“We’re in an industry where most other professionals are regulated. Planning, lawyers, finance – it’s all regulated,” Ms Gay added.
“But the builder that’s actually putting together your home is not.”
The FMB said the lack of confidence in builders had put homeowners off getting work done. It estimated this led to £10bn worth of inactivity in the economy.
It said the public may have lost as much as £14.3bn to cowboy builders, with 15% of respondents to its recent survey, external reporting an average loss of £1,759.
Those opposed to licensing, such as the National Federation of Builders, said it would add costs to the industry and could see some builders quitting the trade.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said: “We regularly review how standards within the construction sector could be improved, but any action taken must be robust, proportionate and evidence-based.”
