Why Staged Payments Protect Your Project - and Your Wallet

Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025

The Risk of Big Deposits

 

 

You have found a builder, the price is agreed, and you are eager to get started. The builder then asks for a large deposit upfront. Many homeowners feel they have no choice but to pay, only to later discover delays, unfinished work, or requests for more money.

 

Large upfront payments remove your leverage and place all the risk in your hands. If the builder walks away or progress slows, your money may already be gone. Disputes, stress, and spiralling costs often follow.

 

 

 

 

Why Staged Payments Make Sense

 

 

The professional approach is to use staged payments tied to progress on site. This is not about mistrusting your builder - it is about protecting both parties and ensuring the project runs smoothly.

 

With staged payments:

 

  • You keep control of cashflow.

 

  • The builder has incentive to deliver each stage on time.

 

  • Payments are transparent and predictable.

 

  • Disputes about “extras” are reduced because each stage is defined.

 

 

By contrast, a large deposit creates imbalance. You lose the ability to hold the builder accountable, and problems become harder to resolve.

 

 

 

 

How to Structure Payments Properly

 

 

1.   Agree milestones in advance

 

·      Foundations completed

 

·      Roof installed

 

·      First fix services complete

 

·      Plastering finished

 

·      Practical completion

 

2.   Keep it in writing

 

·      Payment terms should be part of your written contract and specification.


3.   Always hold a retention

 

·      Retain 5-10% until all snagging is completed.

 

4.   Avoid cash

 

·      Pay by bank transfer so there is a record.

 

5.   Challenge unreasonable demands

 

·      If a builder insists on many thousands of pounds upfront, this is a red flag.

 

 

Case Study: Regaining Control

 

 

A homeowner we supported in Wembley had agreed to pay almost 40% of the contract value upfront. The builder became slow to mobilise, then requested further money before completing the first stage. The client felt trapped and anxious.

 

We stepped in, reviewed the contract, and helped renegotiate a staged payment plan tied to milestones. Work progressed more smoothly, and the homeowner avoided what could easily have become a financial disaster.

 

“Once the staged payments were in place, we finally felt back in control. Sunil and his team gave us confidence that our money was safe and that the builder was accountable.”

 

 

 

 

Why This Matters for You

 

 

Payment schedules may sound like a small detail, but they are often the difference between a successful build and a costly dispute. A fair, balanced structure protects your investment, gives your builder clarity, and keeps the project moving forward.

 

 

 

 

Take Action Today

 

 

Do not let unclear payment terms put your project at risk.

 

Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership. We will review your proposed payment structure and give you confidence that your builder is working to protect your money - not put it at risk.

 

 

Coaching Spotlight: Can You Project Manage Your Own Build?

by Niket Kapur • 14 September 2025
The Temptation Many homeowners are tempted to manage their own building project. The logic seems simple: cut out the cost of a project manager and save money. You already have a builder lined up, maybe one recommended by friends or family, and you feel confident that everything will go smoothly. But while it can work, managing your own build is a serious undertaking. Without preparation, it often leads to stress, delays, and costs spiralling out of control. What Project Management Really Involves Managing a build is not just about choosing finishes or chasing invoices. It requires: Coordinating multiple trades and suppliers. Handling schedules, deliveries, and staged payments. Ensuring compliance with building regulations. Managing risks, safety, and insurances. Keeping accurate specifications, contracts, and records. Even with a good builder, these tasks can overwhelm a homeowner. The Pitfalls to Watch For (Even with a “Good Builder”) Many people believe that because their builder is: “Tried and tested,” or Recommended by friends and family, … everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, things can still go wrong. Hard to judge quality: Finished projects can look impressive, but hidden corners may have been cut. It is difficult for a homeowner to spot these issues. Knowledge untested: We rigorously test builders’ knowledge. Many homeowners do not - and miss key warning signs. Due diligence matters: We check business history, insurances, and financial standing. This step is often skipped, leaving clients exposed. Technical gaps: Homeowners often lack expertise in dealing with party wall agreements, public liability, and specialist insurances - all of which are critical to staying compliant and protected. The Benefits of Doing It Yourself To be fair, there are reasons why some homeowners still choose to self-manage: Potential savings on professional fees. Personal satisfaction from being hands-on. Full control over decision-making. Direct relationships with trades. For some, this works well - but only when they have time, knowledge, and systems in place. Case Study: From Chaos to Control A homeowner in Harrow decided to manage their own large extension. They trusted a builder recommended by family and assumed things would run smoothly. Within months, delays mounted, trades clashed, and costs increased as “extras” piled up. We were brought in to coach them through the rest of the project. With clear payment schedules, proper contracts, and regular reviews, they regained control. Why Professional Support Pays Off At The Building Guidance Partnership, we provide coaching for homeowners who want to take charge - and full project management when required. Either way, our involvement saves clients far more than our fees. 💡 With professional project management, clients often save multiples of the project management costs through: Better build quality – avoiding mistakes and rework. Preventing inflated builder extras. Reducing timing delays that push up costs. Correctly recovering VAT and council tax where applicable. Avoiding disputes by using clear, pre-agreed specifications and contracts. Take Control - With the Right Support Self-managing a build can be rewarding - but it is not for the faint-hearted. With the right coaching, you can avoid pitfalls, protect your budget, and finish your project with confidence. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. Let us help you decide if project managing your own build is the right choice - and give you the tools to succeed.

"Why Hoarding Saves Lives: A Lesson from Tragedy"

by Niket Kapur • 9 September 2025
On 8 June 1965, The Times reported a tragic incident in Mitcham, Surrey. A six-year-old boy was found seriously burnt after lying between a live rail and a running rail. His story reminds us, even decades later, of the dangers posed by unprotected sites and infrastructure. While this was a railway accident, the principle is the same for building sites. Construction sites are dangerous: exposed wiring, deep excavations, sharp tools, heavy machinery, and unstable structures.  To the untrained eye, especially a child’s, a site can appear as nothing more than an exciting playground. In reality, it can be deadly. Why Hoarding Matters Site hoarding - the solid fencing erected around construction sites - is not just about privacy or stopping theft. It is a frontline safety measure that: Prevents accidents by keeping children and the public away from hazards. Protects workers by creating a controlled environment. Reduces liability for owners and contractors, who are legally responsible for site safety. Maintains order by ensuring only authorised people gain entry. Enhances community relations by reducing noise, dust, and unsightly views. A Duty of Care Every property owner, contractor, developer, and project manager has a duty of care. Skimping on hoarding, leaving gaps, or delaying installation is a risk no one should take. History shows us that tragedies happen quickly when safeguards are absent. Hoarding saves lives. It is not an optional extra but an essential first step in any build. The tragic story from 1965 is a reminder that dangers are real and ever-present.

Site Safety 101 - Hoarding, CDM Duties & Protecting Your Family

by Niket Kapur • 10 August 2025
Renovating or building at home can be exciting, but it also brings hazards. Power tools, dust, heavy machinery, and open excavations can quickly turn a dream project into a dangerous environment if not properly managed. Site safety is not just about protecting workers - it is about safeguarding you, your family, your neighbours, and the public. Many homeowners underestimate their role in safety, assuming it is purely the builder’s responsibility. In reality, under UK law, you have legal duties too. Why Site Safety Matters A safe site: Prevents accidents and injuries. Keeps your project on track by avoiding shutdowns or investigations. Reduces the risk of costly claims or disputes. Demonstrates professionalism to neighbours and the wider community. Beyond these practical benefits, safety is also a legal obligation. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) set out duties for clients, contractors, and designers - and yes, you, as the homeowner commissioning the work, are a “client” under these rules. Practical Steps for a Safe Site Secure the Perimeter Hoarding: Use solid hoarding or strong fencing to enclose the site. This prevents unauthorised access, especially by children or curious passers-by. Clear Signage: Install warning signs (e.g., “Construction Site - Keep Out”) and safety notices for deliveries. 2. Control Access Designate a single entry point for workers and deliveries. Keep keys or codes secure - never leave gates open for convenience. 3. Manage Hazards Inside Ensure trip hazards, trailing cables, and exposed nails are dealt with promptly. Store tools, materials, and chemicals safely at the end of each day. Keep fire extinguishers and first-aid kits on-site and visible. 4. Protect Your Family Create a physical barrier between living areas and the works. Use dust sheets and sealed doors to reduce airborne particles. If you must enter the site, wear sturdy footwear and appropriate PPE. 5. Meet Your CDM Duties Appoint a Principal Contractor (if more than one contractor is working on-site). Make sure the contractor has a Construction Phase Plan covering safety procedures. Provide the contractor with any relevant information about the site (e.g., asbestos surveys, existing hazards). Case Studies: When Safety Was Overlooked Unsecured Front Garden: A London homeowner started a front extension without hoarding. Local children wandered in and damaged materials, leading to a council inspection and two weeks’ delay. Open Cellar Drop: In Harrow, a basement staircase opening was left uncovered. A delivery driver fell in, breaking his leg. The homeowner’s insurance only partially covered the claim. Dust Issue: A Middlesex extension lacked dust barriers. Cutting concrete indoors triggered an asthma attack in a child, halting the project until dust control measures were installed. Driveway Hazard: In Watford, a loose scaffold plank fell onto a neighbour’s car during high winds. The builder’s insurance paid for repairs, but the homeowner faced weeks of disruption. Each of these could have been avoided with basic safety measures in place from the start. Take Control of Safety from Day One Your home improvement project should bring you joy - not stress or legal problems. Putting safety first protects your investment, your family, and your peace of mind. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today to ensure your project meets all safety requirements from the start. Sunil K Radia The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk