✓ Verified Google reviews·✓ Reviewed regularly·✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Written by Mark Reid,
Trades Editor ·Verified 29 May 2026
Hastings presents builders with a set of challenges you won't find everywhere. Much of the town's housing stock dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, particularly across the Old Town, St Leonards, and the hillside streets climbing up towards the Ridge. That means a lot of original brickwork, lime mortar pointing, solid rather than cavity walls, and the occasional discovery of knob-and-tube wiring or lead pipework once a job gets under way. The ground conditions vary significantly too. Parts of the seafront and the lower-lying areas around the Priory Meadow sit on made ground and river-silted soils, which can complicate foundations on extensions and rear-elevation work. Builders who know this patch can tell you upfront what they're likely to find. Those who don't can end up caught out by it.
The builders on this page were drawn from third-party business listings and ranked by public review rating and review count, with a small additional lift given to businesses that have a working website and phone number listed. Before any builder appears here, we check their website to confirm that building work is what they primarily do, which is how we keep unrelated trades off the page. Any listing flagged as permanently closed is removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge next to a business, that means they've gone further and passed our full verification process, covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can see the full list of what that covers on our How We Verify page. For any business that doesn't carry that badge, those checks haven't been done by us, and it's on you to carry them out before you book.
Before you commit to any builder, get at least three written quotes for the same scope of work. Prices for a standard single-storey rear extension in this area typically run from around £25,000 to £45,000 depending on finish, but vague estimates leave room for costs to climb once digging starts. Ask each builder for evidence of their public liability insurance, and check it's current. For any structural work, confirm who's providing the structural calculations and whether building regulations approval is included in the quote or charged separately. If you're touching a party wall, you'll need a party wall agreement in place before work starts. Don't skip it. Ask for references from recent jobs nearby, and if you can, go and see one.
How We Select & Rate The Best Builders in Hastings
Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count pulled from third-party business listings, with a small lift applied to businesses that show 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 qualifications, insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. Other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion here 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 →
A building contractor serving Hastings and the surrounding area, Asletts Ltd carries a five-star rating across 51 Google reviews, suggesting consistent reliability across its projects. The company handles residential and commercial construction work, covering the range of services expected of a general builder. TN38 9UH places it well for reaching clients across East Sussex.
Rated 5.0 from 34 Google reviews, SG Construction South East Limited is a building firm based in Hastings, TN38 9LL. The company carries out construction work across the South East, with a consistent review record that points to reliable delivery on residential and commercial projects. Local residents and businesses in the area use the firm for a range of building needs.
Equilibrium Building Solutions Ltd is a building contractor based in Hastings, covering a range of construction and renovation work across the local area. The company holds a 5.0 rating from 34 Google reviews, suggesting consistent results for residential and commercial clients. Its postcode, TN34 2EB, places it centrally within the town.
MGM Brickwork Contractors Ltd is a specialist brickwork and building firm based in Hastings. The company holds a perfect five-star rating across its Google reviews, reflecting consistent standards on residential and commercial projects. Its focused specialism in brickwork sets it apart from general builders operating across the same area.
KingsRock Construction provides building services across Hastings and the surrounding areas, operating from their base in St Leonards-on-Sea. The company has earned a 5/5 star rating from 3 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
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 →
Is your business missing?
Get listed and reach customers actively searching for your services in this area.
Day rates for qualified builders typically range from £180-250, whilst larger projects vary significantly. Single-storey extensions might cost £15,000-25,000, with double-storey extensions reaching £30,000-50,000 depending on size and specification. Loft conversions often run £20,000-35,000. Prices reflect local labour costs and the challenges of working with older properties. Always get at least two or three written quotes to compare pricing and scope.
Do I need planning permission for building work in Hastings?
Many projects require planning permission, especially in Hastings' conservation areas and for listed buildings. Extensions over certain sizes, significant alterations to rooflines, and changes to front-facing elevations typically need approval. Your builder should advise on requirements, but check with Hastings Borough Council planning department early in the process. Building regulations approval is separate and covers structural safety and building standards.
How long do typical building projects take in Hastings?
Single-storey extensions usually take 8-12 weeks once work begins, whilst double-storey extensions need 12-16 weeks. Loft conversions often complete within 6-8 weeks. Weather delays are common given Hastings' coastal exposure, and older properties sometimes reveal unexpected issues that extend timelines. Factor in 6-8 weeks for planning permission if required, plus time for building regulations approval.
What building challenges are specific to Hastings properties?
Coastal weather creates damp and salt corrosion issues that need addressing during renovations. Many Victorian and Edwardian houses have solid walls requiring careful insulation approaches. Steep site gradients affect access and drainage solutions. Chalk and clay soil types influence foundation work. Conservation area restrictions limit external changes, requiring creative internal solutions for modernisation projects.
Should my builder handle building regulations approval?
Most experienced builders can manage building regulations submissions and liaise with building control officers during inspections. This typically adds £800-1,500 to project costs but saves you significant time and technical complexity. Make sure it's clearly stated in your contract who's responsible for obtaining approvals and what happens if amendments are needed during construction.
How do I verify a builder's credentials and reliability?
Check they're registered with trade bodies like the Federation of Master Builders or Checkatrade. Verify their business registration through Companies House and confirm public liability insurance covers your project value. Visit recent local projects and speak directly with previous customers about timekeeping, cleanliness, and problem resolution. Ask for references from jobs completed in the last 12 months, not just their showcase projects.
Related Guides
More independently researched rankings you might find useful
