How building payments should work, and how to keep your money safe.
Money is where most worries about builders start. The reassuring news is that fair, safe payment is simple, and once you know how it should work, the warning signs are easy to spot.
The golden rule: never pay a large deposit up front. A reputable builder is not funding your entire project out of your money before a brick is laid.
Deposits
A small, reasonable deposit to secure a start date, or to pay for specific materials ordered in advance such as bespoke windows, is normal. A demand for a large percentage of the whole job before work begins is a red flag.
Stage payments
On all but the smallest jobs, you pay in stages against work that has actually been completed and materials that have been delivered, following a clear schedule agreed before anyone starts. The key principle is simple: you are always paying slightly behind the work, never far ahead of it. That keeps the incentive with the builder to keep going, and keeps your money protected.
Retention
On larger contracts a small percentage, often around 5 per cent, is held back and released a short time after completion, once any snags have been put right. It is a straightforward way to make sure the finishing details are done properly.
Get it in writing
Your payment schedule should be part of your contract, tied to defined milestones, with clear amounts and dates. If it is only a verbal understanding, it is not enough.
How to protect yourself
- Pay by traceable means, such as bank transfer, and keep records. Be wary of cash-only requests.
- Never pay ahead of the work.
- Use a proper contract with a clear payment schedule.
- Walk away from anyone who pressures you to pay large sums up front.
How we work
Our payments are clear and staged, tied to progress and set out in writing before we start, so you always know exactly what you are paying for and when. No large upfront demands, ever. It is a small thing that says a lot about how a builder treats you.
General guidance for 2026. Always agree payment terms in writing before work begins.