What happens if I dispute a milestone?

The disputed milestone stays locked in escrow while you and your builder try to resolve it via your dashboard.

Can I release part of a milestone?

Yes — you can agree to a partial release on the platform if some of the work is complete to your satisfaction.

How do I request an independent expert assessment?

If you can't agree online, you can request an independent assessment by a RICS Chartered Surveyor directly from within Renopay.

Who pays for the independent assessment?

The party requesting the assessment places a fully refundable deposit. If the RICS surveyor agrees with your assessment, your deposit is refunded and the cost is allocated to the other party.

Does Renopay guarantee workmanship?

No. Renopay is an escrow payment process. We do not assess work quality, but we ensure funds are only distributed based on agreed progress or an independent RICS assessment.

What if the rectification cost is higher than the milestone?

Renopay can only distribute the funds held in the disputed milestone. Additional costs must be handled directly between the parties.

Cowboy builders hate us. Professionals love us.

Renopay is your litmus test. Professional builders appreciate the proof of funds. Cowboys fear the accountability. If a builder refuses to use Renopay, you have just spotted a red flag before spending a penny.

For homeowners

Stay in control of every pound.

Renopay protects your renovation budget, your peace of mind, and your project timeline with milestone-based controls.

Planning a project? Read our guides on how to pay a builder safely, what to do when a builder asks for a deposit and red flags when hiring a builder.

Pay only for progress: Milestone payments are released when you approve the work. Until then, funds stay held securely.
Bank-grade payment security: Money is held by our FCA-authorised provider (OPP) and only released when you approve a milestone, or automatically after 14 days if you haven’t raised a dispute.
No more awkward money talks: The money is there, visible to the builder, but it stays held securely until the milestone is signed off. It removes the stress of withholding payment manually.

Planning a specific project?

Real stage breakdowns, costs and timings for the renovation you are planning.

House extensionsStages, costs and timings for a UK house extension

Loft conversionsStages, costs and timings for a UK loft conversion

See all renovation guides →

Dispute process

What happens if there’s a dispute?

Pay only for progress. If there’s a disagreement, your milestone stays locked safely in escrow while you resolve it via your dashboard. An independent RICS assessment is available if you can’t agree, ensuring your funds are protected from unfair claims.

1.Raise a snag or dispute
Explain the issue and add photos to your dashboard.
2.Milestone funds pause in escrow
The disputed milestone stays securely locked while you work it out.
3.14-day resolution window
Agree on a fix, partial release, or completion — all directly on the platform.
4.Request an independent RICS assessment
If you still can’t agree, you can request an independent assessment from a RICS Chartered Surveyor.
5.Escrow distribution
The milestone is distributed by our payment partner, on Renopay’s instruction, based on the objective assessment outcome and the project terms.

Common questions about the dispute process

Renopay’s dispute process for renovation payments ensures milestone funds stay protected in escrow for home renovations — backed by an independent expert assessment when needed.

Transparent pricing

See exactly what you pay and what you save.

Estimated Homeowner Savings

£1,500

Versus traditional drawdowns

Project Budget

£2,000£250,000

With Renopay

Homeowner Fee (1%)£500

Builder Fee (1% + VAT)£600

Traditional Route

Contract Administration (~4%)£2,000

Typical cost for manual valuations, site visits, and payment certificates.

6–12 months

Average time to resolve renovation disputes

£3.5bn

Lost annually by UK homeowners due to disputes

£15,000

Average cost of a home-renovation dispute

Happy with your builder?

Refer them to Renopay and earn £1,000. Your own project counts towards their five.

Get your link

Want Renopay on your next renovation?

Get a link to share with your builder. Payment for your renovation is secured before work starts. If they go on to complete 5 projects on Renopay, you earn £1,000.

Stay in control of every pound.

Renopay protects your renovation budget, your peace of mind, and your project timeline with milestone-based controls.

Pay only for progress

Milestone payments are released when you approve the work. Until then, funds stay held securely.

Bank-grade payment security

Money is held by our FCA-authorised provider (OPP) and only released when you approve a milestone, or automatically after 14 days if you haven’t raised a dispute.

No more awkward money talks

The money is there, visible to the builder, but it stays held securely until the milestone is signed off. It removes the stress of withholding payment manually.