Note: This article applies only if you’ve chosen to use our builder match service.
Your renovation journey is about to begin. Before the dust flies and the magic unfolds, here’s what you need to know about builder payments, key milestones, and how to keep everything running smoothly.
Before work begins
One week before work kicks off on site, your full build invoice will need to be paid. This total amount is then distributed to your builder across four key milestones - simple, transparent and tied to clear progress.
Here’s how the milestone payments break down:
Breakground – 10%
First fix – 40%
Practical completion – 30%
Sign off – 20%
These payments are timed to match real, tangible progress on your project, not just dates on a calendar.
How to approve and process each milestone payment
Once you and your builder agree that a milestone has been reached, follow these three easy steps:
Ask your builder to send their invoice to build.invoices@beamsrenovation.com, and make sure you’re cc’d.
Reply all to confirm you approve the milestone payment.
We’ll take it from there and your invoice will be included in the next Friday payment run.
Important to know: If the invoice and your approval arrive after 12pm on Thursday, the payment will be processed the following week.
What to look for at each milestone
You don’t need to be a builder to know when a stage is complete. Here’s what to look for before approving each milestone payment so you can feel confident every step of the way.
🛠️ Breakground
The team has arrived on site and started demolition
🧱 First fix
Demolition is done.
The new room layout is taking shape, with updated pipework, electrics, subfloors and stud walls.
Now’s the time to double-check the details:
Are walls and doors in the right place?
Are pipes where they need to be for taps, showers, and toilets?
Do wires line up with lights, switches, and sockets?
⚠️ Heads up: After this stage, making changes is much harder and more expensive. A careful walk-through now will save stress later.
🏠 Practical completion
Major work is complete. Your space is usable, safe, and fully functional.
Plumbing, heating, and electrics are all up and running.
There may still be a few minor imperfections - that’s totally normal. This is the perfect moment to:
Meet your builder on site
Walk through every detail together
Agree on a snag list (a list of finishing touches to be completed before sign off)
✨ On average, it’s normal to have around 20 snagging items at this stage - sometimes a few more, sometimes a few less.
✅ Sign off
Your snagging list is resolved. No outstanding work remains.
Your space is ready to enjoy - fully transformed, with nothing left to check off.
Take a deep breath. You made it!
Need a little more support?
If you’re ever feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone and you’re not stuck. It’s never too late to opt in to our build services for added peace of mind. Whether you want expert eyes on your project or just someone to talk things through, your Beams planner is here to help you get the support you need.
Just say the word. We’ll guide you through it.
Your renovation is a journey — and every step forward is part of the transformation. With clear milestones, simple payment steps, and our support along the way, you’ve got this.
Let the magic begin ✨