Federation of Master Builders Reviews 

886
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 119 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently highlight the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff, who are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive. Many people praise the excellent service and support provided, noting the clear communication, efficient processes, and ease of navigation. Reviewers appreciate the organization's commitment to quality, professionalism, and maintaining high standards within the building industry. However, some customers also noted concerns regarding the company's ability to provide protection or recourse when disputes arose with member builders, feeling unsupported in resolving issues. A few other people also felt that the vetting process for builders was superficial, leading to experiences with amateur workmanship and a lack of adherence to quality standards.

What people talk about most

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, frequently highlighting their professionalism, helpfulness, and... See more

Service

Consumers find service to be positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the professionalism, clear... See more

Customer service

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of customer service, with many praising the clear, responsive, and... See more

Quality

Customers had ambiguous experiences with quality, with many expressing significant dissatisfaction regarding... See more

User experience

People report positive experiences with the user experience, highlighting a smooth and efficient onboarding... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

WoodStone Homes are super pleased and proud to have passed our Federation of Master Builders site inspection. Great to meet and discuss one of our live projects with FMB's Naiomi, thank you fo... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We found the onboarding process very efficient, from the initial contact to finally being onboarded was fantastic. All our questions were answered clearly & all the benefits & services were set out fr... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Federation of master builders. Is a long term institution for the building. Trade. It's reputation is very highly rated. Long may you serve the building trade. As there is not another federation t... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much for this amazing product Adam and team at Intelligent Membranes I love this product and will definitely be recommending this to my clients and use this on my next Development Hi... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Non-Profit Organization
  2. Online Marketplace

About Federation of Master Builders

Written by the company

Join the FMB Find a Builder

About us

The Federation of Master Builders is the largest trade association for the UK construction industry and a not-for-profit organisation that is run by members for members.

Our mission

We support small and medium-sized construction companies to grow and manage their business by providing a wide range of support services such as contract templates, unlimited expert advice, online training, and access to a community of fellow professional builders.

Our members must pass an independent inspection and strict vetting process before they join the FMB to ensure they meet the high standards expected of a Master Builder company.

We also connect clients with professional, local builders they can trust through our free Find a Builder service. Our series of ultimate guides for home renovation projects helps clients to understand what to expect during a building project.


Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

886 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 78% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

How this company uses Trustpilot

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4.5

All reviews

(886)

121 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

good customer service

good customer service

November 28, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Clive,

Thank you for the kind review, and welcome to the FMB! We look forward to championing high standards in construction together.

Kind regards

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

A Badge for Rogue Builders to Hide Behind

If you are employing a builder who’s a member of the FMB then be very careful.
Most of the reviews are from builder members who enjoy having a badge displayed on their van. It is nothing more than a subscription service with no real teeth.
I fell into their trap and have been utterly abandoned by both a rogue builder and the FMB. Thousands of pounds of damage and they’ve done nothing about it other than pass messages between me and the builder.
They advertise that they do checks on the builders but when I asked for the insurance details (that are part of those checks) the have refused to provide them.
The FMB is entirely biased towards the builder and offers no protections for the customer.
Totally corrupt system and I would warn anyone who thinks that the FMB provides any assurances or guarantees to think again.
Update 10 Dec 25:the FMB response suggests that the issue and conflict lies with me as the customer. This is false and misleading and reflects the approach taken by the FMB in this case. The reality is that the builder has abandoned the job and the FMB are doing nothing but passing emails between us. The FMB had zero value to customers and is simply a shroud for rogue builders to hide behind

November 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Richard,

We understand your concerns. The case remains open for mediation, and the member has made offers to address the issues and meet on-site. These offers have not been accepted, and we are awaiting confirmation on how you wish to proceed.

Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

FMB Membership, True Value for Money

Had a great year and happy to renew, great service and recognition within the building industry. Made many profits above the membership amount via client enquires, true value for money

November 24, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Duncan,

Many thanks for the kind review, we're glad to hear that you've seen such good value from your FMB membership.

Thanks also for your continued support, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful people

Very helpful people
Simple process
Easy to join
Good value

November 7, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Steve,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad you found the joining process easy and welcome you to the FMB!

Thanks also for your support as a member, we look forwarding to championing high standards in construction together.

Best regards

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The FMB helps to produce contractors of high quality

I am a RICS surveyor and MCIOB construction manager and member of the FMB for many years, The FMB helps to produce contractors of high quality and reduce risks to their customers.

November 7, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Bob,

Thank you for the kind review, we're proud to support high quality builders all around the UK.

Thanks also for your continued support, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful as always.

Very helpful as always.

November 5, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Colin,

Thank you for the kind review, we're always happy to be of service.

Thanks also for your continued support as a member, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very professional Bussiness

Very professional Bussiness

November 4, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Gary,

Thank you for the kind review, and for your continued support as a member.

Thanks also for continuing to champion high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Russ,

Thank you for the kind review, and welcome back to the FMB! We look forward to championing high standards in construction together.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Extremely Disappointed with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

Extremely Disappointed with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

I first came across the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) at the Homebuilding and Renovation Show, where I was impressed by their claims that member builders were vetted and that the FMB would mediate and resolve any disputes regarding workmanship. Reassured by this, I visited their website and selected a builder who had been a member for over 20 years, though there were no customer reviews listed. After reviewing his past work and receiving positive references, I proceeded with confidence and signed the FMB contract, trusting that any issues would be fairly handled.
Unfortunately, my experience did not reflect the promises made.

Early into the project, I noticed red flags—my builder lacked the necessary knowledge and often attempted to cut corners. However, since he had already started work across multiple areas of the property, I felt trapped and reluctant to raise concerns for fear he might abandon the job. He repeatedly assured me that everything would be resolved and approved by Building Control.

The following year, I met with Nicola DeSuza, an FMB director, and shared my concerns. She acknowledged that the work had not been carried out to the required standard and advised me to escalate the matter. It was at this point I learned that not all FMB builders are proactively vetted—reviews are only conducted if requested by the customer or the builder.

When my Building Control Inspector changed, I took the opportunity to have the work reassessed. The findings were alarming, and I contacted Nicola again, who kindly escalated the issue on my behalf. I was then assigned a case handler, Amanda Owen, who was sympathetic to my situation—especially as I was also dealing with redundancy and high stress at the time.

Despite listing the issues the builder refused to rectify, the FMB’s response was limited to email correspondence. They appointed an assessor who reviewed photographs and concluded the work met acceptable standards. However, they refused to conduct an on-site inspection, stating it was not a service they provided—even though Building Control had failed the work. I had simply hoped for an in-person review to validate my concerns.

I also requested the FMB’s help in obtaining the roof warranty, which the builder had promised multiple times. As of October 2025—nine months after the roof was completed—I am still waiting. (Attached is a photo of the roof, which the FMB deemed acceptable.)

Eventually, the FMB advised me to seek an independent professional assessment (e.g., from a RICS surveyor) and consider legal action if necessary. When I pointed out that the builder had signed a contract to complete the work by June 2025 and we were far from completion, I was told that enforcing the contract was not their responsibility—making the contract feel meaningless.

In conclusion, I’ve come to the unfortunate realisation that the FMB does not offer the level of protection or accountability it promotes. Their priority appears to be collecting membership fees rather than ensuring customer satisfaction or builder accountability. I’ve been left with a poorly executed project and little support. My advice: proceed with caution and consider alternative platforms where customer reviews are transparent and builders are held to higher standards.

📸 I will be uploading photos of the work carried out by my builder—work that the FMB deemed acceptable.

October 22, 2025
Unprompted review
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Aksar,

Thank you for your feedback. The process and case were explained to you, and no issues were identified following review. Photos were shared with an inspector, who did not flag any concerns. The only outstanding point was the roof guarantee. Follow-up attempts over several weeks were not responded to, so the case was closed. The member confirmed work was continuing on site, indicating your complaint was unclear.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Is very good federation builder…

Is very good federation builder recommended evry one profesional specialist builder construction

October 17, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Michal,
Thank you for your kind review, we’re very glad to be of service.
Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing service

Amazing service, thoroughly professional and they made the whole application process run smoothly.

October 20, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Rebecca,
Thank you for your kind review, we’re very glad to be of service and to support small businesses like yours across the UK.
Thanks also for your continued support as a member and for championing high standards in our industry.
Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been a member for 16 years now and…

I've been a member for 16 years now and I'm happy with the Federation.

October 15, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Hi Martin,
Thank you for your kind review, we’re very glad to be of service and to support small businesses like yours across the UK.
Thanks also for your continued support as a member and championing high standards in our industry.
Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great services

Great services, customer services very good and helpful, looking forward to presenting our FMB membership throughout our business

October 3, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear CT Plastering and Building
Thank you for your kind review, we’re glad to be of service and to support small businesses like yours across the UK.
Thanks also for your continued support as a member and for championing high standards in our industry.
Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Using a great product the best in my…

Using a great product the best in my opinion

October 3, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Mark
Thank you for your kind review, we’re glad to be of service and to support small businesses like yours across the UK.
Thanks also for your continued support as a member and for championing high standards in our industry.
Kind regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service A*

Great customer service A*

October 2, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear ESSAR Construction Limited,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad to hear you've received such good service. Welcome to the FMB, we look forward to championing high standards in construction together!

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The awards were really well organised

The awards were really well organised, it was great to be a good bit closer so we could drive to the event.
The venue was good with lovely high ceilings so it didn't get stuffy.
The sound was good enough but not great at the back.
I would have loved to have seen the projects be displayed and showcased earlier so you could look over them and peruse at your leisure.

September 29, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Angus,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad you enjoyed the 2025 Master Builder Awards, and congratulations on winning the Sustainable Building Award!

Thanks also for your continued support as a member, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had a wonderful time in Manchester

We had a wonderful time in Manchester , the organisation was second to none , and couldn’t have been made more welcome at a fantastic event

September 29, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Martin,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad you enjoyed the 2025 Master Builder Awards and congratulations on your win in the Outstanding Builder of the Year category!

Thanks also for your continued support as a member, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very professional service

September 30, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Kevin,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad to hear you're happy with the service you receive as an FMB member.

Thanks also for your continued support, and for championing high standards in our industry.

Best regards,
The FMB

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service and processes

Easy to deal with and process was very straightforward.

September 30, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Andrew Jerdan Contracts Ltd,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad that you found the joining process to be straightforward.

Welcome to the FMB, we look forward to championing high standards in construction together.

Best regards

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good service.

September 25, 2025
Federation of Master Builders logo

Reply from Federation of Master Builders

Dear Jamie,

Thank you for the kind review, we're glad that you received a good service from our team.

Welcome to the FMB, we look forward to championing high standards in construction together.

Best regards,
The FMB

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