Terms of Service

Welcome to BuildShield. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the BuildShield platform, website, and services (collectively, the “Platform”) operated by BuildShield Ltd (“we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. Definitions

“Customer” means any individual or entity that posts a construction project and engages tradesmen through the Platform. “Tradesman” means any individual or entity registered on the Platform to provide construction services. “Assessor” means an independent, qualified professional engaged to inspect and grade completed work milestones. “Escrow” means the Stripe-powered payment holding service used to secure project funds.

2. Eligibility & Account Registration

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering binding contracts to use the Platform. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration and to update it as necessary. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account.

3. Platform Services

BuildShield provides a construction project management platform that includes: verified tradesman directory search, quote management, digital contract generation and signing, Stripe escrow payment holding, milestone tracking with pre-job checklists, independent assessor sign-off before fund release, on-platform messaging, live document management, and dispute resolution. Additional services including AI quantity surveying, builders merchant pricing integration, and accounting software integration are available on applicable subscription tiers.

4. Escrow Payments & Fund Release

All project payments are held in escrow by Stripe on behalf of BuildShield. Funds are released to the Tradesman only after the following conditions are met for each milestone:

1. The Tradesman marks the milestone as complete on the Platform.
2. An independent Assessor inspects the completed work on-site.
3. The Assessor submits a graded quality report confirming the work meets the agreed standard.
4. The Assessor signs off the milestone on the Platform.

Customers acknowledge that fund release is contingent on assessor sign-off and not on customer approval alone. BuildShield is not a party to the construction contract between Customer and Tradesman and does not guarantee the quality of work performed.

5. Fees & Pricing

For Customers:

• Free to sign up and search the tradesman directory.
• £299 project setup fee per project.
• £99 assessor fee per milestone assessment.
• 1.5% escrow transaction fee on all escrowed payments.

For Tradesmen:

• Standard subscription: £299 per month.
• Pro subscription: £499 per month (includes AI tools, merchant pricing, and accounting integrations).
• £25 per qualified lead received through the Platform, charged monthly with the subscription.
• £150 re-assessment fee if a milestone fails inspection and requires re-assessment.

All fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable. We reserve the right to change fees with 30 days' written notice. Subscription fees are non-refundable except as required by law.

6. Tradesman Obligations

Tradesmen must provide accurate and verifiable trade certificates, qualifications, licences, and insurance documentation during registration. The Platform uses AI-assisted verification to validate uploaded certificates. Tradesmen agree to maintain current and valid certifications throughout their use of the Platform. Providing false or misleading information may result in immediate account termination.

7. Assessor Independence & Reports

Assessors operate independently of both Customers and Tradesmen. Assessment reports are graded and published on the Tradesman's public profile. Assessors are required to provide objective, unbiased quality reports. Neither Customers nor Tradesmen may attempt to influence an Assessor's findings.

8. Reviews & Ratings

Reviews on BuildShield are tied exclusively to verified, completed, escrow-protected projects. Customers may leave reviews only for projects they have funded through the Platform. Assessor quality grades are generated from formal assessment reports. The dual review system (customer ratings and assessor grades) is designed to provide accurate, trustworthy tradesman profiles. Manipulation, fabrication, or solicitation of false reviews is strictly prohibited and may result in account termination.

9. Dispute Resolution

BuildShield provides a structured dispute resolution process. All disputes are supported by the full audit trail of contracts, messages, payments, assessments, and documents stored on the Platform. In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to engage in good faith through the Platform's dispute resolution process before pursuing external legal remedies.

10. Intellectual Property

All content, design, logos, software, and technology on the Platform are the intellectual property of BuildShield Ltd or its licensors. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any Platform content without our prior written consent.

11. Limitation of Liability

BuildShield acts as a platform facilitating connections between Customers and Tradesmen. We do not perform construction work, nor do we employ Tradesmen or Assessors. To the maximum extent permitted by law, BuildShield shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for breach of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or any conduct that we reasonably believe is harmful to the Platform or its users. Upon termination, any escrowed funds will be handled in accordance with the applicable escrow and dispute resolution procedures.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or Platform notification at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@buildshield.uk.