FMB Launches Updated Builder Contracts to Protect Homeowners and Raise Standards

With building industry licensing under discussion and the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign underway, and trust in tradespeople more important than ever, the contracts provide a clear marker of professionalism that sets FMB members apart.

Research suggests most homeowners are unaware of their legal responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022, including crucial duty holder roles that can affect project liability and compliance. Many don't realise that using a written contract isn't just good practice, it's essential protection.

Sarah Fox, FMB contract creator, said:

"No-one ever thinks they need a contract, until a client fails to pay, a subcontractor disputes what their role was, or there's a defect at the property. Of course, the UK building sector is awash with complex contracts that really are hard for members to read, understand and use. But the FMB contracts are specifically designed with members' needs front and centre - easy to fill in the details, cover everything important and they shouldn't be off-putting for your clients or subcontractors. They only safeguard your business, though, if you use them! If you've avoided 'going down the legal route' previously, please give them a try. We want you to test them and feedback if there is room for improvement. But we really just want you to get the benefit from our hard work creating them."

The new FMB contracts address this knowledge gap by clearly explaining who is responsible for what, in language everyone can understand. This transparency helps homeowners:

• Identify professional, trustworthy builders who operate to recognised standards

• Understand their own legal duties under current building regulations

• Avoid disputes by having clear terms agreed upfront and a clear process of what to do if things go wrong

• Verify competence through built-in competency statements

• Protect their investment with legally robust agreements

Brian Berry, FMB CEO added: 

"Homeowners often don't know what questions to ask when hiring a builder. The good news is that our contracts do that work for them. When an FMB member presents a professional, comprehensive contract that explains duty holder roles and legal responsibilities, it immediately signals this is a trusted business operating to the highest standards. In an industry which has too many disputes and legal claims the FMB contracts provide confidence and reassurance for both builders and homeowners."

At just 14-15 pages, which is significantly shorter than the 80 plus page contracts offered by other organisations, the FMB templates were developed in collaboration with legal experts, FMB members, and the Building Safety Regulator's Industry working groups.

Key features include:

• Clear duty holder role definitions under the Building Safety Act, protecting both builders and homeowners

• Competency statement templates demonstrating skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB)

• Plain English throughout – no confusing jargon or legal terminology

• Flexible payment terms and optional advance/deposit mechanisms

• Tailored versions for all four UK nations

• Alignment with the FMB Code of Conduct, which requires members to use written contracts on every job

Recent FMB member consultations revealed widespread confusion around the Building Safety Act, particularly regarding the Principal Designer role. Many architects and structural engineers are declining design responsibilities due to insurance limitations, leaving builders and homeowners at risk.

The new contracts directly address these issues by clearly defining who is responsible for design, construction management, and compliance, protecting all parties from assuming roles they're not qualified or insured to perform.