Contractor and commercial

What to check before paying a builder’s deposit or mobilisation sum

A client-side checklist for understanding what a substantial early payment buys, what protects it and what becomes due next.

Payment checklistPublishedReviewed 26 August 2026

The practical answer

Do not treat one encouraging document or assurance as the whole start position.

Use it before releasing funds described as a deposit, advance payment, mobilisation payment or materials payment. Start-Ready brings the immediate decision back to the evidence that supports it, the matters that remain assumptions and the person who normally needs to respond.

The correct answer depends on the project documents, property arrangements and current professional advice. This guide provides a structured owner-side route, not a project-specific determination.

What this resource contains

  • Payment purpose and deliverables
  • Contract, programme, insurance and ownership questions
  • A written confirmation request you can adapt

Questions to put on the record

  1. What defined work or materials does the payment cover?
  2. When does ownership pass?
  3. What happens if the programme or appointment changes?

Sources and boundaries

Author: Anthony Lilley for Planning & Project Advisory Ltd. London-based planning, design coordination and owner-side project context.

Limit: This material is not legal advice, technical approval, a compliance certificate or authority to commence work.

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