Published methodology · Version 1.0

How we verify.

Every Builder Standard verification is undertaken according to a published methodology: the Builder Standard Milestone Verification Standard v1.0. The same criteria, the same evidence rules and the same three outcomes apply to every assessment, whoever requested it.

Read Verification Standard v1.0 Verify a Milestone

Core principles

Six principles behind every verification.

01
Pre-agreed criteria
The verifier assesses only the milestone criteria agreed before verification.
02
Evidence based
Decisions must be supported by appropriate evidence.
03
Proportionate verification
Some milestones can be verified remotely. Others require physical inspection.
04
Independence
The verifier’s decision cannot be influenced by who requested or paid for the verification.
05
Limited scope
The verifier does not assess whether the homeowner is generally satisfied or whether the builder believes payment is deserved.
06
Consistent outcomes
Every assessment results in Verified, Further Evidence Required, or Not Verified.

The journey

From agreed milestone to verification record.

01
Milestone agreed
Builder and homeowner identify the construction milestone and measurable completion criteria.
02
Work progresses
The builder completes the relevant stage.
03
Evidence submitted
Timestamped photographs, video, documents, certificates and other appropriate evidence are uploaded.
04
Independent verification
Builder Standard assesses only the pre-agreed milestone criteria against the available evidence, normally within 24 to 48 hours.
05
Outcome issued
One of three outcomes is issued: Verified, Further Evidence Required, or Not Verified.
- Verified
- Further Evidence Required
- Not Verified
06
Verification record created
The outcome, evidence reviewed, date and verification reference are securely recorded. Where appropriate a verification certificate is issued.

Verification outcomes

Three outcomes. Nothing in between.

An outcome describes the milestone evidence only. It is not a rating of the builder, a measure of customer satisfaction, or a determination of legal entitlement to payment.

Verified
The evidence provided is sufficient to demonstrate that the pre-agreed milestone criteria have been achieved.
What has happened
- Criteria assessed
- Evidence reviewed
- Verification completed
- Verification certificate issued
Verified confirms that the stated milestone criteria have been evidenced as achieved. It does not determine contractual entitlement to payment.
Further Evidence Required
The evidence currently available is insufficient to reach a verification decision. Additional evidence, clarification or a site inspection is required.
What happens next
- Evidence requested
- Evidence submitted
- Reassessment
Further Evidence Required is not a failure and is not a finding against the builder. It means the assessment cannot yet be completed on the evidence available.
Not Verified
Based on the evidence available, one or more of the pre-agreed milestone criteria have not been demonstrated as achieved.
What the record shows
- Criterion not evidenced
- Reason
- Evidence considered
- Next action available
Not Verified is a finding about the stated milestone at the time of assessment. It is not a rating of the builder, an assessment of workmanship generally, or a finding of contractual breach.

Worked example

What exactly are we verifying?

Contract milestone

Roof Watertight

Stage payment

£15,000

Pre-agreed criteria

Roof covering installed
Flashings completed
Roof penetrations weathered
Temporary openings appropriately sealed
Building protected from normal weather ingress

Builder Standard asks

“Has the pre-agreed definition of Roof Watertight been evidenced as achieved?”

Builder Standard does not ask

“Is the homeowner happy with everything?”
“Does the builder deserve to be paid?”

Verified

Roof Watertight

Verified: 4 September 2026
Verification reference: BSV-2026-104882

This verification provides independent evidence of milestone completion. Payment remains governed by the parties’ contract.

Independence by design

Nobody can buy an outcome.

Builder
Can submit evidence.
Cannot determine the outcome.
Homeowner
Can submit evidence or raise relevant factual information.
Cannot determine the outcome.
Builder Standard
Assesses the evidence solely against the pre-agreed milestone criteria.
Has no interest in which party the outcome favours.

Who pays for the verification does not change the verification standard or outcome.

The evidence decides.

Challenge procedure

If either party disputes the outcome.

The Standard sets out a two-stage review route, open to both the builder and the homeowner.

Additional evidence→
Independent review→
Revised or upheld decision

Builder Standard verifies milestone evidence. It does not determine contractual entitlement to payment and does not replace adjudication, arbitration or the courts where a genuine contractual dispute exists.

The record

What a completed verification looks like.

Every Verified outcome produces a certificate with a unique reference and a public check link.

BSBuilder
Standard

Independent Milestone Verification

Milestone Verification Standard v1.0

Verified

Milestone

Roof Watertight

Project: Two storey rear extension
Property / project reference: Sample project, Leeds LS8
Builder: Sample Construction Ltd
Verification method: Remote evidence review
Verification date: 4 September 2026
Verifier: Builder Standard verification team

Pre-agreed milestone criteria

Roof covering installed
Flashings completed
Roof penetrations weathered
Temporary openings appropriately sealed
Building protected from normal weather ingress

Evidence reviewed

14 timestamped photographs
2 site videos
Building Control inspection record
Roofing material delivery note

Read Verification Standard v1.0 Check a verification

A downloadable PDF edition of the Verification Standard will be published alongside this page. Builder Standard is an independent commercial organisation and is not a government scheme or government-endorsed body.