This Payment Policy explains how Design and Build (‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’) invoices and accepts payment for the architectural, structural, interior design, party wall and construction services we provide across London. It forms part of our Terms and Conditions and applies to every quotation, contract and invoice we issue. Where a signed contract states different terms, the contract takes precedence.
1. Quotations and what is included
Every project begins with a written quotation. It sets out the scope of work, the price, the payment schedule and any exclusions. A quotation is valid for the period stated on it (30 days unless otherwise noted). Work begins only once you have accepted the quotation in writing and the first payment has been received.
2. Deposit
A deposit is required before work starts. The deposit secures your place in our schedule, covers initial design or survey work and allows us to order materials. The amount is stated on your quotation. Deposits are deducted from the final balance.
3. Stage payments
Design and construction projects are invoiced in stages that follow the progress of the work – for example on completion of drawings, at planning submission, at the start of works on site, at agreed construction milestones, and on practical completion. The stages and the amount due at each one are set out in your quotation or contract, so you always know what is due and when before any work is carried out.
4. Invoices and payment terms
Each stage payment is confirmed by an invoice. Unless your contract states otherwise, invoices are payable within 7 days of the invoice date. Work on the next stage is scheduled once the previous stage has been paid.
5. How to pay
We accept payment by bank transfer to the account shown on your invoice. Please use your invoice number as the payment reference so we can match your payment quickly. We do not accept cash payments for project work, and we will never ask you to change our bank details by email – if you receive such a request, please call us on 020 8050 5237 before making any payment.
6. vat
All prices are quoted exclusive of VAT unless clearly stated as inclusive. VAT is charged at the prevailing rate and shown separately on every invoice.
7. Variations and additional work
If you ask for changes to the agreed scope, or unforeseen conditions on site require additional work, we will provide a written variation with the cost and its effect on the programme before proceeding. Agreed variations are invoiced with the next stage payment or on completion of the variation, as stated on the variation.
8. Late payment
If an invoice is not paid by its due date we may pause work and suspend site attendance until payment is received; any resulting delay to the programme is not our responsibility. We reserve the right to charge interest and compensation on overdue amounts in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
9. Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel a project after accepting a quotation, we will invoice for all work carried out and materials ordered up to the date of cancellation, and refund any balance of payments received that exceeds this within 14 days. Design fees for work already completed are not refundable.
10. Questions about a payment
If anything on an invoice is unclear, please contact us straight away and we will explain it before the due date.
Design and Build, 39 Caroline House, Bayswater Road, London W2 4RQ
Phone: 020 8050 5237 – Email: info@designandbuild.co.uk
This policy was last updated in September 2026. We may update it from time to time; the version on this page applies to invoices issued after the date of the update.
