Nearly three-quarters of FMB members said VAT was an issue they wanted the government to address, followed by Building Regulations, planning and finance.
"This is about creating a level playing field and reducing the number of individuals and businesses that rely on avoiding VAT," said FMB chief executive Brian Berry.
He said a VAT cut would boost economic growth by making it easier for homeowners to undertake work on their properties.
"Independent research has shown that the government will quickly make up the initial loss of tax revenue owing to the growth in demand for housing repair and maintenance work," he said.
The FMB has also responded to European consultation on reduced VAT rates by urging the EU to keep the option open for the UK government cut VAT on housing repair and improvement work."
Mr Berry said it would be "perverse" for the EU to forbid member states to reduce VAT on work to save energy such as installing energy-efficient windows, insulation or new boilers.
