What happens if a builder disappears mid-project

A builder going quiet mid-project is every homeowner's nightmare. Acting calmly and documenting everything improves your position.

Immediate steps

1. Try formal contact — email and recorded delivery letter asking for a written update and a return-to-site date.
2. Secure the site — make the property safe and weather-tight; photograph the current state.
3. Gather your paperwork — contract, quotes, payment records, WhatsApp/email threads, photos of work done.
4. Do not pay more for unfinished stages until you understand where you stand contractually.

Check what you have already paid

List every payment against the work completed. If you paid far ahead of progress, recovering money may be harder — which is why milestone payments matter before a problem starts.

Legal and practical options

Depending on your contract and the sums involved, options may include:

• Instructing a solicitor specialising in construction disputes
• Claiming on any relevant insurance or guarantee schemes
• Engaging a new contractor after a clear termination (get legal advice before terminating)
• Using adjudication or mediation where the contract allows

This is not legal advice — for significant sums, speak to a qualified professional promptly.

Prevention is cheaper than cure

Before hiring:

• Vet thoroughly (UK vetting checklist)
• Use written contracts and staged payments
• Keep documents in one place
• Prefer platforms that lock funds to milestones rather than open-ended deposits

How Fort reduces this risk

Fort keeps project plans, messages, and milestone payments in one system. Funds for a stage are secured before work starts and released on completion. If disagreements arise, Fort offers a structured dispute process, including the option of a chartered surveyor assessment where needed.

Learn more on the homeowners page, or register your interest if you want milestone protection on your next project.