The FMB is asking the government to introduce a licensing scheme as part of their agenda report into construction quality following the Grenfell tragedy. This would ensure a minimum level of competence and give customers more reassurance when they hire a builder.

The research found that 80% of builders are fed up with cowboy builders ruining their reputation and one-third of homeowners are anxious about hiring a builder to the point that they fail to commission any work at all. With most work carried out on homes coming to around £40,000, this has a huge impact on the industry and the wider economy.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB has pointed out that in the UK anyone can be a builder regardless of their qualifications. He says that the Grenfell Tower tragedy raised questions about standards and regulations within the sector and the FMB would like to start a debate on how to drive up quality - even ahead of the Hackitt review into construction standards and quality.

The FMB report “Raising the Bar: A post Grenfell agenda for quality and professionalism in construction” calls for mandatory warranties for building projects that require building control sign-off and for a general builder qualification to recognise high standards.