How construction payments work
Beams makes construction payments simple, transparent, and secure.
Your funds are held safely and only released when you approve each stage of the build — protecting both you and your builder.
Why milestone payments matter
Milestone payments keep your project predictable and your money protected. They help you:
- Always know what’s due, when it’s due, and what work it covers.
- Pay builders fairly and on time once progress is approved.
- Keep track of the total costs for the project'
This approach builds trust between you and your builder and keeps everyone accountable.
How it works
1. Pay before construction begins
After you’ve chosen your builder, you’ll make two payments before work starts:
- £1,000 deposit to lock in your break-ground date.
- Remaining balance two weeks before your break-ground date.
Beams holds these funds securely until each milestone is approved.
2. Approve and release payments by milestone
Construction payments are usually released in four stages as the build progresses:
- Break Ground (20%) – when work starts on site.
- First Fix (30%) – after core services like plumbing and electrics are installed.
- Practical Completion (20%) – when major works are finished.
- Sign Off (30%) – after snagging is complete and both sides are happy.
When your builder requests a milestone payment, you’ll get a notification and see photos, notes, or documents to show what’s been completed.
You’ll have seven days to review the milestone in your dashboard and respond before any payment is released.
3. Track everything in your dashboard
Your dashboard shows:
- Every payment you’ve made.
- Every milestone payment released to your builder.
- Photos, documents, and evidence linked to each stage of progress.
- Your full payment schedule and upcoming milestones.
Everything stays transparent and in one place.
What happens next
You can track milestones and approve payments anytime in your dashboard. Once the final milestone is signed off, your builder remains responsible for their workmanship under a one-year warranty.
Paying through Beams isn’t just about protection. It’s about clarity and confidence from start to finish.