Finding the right contractor for a project is key to success. While personal recommendations and positive reviews are valuable starting points, membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) provides gold-plated assurance you are working with a building company with a proven track record for craftsmanship, reliability, and professional service.
Most importantly, FMB membership is not a badge that can simply be bought. It is a status that must be earned and maintained through a rigorous, independent verification process. For Charles Clarke & Son, being a “Master Builder” demonstrates our century of heritage is matched by a commitment to modern, industry-leading standards (click to see our certification and membership listing).
What it takes to be a “master builder”
The FMB is the UK’s largest trade association in the construction industry, but it remains exclusive to those who can prove their worth. To maintain our membership, we must consistently demonstrate excellence in several key areas:
- Our workmanship is inspected for structural integrity, technical proficiency, and quality of finish
- Financial stability: We must provide evidence of our financial history and stability
- Insurance and Safety: We are required to prove we hold comprehensive public and employer liability insurance
- Professional Code of Conduct: mandates fair dealing, transparent communication, and a professional approach
A professional safety net
A key benefit of working with an FMB member is Contract Deposit and Abandonment Insurance, which means in the unlikely event your chosen contractor is unable to finish a project, helps cover the cost of appointing another FMB-accredited builder to complete the work. Also, in the unlikely event of a disagreement, FMB membership gives you access to a government-approved dispute resolution service.
FMB-Backed Warranties
While many builders offer “guarantees”, our FMB insurance-backed warranties stand as an independent validation of the quality of our work. For the homeowner, this provides a “Gold Standard” of protection that stays with the property. This becomes particularly valuable should you sell the property, as it simplifies the entire conveyancing process; because the FMB backing says it all, it satisfies the requirements of solicitors, lenders, and buyers immediately. There are no difficult questions asked about the integrity of the work, the accreditation provides all the answers.
The professional choice for contractors
For architects and lead contractors, partnering with an FMB member like Charles Clarke & Son significantly reduces project risk. You are hiring a firm that respects building physics, adheres to Health and Safety regulations, and has a proven track record of delivering high-end residential solutions.
Built on heritage, proven by standards
We combine more than a hundred years of excellence with the rigorous modern standards of the Federation of Master Builders. It is our way of showing while we value traditional craftsmanship, we are fully committed to the professional standards of the 21st century.
Ready to start your next project?
Contact the Charles Clarke & Son team today to discuss how our Master Builder expertise can bring your vision to life.




