Builder Standard Verify
Independent milestone verification.
When you’ve completed the work, you shouldn’t have to rely solely on someone’s opinion to prove it.
Builder Standard independently reviews predefined construction milestones against appropriate evidence. Both parties agree what each milestone means, evidence is submitted when the stage is reached, and an independent assessment is recorded.
Speed of cash flow is at the heart of it. Milestones are normally verified within 24 to 48 hours of the builder’s request and evidence upload.
Builder Standard does not hold, control or release funds, does not determine contractual entitlement and does not instruct anyone to pay. Payment stays between the contractor and the customer, under their own agreement.
Milestone 04
Roof Watertight
- Method
- Remote evidence review
- Certificate
- BSV-2026-104829
- Evidence
- 14 photographs · 2 videos · inspection record
- Stage value
- £18,750
Illustrative example.
Process
Six steps from criteria to certificate.
- 01
Project set up
Property, parties, contract and the milestones you both want verified.
- 02
Criteria agreed
Each milestone is defined in writing and agreed by both parties before work reaches it.
- 03
Stage reached
The builder marks the milestone as ready and uploads the evidence from site.
- 04
Evidence reviewed in 24 to 48 hours
Builder Standard assesses each criterion against the evidence, remotely or on site, normally within 24 to 48 hours of the request.
- 05
Outcome recorded
VERIFIED, FURTHER EVIDENCE REQUIRED, or NOT VERIFIED, with clear reasons.
- 06
Parties notified
Both parties receive the outcome and a certificate reference they can check.
Criteria
Suggested milestones, not a fixed template.
Every project starts from a suggested set of residential construction milestones. Rename them, remove them, add your own or rewrite the criteria so they match your contract. Nothing is verified until both parties have agreed what it means.
- Commencement / Site Setup
- Foundations Complete
- Structure / Shell Complete
- Roof Watertight
- First Fix Complete
- Plaster / Second Fix Stage
- Practical Completion
Evidence we accept
- Timestamped photographs
- Video walkthroughs
- Approved drawings
- Specification
- Contract documents
- Building Control inspection records
- Certificates
- Invoices or delivery evidence where relevant
- Other supporting documentation
Outcomes
Three possible outcomes, always with reasons.
The evidence reviewed supports the agreed criteria having been met.
Something specific is missing. The request stays open until it is provided.
On the evidence reviewed, the agreed criteria do not yet appear to be met.
Milestone verified. Please deal with any associated stage payment in accordance with your contract or payment agreement.
What is assessed
The defined milestone, not general satisfaction.
Verification assesses whether the contractual definition of the milestone appears to have been achieved. It is not an assessment of whether the homeowner is completely satisfied with every aspect of the project.
Where appropriate, unrelated snagging items are recorded separately rather than automatically preventing verification of an otherwise completed milestone. Nothing in a verification overrides either party’s contractual rights.
Example
Contract milestone
Roof watertight, £15,000
The verification question:
Has the contractual definition of “Roof Watertight” been achieved?
Not:
Is the homeowner completely satisfied with every aspect of the project?
Evidence that may be considered
- Timestamped photographs
- Video
- Building Control records
- Architect or contract administrator information
- Specifications
- Drawings
- Test certificates
- Installation records
- Site inspection
- Contractor declarations
- Relevant supporting documentation
Remote Verification
From £99
Photographic, video and documentary evidence reviewed remotely against the agreed criteria.
Site Verification
From £249
An independent physical inspection by a suitably experienced professional.
Builder Standard milestone verification records an independent assessment of whether the agreed milestone criteria appear to have been satisfied, based on the scope and evidence reviewed. It does not constitute Building Control approval, structural certification, statutory approval, a warranty or guarantee of workmanship, legal adjudication, or an instruction that payment must be made. Builder Standard does not hold, control or release construction funds.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions.
What is independent milestone verification?
An independent, evidence-based confirmation that an agreed stage of construction work has been reached before a stage payment is released. Remote verification starts from £99 and site verification from £249.
How quickly is a milestone verified?
Speed of cash flow is central to what we do. Remote verifications are normally completed within 24 to 48 hours of the builder's request and evidence upload, so a stage payment conversation is not held up waiting on paperwork. Site verifications depend on access and availability, and a request may take longer if evidence is incomplete.
Who can request a verification?
Either the builder or the homeowner can nominate Builder Standard as the independent verifier, provided both parties agree. Payment release remains subject to the parties' own agreement and any applicable scheme rules.
Is Builder Standard part of the government payment app or scheme?
No. Builder Standard is independent and is not part of, affiliated with or endorsed by any government app or scheme. It provides independent evidence records only.
Does verification replace Building Control or a warranty?
No. Milestone verification confirms that an agreed stage has been reached based on the evidence provided. It is not a building control inspection, a structural warranty, or a guarantee of quality.