“What Expenses Can I Claim as a Builder?” Your Guide to Construction Tax Write Offs

If you’re a builder or tradesperson running your own business, it can feel like HMRC wants to take your hard earned cash and give you nothing back. But the truth is – if you know what you can claim, you’ll pay way less tax.

So let’s break down exactly what expenses you can (and can’t) put through your business.

The Golden Rule: “Wholly and Exclusively”

HMRC’s favourite phrase.

You can only claim expenses that are wholly and exclusively for business use. Not for the occasional Saturday job for your mum or picking up a pint on the way back from Screwfix.

Expenses You Can Claim (And Should)

1. Tools & Equipment

• Hammers, drills, saws – basically, anything you need to do your job.

• Even better: if it’s under £1,000, you might get full tax relief straight away.

2. Workwear

• Branded uniforms

• Protective gear (steel toe boots, hi-vis, gloves)

• No, you can’t claim your Nike trainers just because you wear them to site.

3. Mileage & Travel

• If you’re using your own car or van: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles (then 25p after)

• Train tickets, parking, tolls – all fine if it’s for work

• Nope: You can’t claim commuting from home to your regular job

4. Van Costs

• Fuel, insurance, repairs, servicing

• Or, claim mileage instead if it’s simpler

5. Mobile Phone

• If it’s in the business name: claim 100%

• If it’s personal but used for work: claim a percentage

6. Accountancy Fees

• Yes, paying someone like me to keep your books tidy is fully deductible.

7. Subcontractors & Labour

• If you pay other people to help on jobs, that’s a direct cost.

8. Materials

• Bricks, timber, plaster – anything you buy for the job can go through the books.

Expenses You Can’t Claim (Sorry)

• Your own lunch (unless you’re working away from home overnight)

• Clothes you could wear outside work – like jeans

• Fines or speeding tickets

• Client gifts over £50 or with alcohol in them

How to Keep HMRC Happy

• Keep your receipts – or snap a photo and save them digitally

• Use software (like Xero – I can help you set it up)

• Don’t guess – ask your accountant before you chuck stuff through

Ready to Claim Back What You’re Owed?

If you’re not claiming the right expenses, you’re handing HMRC money you don’t need to.

Let’s fix that. I work with loads of builders and construction business owners who want to keep more of what they earn – without the stress.

Message me to book a free tax check up. It might be the most profitable 15 minutes of your week.

Just say the word!