Builder profile on Websta: what to include in the UK

What a builder's profile should contain

Your Websta profile page is where people in your area find and contact you. Start with a clear description of what you do: general building work, kitchen or bathroom renovation, loft conversion, structural work, or a mix. Be specific rather than vague. If you specialise in one type of work, say so.

Add a professional photo or two of yourself or your team, and at least three to five photos of finished projects. Show the before and after of a renovation if you can. People want to see the quality and style of your work, so choose images that represent what you actually do. Blurry or generic photos will not help.

List your main services separately. You set the prices yourself. Whether you charge by the hour, by the project, or by the day, enter it clearly. If you prefer to quote per job rather than set fixed prices, you can still list your services and let people request a quote through the form.

Photos that matter for builders

Customers in the UK will look at your images before they contact you. They want proof that you can do the work they need. A kitchen renovation, a bathroom refit, a garden wall, or a loft conversion - show real examples from your projects.

Avoid stock photos. Take photos of actual work you have done. If you have a large project, photograph different stages and the finished result. Good light and a straight angle matter more than professional editing.

Include at least one photo of you or your team on site. It builds trust. People want to know who will show up at their home.

How people in the UK find builders on Websta

Websta has a marketplace where people nearby can search for builders and renovators by service type and postcode. Someone looking for a bathroom fitter in Manchester or a loft conversion specialist in Bristol will see profiles in that area. Your location is part of how they find you, so make sure your postcode or town is correct on your profile.

People also post tasks on the marketplace: 'I need my kitchen renovated' or 'Looking for a builder to repair my roof.' Providers can then make offers on those tasks. If you want to appear in these searches and be available for quote requests, a completed profile with services listed is essential.

Setting up as an independent builder in the UK

If you work as a sole trader, you must register with HM Revenue and Customs for tax purposes. Check the HMRC website for current requirements. You will need a business bank account to receive payments from Websta through Stripe, your payment processor. Set up your Stripe account linked to your own UK bank account so money goes directly to you.

Check with your local council or building control about any regulations for the type of work you do. Building regulations apply to structural work, electrical installations, and certain renovations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Rules differ slightly between regions, so confirm what applies to you.

Insurance is not a legal requirement to work alone, but many customers will ask about it. Public liability insurance covers damage to their property. If you work on projects over a certain value or duration, check whether your client expects or requires you to be insured.

You set your own prices on Websta. Payment is processed through Stripe, and money is paid out to your bank account. Keep records of all work for tax purposes.

What languages to use

Publish your profile in English. The vast majority of people searching for builders in the UK will search in English. If you are fluent in another language and serve communities that speak it - for example, Polish or Romanian communities in certain areas - you can add a second language, but English should be your main listing.

What to write in the first hour

Do not overthink it. In your first session, add your main service categories, a short description of what you do, and your location. Upload at least two photos of your work. If you have a photo of yourself, add that too.

Write a description of your experience and the types of work you do. Two or three sentences is enough: 'I do kitchen and bathroom renovations, loft conversions, and general building work across the North West. Twenty years of experience in residential projects.' Be honest about what you specialise in.

Add an email or phone number so people can contact you if the form is not enough. On Websta, people can also book a time slot or request a quote directly through your profile if you set that up.

Do not worry about perfection. You can add more photos, update your services, and refine your description over time. A profile that is 80 per cent complete and live will attract more customers than a perfect profile that is still being written.

Using the booking and quote system

Websta lets you set up time slots for consultations or site visits, or you can invite people to request a quote. For most building work, a quote is more practical than instant booking because every job is different. Set up your profile to accept quote requests, then respond quickly when someone asks.

When someone books a time or requests a quote, you receive a notification. Respond within 24 hours if you can. Speed matters to customers looking for a builder.