Refer a Builder to Renopay, Earn £1,000: How It Works
Know a good builder? Refer them to Renopay and earn £1,000 when they complete five projects on the platform. No account needed. Here's how it works.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Renopay blog
Stories, playbooks, and renovation insights.
Practical guidance for homeowners, builders, and partners using milestone escrow to keep projects funded and on schedule.
Deposit Protection Insurance vs Escrow: What Actually Protects Your Money?
Section 75, deposit protection insurance, retention or escrow? A fair comparison of the four ways to protect your money on a UK building project.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Builder Asking for a Big Deposit? What's Normal and What's a Red Flag
What's a normal builder deposit in the UK, when a big ask is a red flag, and exactly how to respond - including the alternatives to handing over cash.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Driveways, Garden Rooms and Outdoor Builds: Who Else Can Use Escrow?
Escrow isn't just for extensions. Driveways, garden rooms, orangeries and outdoor builds all carry payment risk — here's how milestone payments apply.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Stage Payments for Building Work: How to Structure Them
How to structure stage payments for building work: fair deposits, stage triggers tied to inspections, and what to check before releasing each stage.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Paying for Garden Landscaping: How to Protect a £20k–£100k Project
Major landscaping projects fail on payments more than plants. How to structure payments for garden builds, and why escrow works for landscaping.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Alternatives to Paying a Builder a Deposit
Don't want to hand your builder a deposit? Five alternatives compared honestly - stage payments, paying suppliers direct, Section 75, insurance and escrow.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Protect Yourself Against Non-Payment as a Builder
Vet clients, structure stage payments, ask for proof of funds and secure the project budget before you start - a practical playbook for UK builders.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Pay for a Swimming Pool Installation Safely (UK Guide)
Pool installations cost £40k–£150k+ and deposits are routinely 30%+. Here's how to structure pool payments so your money is protected.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Red Flags When Hiring a Builder for a Renovation
Spot the warning signs before hiring a builder for your renovation. Learn 6 red flags that protect your money.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Getting Paid Faster: Milestone Payments vs Traditional Invoicing
Milestone payments vs traditional invoicing – which is better for builders? Compare cash flow, risk, and speed.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Check if a Builder Is Legitimate UK
How to check if a builder is legitimate in the UK – Companies House, insurance, trade bodies, and more.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Protect Yourself from Scope Creep on Renovation Projects
Scope creep costing your building firm money? Learn how to protect yourself with clear contracts and milestone payments.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Renopay vs. Traditional Escrow: What’s the Difference?
Traditional legal escrow is built for corporate skyscrapers, not your kitchen knock-through. Discover how Renopay offers a modern renovation escrow alternative.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
What to Do if Your Builder Disappears Mid-Project
Builder gone AWOL mid-renovation? Here's exactly what to do – legal steps, recovery options, and how to prevent it.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How Much Deposit Should You Pay a Builder UK
How much deposit should you pay a builder in the UK? Learn what's normal, what's excessive, and how to protect yourself.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Cash Flow Management Tips for Small Construction Firms
Cash flow killing your construction business? Practical tips for small builders to stabilise finances and get paid faster.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Structure Stage Payments for a Home Extension
Learn how to structure stage payments for your home extension. Protect your budget and keep your builder on track.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Should You Pay a Builder a Deposit Upfront?
Wondering whether to pay your builder a deposit? Learn when deposits are justified, when they're risky, and safer alternatives.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Self-Manage a £50k Renovation
Learn how to act as your own project manager effectively using escrow techniques to protect your budget.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Stop Chasing Invoices as a Builder
Tired of chasing clients for payment? Learn how milestone payments eliminate late invoices for builders.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
How to Pay a Builder Safely in 2026
Learn the safer ways to pay a builder in 2026 – from escrow to stage payments. Protect your renovation budget.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder
Why You Are Turning Down Profitable Work
Stop acting as the bank for your clients. Verify funds upfront and secure your cash flow with Renopay.
Toby Millward
Renopay Founder