Written by Mark Reid,
Trades Editor ·Verified 23 September 2026
Solihull's housing stock is a mixed bag, which makes hiring the right builder more of a decision than it looks. You've got the Victorian and Edwardian terraces around Shirley and Olton Village, big 1930s semis in Elmdon and Castle Bromwich fringe areas, and newer executive builds out towards Dickens Heath and Balsall Common. Each brings different problems: older properties often need underpinning checks or lime-based repointing, while newer estates might just need a rear extension or loft conversion to add space without moving. Solihull's clay-heavy soil also means groundworks and foundations need proper attention, especially for extensions near Blythe Valley or the Meriden Gap where drainage can be tricky.
How We Select & Rate The Best Builders in Solihull
Rankings are driven by review rating and review count from public business listings, with a small lift for businesses showing a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm building work is what they primarily offer, which keeps unrelated trades off this 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. Other businesses here haven't been independently verified by us, so do your own checks before hiring.
Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →
J.Sondh Facilities Management operates out of Solihull, covering a range of building and maintenance work that spans fire door inspection, installation and ongoing upkeep alongside plumbing services including pipe work, sewer line work and leakage detection. Pest control also features among the services listed. Across 39 Google reviews, the company holds a 4.6 rating.
AMMC Building & Groundworks takes on extension and groundwork projects for older Solihull properties as well as new build plots, covering foundations, drainage and structural alterations. Work is carried out to suit the demands of each site rather than a standard package. Seven reviews on Google all give a five star rating, reflecting consistency across varied jobs.
A five-star rating from six reviews sits behind Made Design and Build Limited, a Solihull firm combining design and construction under one roof. The company works with clients from early planning through to completion, suiting those wanting continuity across a build rather than separate architects and contractors.
Transparency notice: Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. 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.
A single-storey rear extension typically runs from £1,500 to £2,200 per square metre in Solihull, depending on finish and whether you're extending into Shirley or a more rural spot like Hampton-in-Arden where access can add cost. Smaller jobs like a garden wall or repointing might be £800 to £2,500, while a loft conversion often sits between £30,000 and £50,000. Always get two or three written quotes before committing, prices vary a surprising amount between builders for the same job.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension in Solihull?
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development if they stay within size limits, but Solihull Council does apply Article 4 restrictions in some conservation areas, including parts of Olton and Solihull town centre itself. Check with the council's planning portal before work starts, and ask your builder if they've dealt with local planning conditions before, particularly around listed buildings or conservation zones.
How long does a typical extension or renovation take?
A single-storey extension usually takes eight to twelve weeks once groundworks begin, though weather and material delays can push this out. A loft conversion often takes four to six weeks. Kitchen renovations vary hugely depending on scope, from two weeks for a straightforward refit to six weeks if you're moving plumbing and knocking through walls.
Should I use a builder who's a member of the Federation of Master Builders?
FMB membership is worth asking about, as it's a recognised trade accreditation for builders and involves some vetting on the way in. It's not a guarantee of quality on every job, but it's a reasonable filter alongside reviews and seeing previous work. Ask to see examples of finished projects nearby, ideally something similar in scale to your own.
What paperwork should I get before building work starts?
Get a written quote breaking down labour, materials and any allowance for unexpected costs like discovering old drains or unstable brickwork. Ask for proof of public liability insurance, and if the job involves structural changes, check whether building regulations sign-off is included or whether you need to arrange it separately with Solihull Council's building control team.
How do I choose between builders in Solihull?
Read recent reviews rather than just the star rating, and look for comments mentioning timekeeping, tidiness and communication, as these often matter more day to day than price. Ask each builder for two or three references from jobs completed in the past year or two, ideally local ones you could drive past. Confirm their public liability insurance is current, check they're happy to put payment terms in writing, and don't pay large deposits upfront, staged payments tied to project milestones are standard practice.
Related Guides
More independently researched rankings you might find useful