We've selected these Derby builders based on verified Google reviews, active trading records, and where applicable, relevant industry credentials like NHBC registration or trade association memberships. Each business has demonstrated consistent service delivery through customer feedback, with particular attention paid to how they handle project communication and completion timescales. We've also checked their registered business addresses and confirmed they're actively trading in the Derby area.

Before contacting any builder, check their public liability insurance covers at least £2 million and ask to see recent examples of similar work. Get detailed written quotes from at least three firms, ensuring they include material specifications and clear timescales. Always verify they have appropriate planning permissions sorted before starting work, and don't pay large sums upfront. A reputable builder will only ask for a small deposit to secure materials.
How We Select & Rate The Best Builders in Derby

Our selection process examines Google ratings and review patterns over extended periods, checking for consistent service quality and customer satisfaction. We verify active trading status through publicly available records and confirm relevant credentials where applicable, such as trade association memberships or professional registrations. This directory provides information only. Inclusion doesn't constitute an endorsement, and readers should conduct their own due diligence, including checking insurance, references, and credentials before engaging any builder.

Quick Comparison — Builders in Derby

# Business Rating Reviews Phone
1 Balfour Beatty - Derby Recommended ⭐ 4.6 78 +44 1332 661491 View →
2 D M J Brickwork (UK) Ltd Featured ⭐ 5.0 24 +44 7788 669853 View →
3 ES Builder (Derby) Limited Featured ⭐ 4.5 46 +44 7470 385400 View →
4 Eley Projects Ltd Featured ⭐ 5.0 21 +44 1332 314164 View →
5 EMD Developments Ltd Featured ⭐ 5.0 13 +44 7977 197732 View →
6 Empire Homes Group Ltd ⭐ 5.0 7 +44 1332 498174 View →
7 Bob's Building Services Ltd ⭐ 5.0 6 +44 7735 433577 View →
8 AEG Construction ltd ⭐ 4.3 17 +44 1332 389311 View →
9 S&J Friends Civils LTD ⭐ 5.0 5 +44 7463 367608 View →
10 Westminster Building Co Ltd ⭐ 4.0 23 +44 1332 769929 View →
11 MGB Building Solutions ltd ⭐ 5.0 4 +44 7497 469378 View →
12 SMJ Brady Construction LTD ⭐ 4.3 11 +44 7398 265041 View →
13 Knightstone Group ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 1332 308078 View →
14 Pure Construction (Midlands) Ltd ⭐ 4.8 4 +44 1332 666000 View →
15 G F Tomlinson Group Ltd ⭐ 4.3 7 +44 1332 833100 View →
16 B&K Hybrid Solutions ⭐ 4.3 6 +44 1332 957270 View →
17 Ask Building & Repairs Ltd ⭐ 4.0 3 +44 7773 019410 View →

Our Top Picks

6
Empire Homes Group Ltd
5.0 (7 reviews)

Empire Homes Group Ltd is a building company based in Alvaston, Derby, specialising in construction and home improvement services across the local area. The company maintains a 5-star rating from 7 verified customer reviews on Google. Operating from their Curzon Lane premises, they serve Derby and surrounding areas with professional building solutions.

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7
Bob's Building Services Ltd
5.0 (6 reviews)

Bob's Building Services Ltd provides comprehensive building solutions to customers across Derby and surrounding areas from their Alvaston base. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 6 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Their team handles a range of construction and renovation projects for residential and commercial clients throughout the DE24 postcode area.

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8
AEG Construction ltd
4.3 (17 reviews)

AEG Construction Ltd provides building services throughout Derby from their base on Bateman Street. The company has earned a 4.3-star rating from 17 verified customer reviews, reflecting their work across various construction projects. They serve the DE23 area and surrounding Derby neighbourhoods with professional building solutions.

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9
S&J Friends Civils LTD
5.0 (5 reviews)

S&J Friends Civils LTD provides building services from their base at School House Business Centre in Derby. The company serves the Derby area and has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 5 verified customer reviews on Google. Their team specialises in civil engineering and construction projects for residential and commercial clients.

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10
Westminster Building Co Ltd
4.0 (23 reviews)

Westminster Building Co Ltd provides comprehensive building services from their base on Meadow Road in Derby. The company has earned a 4-star rating from 23 verified customer reviews, reflecting their established presence in the local construction industry. They serve clients throughout Derby and the surrounding DE1 area with a range of building and construction projects.

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11
MGB Building Solutions ltd
5.0 (4 reviews)

MGB Building Solutions ltd provides comprehensive building services to clients across Derby from their base in Spondon. The company maintains a perfect 5-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews on Google. Their professional team handles various construction projects throughout the DE21 area and surrounding Derby locations.

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12
SMJ Brady Construction LTD
4.3 (11 reviews)

SMJ Brady Construction LTD provides building services across Derby and surrounding areas from their base in Chaddesden. The company has earned a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 11 verified customer reviews on Google. They offer construction services to both residential and commercial clients throughout the DE21 postcode area and beyond.

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13
Knightstone Group
5.0 (3 reviews)

Knightstone Group provides professional building services from their Friar Gate location in Derby city centre. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews on Google. Their central DE1 location allows them to serve Derby and the surrounding areas with a range of construction and building work.

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14
Pure Construction (Midlands) Ltd
4.8 (4 reviews)

Pure Construction (Midlands) Ltd provides building services across Derby from their base on Station Road. With a 4.8-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews, the company handles various construction projects for residential and commercial clients in the DE21 area.

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15
G F Tomlinson Group Ltd
4.3 (7 reviews)

G F Tomlinson Group Ltd operates as a building contractor from their Duffield Road premises in Derby, serving the DE21 area and surrounding regions. The company maintains a 4.3 out of 5 star rating based on 7 verified customer reviews. Their established presence in Derby positions them to handle various construction and building projects for local clients.

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16
B&K Hybrid Solutions
4.3 (6 reviews)

B&K Hybrid Solutions provides building services to Derby and surrounding areas from their base in Darley Abbey. The company has earned a 4.3-star rating from 6 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality construction work. Their expertise covers various building projects for residential and commercial clients throughout the DE21 postcode area.

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17
Ask Building & Repairs Ltd
4.0 (3 reviews)

Ask Building & Repairs Ltd holds a 4.0-star rating on Google from 3 reviews. Based in Derby. Contact them for a free, no-obligation quote.

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Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements. All other rankings are determined by a combined score drawn from Google ratings, review counts, and reputation signals gathered from multiple independent online sources. How we verify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a builder cost in Derby?
Daily rates for skilled builders in Derby typically range from £180-280 per day, with apprentices or labourers charging £120-160. Single-storey extensions cost roughly £15,000-25,000, while two-storey extensions run £25,000-45,000. Loft conversions start around £18,000 for basic work, reaching £35,000+ for complex projects with dormers. Kitchen refits range from £8,000-20,000 depending on specifications. Always get quotes from three builders as prices vary significantly based on experience, project complexity, and current workload.
Do I need planning permission for building work in Derby?
Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations require planning permission from Derby City Council. Permitted development rights allow some smaller projects without formal planning, but conservation areas like Friar Gate have stricter rules. Building regulations approval is separate and nearly always required for structural work, new electrical installations, and plumbing changes. Your builder should advise on requirements, but ultimately it's your responsibility as the homeowner to secure proper permissions before work starts.
How long do typical building projects take in Derby?
Kitchen refits typically take 2-3 weeks, bathroom renovations 1-2 weeks, and single-storey extensions 6-10 weeks. Two-storey extensions often take 10-16 weeks, while loft conversions range from 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. Weather delays are common between November and March. Derby City Council's building control inspections can add time if issues arise, so factor in potential delays. Most experienced builders will give you realistic timescales and keep you updated on progress throughout the project.
What building regulations apply in Derby?
All structural alterations, electrical work, plumbing changes, and insulation upgrades must comply with current building regulations. Derby City Council's building control team handles inspections and approvals, with fees starting around £200 for small projects. Key areas include structural calculations for wall removals, Part P electrical compliance, and energy efficiency standards for extensions. Your builder should arrange building control notifications and inspections, but check this is included in their quote rather than assuming it's covered.
What insurance should my builder have?
Public liability insurance of at least £2 million is essential, covering damage to your property or injury to third parties. Employer's liability insurance is legally required if they employ staff. Some builders also carry professional indemnity insurance for design work. Always ask to see current certificates before work starts, and verify the policy covers the specific type of work being undertaken. For larger projects over £25,000, consider asking about warranty or guarantee insurance schemes that protect you if the builder goes out of business.
How do I check if a Derby builder is reliable?
Start by verifying their business registration through Companies House and checking their registered address matches their trading location. Ask for references from recent local customers and actually contact them. Check online reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns in complaints. Visit their previous work sites if possible, particularly projects similar to yours. Verify their insurance certificates directly with insurers if substantial money is involved. Trust your instincts during initial meetings - reliable builders communicate clearly and provide detailed written quotes without pressuring you to sign immediately.