Quick rules — what every Beams builder should know
A single-page reference to the rules that protect your customers, your reputation, and your payments. Worth a re-read.
None of this is new — but it's worth keeping somewhere you can find it fast.
Don't start before the Home Improvement Contract (HIC) is signed and the first milestone is funded
Both gates have to be clear. Without them you're working without a contract or without funding, and that's bad for everyone. The dashboard tells you when you're clear to go.
All changes go through the platform
Variations and change orders go in via the Beams app. Don't agree changes verbally with the customer and bill for them later — submit, get the customer to approve, get the funds released, then start the new work. Same protection for both sides.
You're paid as soon as the customer approves the milestone
Submit milestone evidence and mark the milestone complete. Once the customer approves the milestone, we send your payment to your Stripe account the same day. Stripe then pays it into your bank automatically, which can take up to 3 days.
You set your own prices
Beams produces an initial estimate to give the customer a sense of where the project sits. You're in control of pricing — quote what your site visit and conversation tell you the work should cost.
Up to three builders are quoting for any one job
The customer sees up to three quotes side by side. Sixty per cent of customers don't choose the cheapest one — they choose the one they trust. Quality, professionalism, and clear communication win as often as price.
Never share bank details outside the platform
If your bank details change, update them in the Payouts section of your settings, never by WhatsApp, SMS, or any other channel. This protects you from fraud and keeps your payments going to the right place.
You're the Principal Contractor on Beams projects
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), the Principal Contractor designation usually sits with you. Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) on site at all times. Construction Phase Plan in place before you break ground.
Keep your insurance current
£5m Public Liability (PL) and £5m Employers' Liability (EL) are non-negotiable. Upload renewed certificates as soon as you have them — the dashboard will remind you when expiries are coming up.
Customers rate you after each milestone
Site visit and project completion both feed into your public profile. Your % Quoted on Time and Builder Level are both visible to future customers. The article Builder Levels: how they work explains how the system works in detail.
If something goes wrong, escalate fast
Try to sort issues out directly with the customer first. If you can't, email build@beamsrenovation.com with the project ID, milestone, photos, and a short summary. We acknowledge within one working day and give both sides our view on the evidence within three. If you still can't agree, an independent dispute resolution service is the next step.