The Builder Standard
2026

Identity, insurance, health and safety, and subcontractor competency.

1.1Verified business identity

Registered trading name, company or sole-trader status, registered address and a named responsible person for the business.

1.2Current insurance

Public liability cover appropriate to the work undertaken, plus employers' liability where staff are employed, held in date and evidenced by certificate.

1.3Health and safety arrangements

A written health and safety policy proportionate to the business, risk assessments for the work carried out and recorded site arrangements.

1.4Subcontractor competency

Records showing subcontractors are checked for insurance, relevant qualifications or registrations and agreed terms before starting on site.

1.5Data and privacy

Customer data handled under a stated privacy notice with records kept securely.

Quotation, scope, contract and exclusions agreed before work starts.

2.1Written quotation

An itemised written quotation stating what is and is not included, with provisional sums identified.

2.2Defined scope of works

A written scope describing the works, materials, specification standards and expected sequence.

2.3Written contract

A signed written contract covering price, programme, payment terms, variations, defects and cancellation rights before work begins.

2.4Stated exclusions and assumptions

Exclusions, access assumptions, third-party works and statutory approvals clearly stated so both parties understand the boundaries.

Deposits, payment schedules and variations handled openly.

3.1Proportionate deposits

Any deposit is proportionate, explained in writing and tied to identifiable materials or mobilisation.

3.2Stage payment schedule

Payments linked to defined stages of work rather than dates alone, with the stage described so completion is unambiguous.

3.3Written variation procedure

Changes priced and agreed in writing before the work is carried out, with a running record of variations and their effect on price and programme.

3.4Clear invoicing

Invoices reference the agreed stages and variations, with a final account reconciling the total.

Photographs, inspections, communication and the Project Passport.

4.1Progress evidence

Dated photographic evidence of key stages, including works that later become concealed.

4.2Inspection records

Records of Building Control, structural or specialist inspections where required, kept with the project file.

4.3Recorded communication

Instructions, approvals and decisions recorded in writing rather than agreed only on site.

4.4Project record

A single structured project record, such as a Builder Standard Project Passport, holding contract, drawings, evidence, approvals and payments.

Snagging, certification, handover, defects and complaints.

5.1Snagging process

A joint snagging list agreed with the customer, with items tracked to completion.

5.2Certification collected

Statutory and specialist certificates obtained and issued to the customer, including electrical, gas and completion certificates where applicable.

5.3Documented handover

A handover pack containing certificates, warranties, manuals, drawings and photographs handed to the customer on completion.

5.4Defects period

A stated defects period with a clear route for the customer to report and have issues attended to.

5.5Complaints procedure

A written complaints procedure with response timescales and an escalation route provided to every customer.