BuildROI - Homeowner Journey

Your BuildROI Homeowner Journey

Your personal roadmap from first inquiry to completion and beyond. Just the steps that involve you.

Before You Even Start with BuildROI

Most building projects require planning permission and building regulations approval before any work begins. Here's what you typically need to have in place:

Planning Permission

If you're extending your home, changing its use, or making significant alterations, you'll likely need planning permission from your local council. This process usually takes 8-12 weeks. The Planning Portal helps you understand what's required, or contact the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to find a qualified architect who can handle design and planning for you.

Building Regulations Approval

Almost all building work needs to comply with Building Regulations, covering structural safety, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Your local Building Control department or an approved inspector will inspect the work at key stages. Learn more at gov.uk Building Regulations.

Party Wall Matters

If your work affects a shared wall, boundary, or nearby structures, you may need to serve Party Wall notices on your neighbors under the Party Wall Act 1996. Find guidance at gov.uk Party Wall.

Once Your Planning is Approved

BuildROI manages the build execution phase. Once your design is finalized and permissions are in place, we ensure quality delivery through independent PM oversight and protect your payments through escrow - giving you confidence from first payment to final completion.

1. Getting Started

We gather key information and verify everyone before pricing

Step 1 You complete
Property & Project Details

Complete a quick 2-3 minute form with your address, property type, its age, and a brief project description.

Why it matters:

Routes the job correctly and triggers the right safety checks upfront.

Step 2 You verify
Identity & Payment Verification

Our escrow partner verifies your identity and bank account for secure payment handling.

Why it matters:

Prevents fraud and ensures we can release payments securely.

Step 3 For your protection
Builder Credentials Check

We confirm the builder has valid insurance, tax registrations, and safety policies. Only verified builders work through BuildROI.

Why it matters:

Keeps unsafe or non-compliant firms out, protecting you.

Step 4 For your records
Baseline Photos

The builder uploads photos of your current space with timestamps, creating a 'before' record.

Why it matters:

Reduces disputes and provides evidence if needed later.

Step 5 You're informed
Risk Screening

If your property age or type suggests risks, we prompt for checks like asbestos surveys or party-wall notices.

Why it matters:

Prevents unsafe work and legal issues later.

Step 6 You specify
Utilities & Requirements

We capture utility upgrades, appliance choices, and ventilation requirements upfront.

Why it matters:

Reduces mid-job surprises and price disputes.

Step 7 You approve
Exclusions & Allowances

The quote clearly lists what's excluded and any allowances (e.g., tile budget per m²).

Why it matters:

Stops "I thought it included..." arguments later.

2. Planning Your Project

Building your detailed plan and realistic timeline

Step 8 You're informed
Structured Scope

Your PM builds the scope using templates. The system pre-fills key milestones based on similar projects.

Why it matters:

Ensures predictable workflow and clear payment milestones.

Step 9 You're informed
Risk Register

We log known risks (long-lead items, supply issues) with clear mitigation steps.

Why it matters:

Prevents 'known unknowns' from derailing schedule and budget.

Step 10 You agree
Realistic Schedule

We agree on a realistic schedule with built-in float for known risks.

Why it matters:

Sets proper expectations and enables sensible sequencing.

Step 11 You're informed
Building Control

We confirm whether Building Control is needed and who's responsible.

Why it matters:

Avoids compliance failures and handover delays.

3. Contract & Protection

Clear terms and protected payments

Step 12 You sign
Digital Contract

You sign electronically. Includes T&Cs, cooling-off rights, change rules, and data consent.

Why it matters:

Reduces misunderstanding and protects all parties.

Step 13 You're protected
Warranties & Guarantees

We list exactly what's covered and for how long - by manufacturer and by builder.

Why it matters:

Avoids post-completion confusion and supports aftercare.

Step 14 You agree
Evidence-on-Payment

We agree upfront what photos and tests are required to release each staged payment.

Why it matters:

Makes payment decisions objective, faster, and fair.

4. Ready to Start

Final preparations before work begins

Step 15 You're informed
Materials Scheduled

Key materials are ordered and delivery windows scheduled to match the programme.

Why it matters:

Avoids delays waiting for supplies.

Step 16 You participate
Kick-off Call

PM, crew lead, and you align on start date, site rules, and communication frequency.

Why it matters:

Prevents miscommunication from day one.

5. During the Work

Transparent progress tracking

Step 17 You can view
Daily Progress

Site lead/Crew Boss logs who's onsite, hours, and blockers. Your PM reviews daily.

Why it matters:

Full transparency and quick blocker resolution.

Step 18 You approve changes
Any Changes

Changes are classified and approved quickly. You sign off on any cost or time changes.

Why it matters:

No surprise invoices.

Step 19 You respond
Mid-point Check

Quick pulse check halfway through to catch issues early. Just 1-2 questions.

Why it matters:

Early intervention prevents rework.

Step 20 You sign-off
If Delays Happen

We log delays, agree recovery plans, and get your sign-off on revised timelines.

Why it matters:

Keeps everyone aligned on expectations.

Step 21 You receive evidence
Quality Evidence

Each milestone needs three photo types (wide, detail, measurement). You see evidence before payment releases.

Why it matters:

Objective evidence protects everyone.

6. Completion

Final checks and handover

Step 22 You're protected
Testing Complete

Electrics and systems tested, documented. Manuals and serials captured.

Why it matters:

Safety and warranty validity depend on this.

Step 23 You walk through
Final Walk-through

Your PM walks the job with you, agrees snags and dates, then signs off. You have final say.

Why it matters:

Sets a clean finish line and clear promises.

Step 24 You receive
Completion Pack

You receive completion certificate and digital pack with manuals, photos, and warranty info.

Why it matters:

Professional handover; improves resale value.

7. Aftercare

Ongoing support and warranty protection

Step 25 You provide feedback
Fair Feedback

Leave a short, factual note. Rate communication, variations, payments, site respect, and finish quality.

Why it matters:

Creates trusted track record. Fair because you're being rated too.

Step 26 Payment released
Final Payment

PM authorizes final payment. Small retention may be held for a short period if agreed.

Why it matters:

Balances builder cashflow with your assurance.

Step 27 You respond
30-Day Check-in

We check in after a month to catch small issues early.

Why it matters:

Prevents complaints escalating.

Step 28 You can access
Warranty Support

See warranty timelines and contact routes for any issues.

Why it matters:

Clear expectations for aftercare.

Step 29 For your property
Digital Archive

The whole evidence pack is archived against your property with a secure hash.

Why it matters:

Future-proof record for resale, insurance, or audits.

📋 See a Complete BuildROI Evidence Pack

This isn't just a folder — it's your home's resume. Every verified step reflects builder pride, homeowner protection, and future-proof value.

View the Resale Ready File (PDF) →