How to pay a builder safely

1. Put the agreement in writing

Record the builder’s business details, the work and specification, exclusions, price and VAT, materials, and expected dates. Keep the agreed drawings and quotation with the contract. Make sure both sides understand who supplies materials and how payments become due.

2. Agree payments against progress

Avoid paying the whole job price before work begins. Agree clear stages and amounts in the contract, including how completed work will be checked. For complex work, consider advice from an independent surveyor or contract administrator.

If a deposit is requested, agree its purpose and amount in writing. Ask how any materials and deposit protection are documented. Check the agreed work or materials against each invoice before paying.

3. Keep invoices and receipts together

Save the contract, changes, invoices, payment confirmations and receipts in one place. Note the date, amount and work covered by each payment. Keep photographs of progress. Ask for a receipt for any deposit or cash payment; avoid cash-only arrangements.

4. Verify changed bank details

An email, invoice or WhatsApp message can be impersonated. If payment details change, call the builder on a number you already trust, rather than one in the new message. Confirm the account details independently before sending money. Stop and check any account-name mismatch or unexpected demand for urgent payment.

If you suspect money has gone to a scammer, contact your bank immediately and keep the messages and invoices. Read the National Crime Agency’s invoice-fraud guidance (PDF).

5. Agree extra work before it starts

Ask for a written description of the change, its price including any VAT, the effect on timing and when payment is due. Both sides should approve it before the extra work begins. Keep the change with your original agreement.

If you dispute a bill, explain the issue in writing and get advice before changing or withholding payments due under your contract. Citizens Advice explains problems with building work and unexpected charges.