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A main contractor is the company responsible for managing the entire construction process from start to finish. They handle everything from organising trades and suppliers to scheduling inspections, ensuring safety, and making sure the work meets UK Building Regulations. For most residential and commercial builds, especially in a city like Manchester, having a trusted main contractor can make all the difference.
If you’re building a home from scratch, planning a major extension, or managing multiple trades (e.g. builders, electricians, roofers), hiring a main contractor can save you stress, time, and even money. They’re your single point of contact throughout the build, helping keep things on track.
While a general builder might handle one aspect of your project (like brickwork), a main contractor oversees all areas – from site clearance to final finishes. Think of them as the director of a very detailed play.
Here’s a snapshot of ten standout construction firms active in Manchester in 2025:
| Contractor | Active Projects | Est. Project Value | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd | 3 | £194m | Commercial / Mixed-Use |
| Domis Construction | 2 | £116m | Residential High-Rise |
| Sir Robert McAlpine | 1 | £110m | Infrastructure / Public |
| Graham Construction | 1 | £105m | Health / Education |
| United Living Group | 3 | £103m | Social Housing / Retrofit |
| Willmott Dixon | 2 | £86m | Public & Civic Buildings |
| Royal BAM Group | 1 | £85m | Large Commercial |
| Morgan Sindall Group | 6 | £45m | Infrastructure & Public Works |
| McGoff Construction | Multiple | £100m+ (est.) | Care Homes / Residential |
| Dream Homes Construction | Specialist Builds | N/A | Custom Homes / Extensions |
We might not be the largest contractor in Manchester, but Dream Homes Construction has built a reputation for delivering bespoke, high-quality residential projects across Greater Manchester. From new builds to major renovations, we focus on craftsmanship, transparency, and client care.
Why people choose us:
🔗 Read how we help homeowners avoid cowboy builders in Manchester
While many top names like McAlpine and Willmott Dixon focus on major public-sector projects, they’re also delivering high-spec apartments, schools, and offices in Greater Manchester. Their size allows for competitive pricing on large contracts, but may not suit smaller residential builds.
Some builders on the list (like Domis or McGoff) are residential pros, while others focus on large commercial or civic work. If you’re building a home, stick with contractors who have experience with one-off builds or small developments.
Look for contractors who:
🔗 Use our Main Contractor Checklist before signing any contract
❌ No written quote ❌ No local references ❌ Requests for large upfront cash payments
In 2025, new build homes in Manchester cost on average:
So for a 3-bed, 100 m² house, expect a build cost of £220,000–£300,000, depending on your design and specification.
🔗 Need help budgeting? Read our post on “What It Really Costs to Build a Custom Home in Manchester”
🔗 Planning a renovation? Start with our checklist
Manchester sits mid-range for build costs compared to the UK overall. Expect 10–20% lower prices than London, but higher than cities like Hull or Sheffield.
In most cases, you’ll need full planning permission. Our team can help guide you through:
National contractors might offer scale, but local firms know:
From Altrincham to Prestwich, we’ve completed over 70 residential projects since 2017. Our strength? Tailoring the process for each client’s needs.
We provide:
About £2,200–£2,800/m² in 2025 for a typical new build.
You can, but it’s a lot more work. You’ll be responsible for contracts, trades, insurance, inspections, and site safety.
6–9 months on average from breaking ground to completion.
🔗 See our timeline breakdown: How Long Does a New Build Project in Manchester Really Take?
Not always, but it helps. We’re happy to guide you through the process if needed.
Ready to bring your project to life? Whether you’re still gathering ideas or already have drawings, our team can help.
📩 Contact Dream Homes Construction to start your build
We’ll happily book a free consultation or site visit anywhere across Greater Manchester.
