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AI receptionist tools for joiners and carpenters in the UK

Joiners and carpenters get enquiries that need detail: a fitted wardrobe, new internal doors, a staircase or replacement windows. A receptionist that collects measurements, photos and whether materials are already bought saves a wasted visit.

Prices were re-checked on each provider's own page; the date is next to each one. Rules and figures from GOV.UK are linked where they're used.

Gathering the job details

Ask what the job is, rough sizes, how many items (doors, windows), whether the customer has already bought materials, and when they need it done. Ask for photos by text.

Windows and doors

Replacement windows and doors in existing homes need to meet building regulations. Authorised competent person schemes include Fensa, CERTASS, Certsure, NAPIT, Blue Flame Certification and ASSURE (GOV.UK). If you're registered with one, have the receptionist say so.

Builders' subcontract calls

Many joiners work first and second fix for builders. Put regular builders on a list to pass straight through or message, without the customer questions.

The options, with prices

Tool	Price and free plan	UK notes and source
Moneypenny AI Receptionist A UK answering company offering an AI receptionist with the option of real receptionists.	From £49 a month according to its AI Receptionist page; you get a quote for your needs. No call or minute allowance published. No free plan.	UK company. Source, checked 15 October 2026
Smith.ai AI Receptionist An AI receptionist that answers calls 24/7, qualifies leads and books appointments, with live human backup available.	Free: 25 calls a month, then $3.00 a call. Pro: $150 a month (75 calls, about $2.00 a call). Enterprise: from $500 a month. 25 calls a month with 24/7 answering, recordings, transcripts, summaries and calendar booking.	US company, priced in dollars; confirm UK number support. Source, checked 15 October 2026
Upfirst An AI receptionist that answers, summarises and transfers calls and books appointments.	Starter: $24.95 a month for 30 calls ($20 billed annually), then $1.50 a call. Premium: $59.95 for 90 calls ($48 annually), then $1 a call. Pro: $159.95 for 300 calls ($128 annually). Scale: $299 for 600 calls ($240 annually). 14-day free trial. No free plan; 14-day free trial with all features.	US company, priced in dollars. Source, checked 15 October 2026
Powered Now UK trade app for quotes, invoices, job scheduling and compliance certificates, with an optional AI receptionist.	Business: £28 a month for one user (£280 a year). Professional: £32 per user a month (£320 a year). Premium: £40 per user a month (£400 a year). All excl. VAT. AI receptionist add-on from £29 a month. 14-day free trial, no card required. No free plan; 14-day free trial, no card required.	UK company, prices in pounds excl. VAT. Source, checked 15 October 2026
Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) Phone answering plus web chat, two-way text, a simple CRM and automations in one plan.	Business-in-a-Box: $99 a month, or $79 a month billed annually, including 200 voice minutes. No free plan listed.	US company, priced in dollars. Source, checked 15 October 2026

What to check before you choose

Custom questions (sizes, number of doors, materials).
Photo requests by text after the call.
Call transfer for known builders.
UK numbers and pricing currency.

A prompt to start with

Paste this into ChatGPT or Claude, or use it as your AI receptionist's instructions, filling in the brackets:

You answer the phone for [business name], a joiner in [area]. Get the caller's name, address, number and the job (e.g. doors, wardrobes, stairs, windows). Ask how many items, rough sizes, whether they've bought materials and when they need it. Ask them to text photos to [number]. If the caller is a builder we work for ([names]), take a short message. Don't quote prices.

Free tools

Price a job with the quote and VAT calculator (20%, 5%, 0% and reverse charge), or work out your day rate. Before paying for a tool, check it pays for itself with the AI tool break-even calculator.

Questions

Do I need scheme membership for windows?

Replacement windows in homes need building regulations approval, either through a competent person scheme or building control. GOV.UK lists the schemes.

What's the cheapest option?

Smith.ai lists a free plan with 25 calls a month, then $3.00 a call. Moneypenny's UK AI Receptionist page says from £49 a month. Powered Now's AI receptionist add-on is from £29 a month. All checked 15 October 2026.

Are these prices in pounds?

Not all. Where a provider only publishes US dollar prices we show dollars, so check the price in pounds at checkout.

Do you get paid if I sign up?

Some links may become affiliate links, and we'll label them when they do. It doesn't change what we list. See how we make money.

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