Disputes feel overwhelming when everything is scattered

Most homeowners know something has gone wrong. What they don't know is where to start.

Scattered evidence

Contracts, messages, photos and invoices are spread across emails, phones, paperwork and WhatsApp.

Unclear rights

It is hard to know what the law says, what the contract covers, and what your realistic options are.

Payment disputes

Disagreements over deposits, stage payments, extras, or withheld final balances can quickly escalate.

Defective work

Poor finishes, leaks, structural issues or non-compliant work — without a clear record of what was agreed.

Incomplete work

Builders stop returning calls, leave site, or dispute what was included in the original scope.

When to get a solicitor

Homeowners often delay getting legal help because they are unsure whether the cost is justified.

How it works

A simple, guided path from confusion to a clear next step.

1

Tell us what happened

Answer a few simple questions about the project, what went wrong, and what evidence you have.

2

Upload your evidence

Add contracts, photos, invoices, messages and other documents in one organised place.

3

Build your dispute file

The platform structures your evidence into a clear timeline, defects schedule and payment record.

4

Get lawyer-ready when needed

Generate draft letters, a claim estimate and a solicitor-ready case pack if you need legal help.

Why Sue My Builder exists

Sue My Builder was born from a real home renovation dispute.

What should have been a straightforward project became a confusing process of contracts, invoices, disputed scope, alleged changes, photos, expert reports, solicitor letters and escalating costs.

That experience showed us a simple problem: homeowners are often expected to manage complex building disputes without the tools to organise their evidence, understand the process, or know when professional legal help is genuinely needed.

Sue My Builder exists to change that.

We help homeowners turn scattered information into a clear, evidence-led dispute file. We also want to help prevent disputes before they happen through Sue My Builder Verified — our upcoming standards programme for builders who are willing to evidence clear contracts, transparent payment terms, VAT status and liability insurance.

We are not anti-builder. We are pro-clarity, pro-evidence and pro-better standards.

Built from lived experience, Sue My Builder is designed for homeowners who need structure before they spend thousands on professional advice — and for responsible builders who believe clearer standards help everyone.

Sue My Builder

Founder note

Important note

Sue My Builder is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The platform helps homeowners organise information, prepare documents and understand possible next steps. Important decisions should be reviewed by a qualified solicitor.

What the platform helps create

A single, structured dispute file that tells the story clearly — for you, the builder, or a solicitor.

Evidence checklist

A tailored list of the documents and photos that will strengthen your case.

Defects schedule

A structured list of problems with descriptions, dates, photos and supporting evidence.

Payment ledger

A clear record of what was paid, when, and what remains in dispute.

Chronology

A timeline that shows the story from first contact to the current dispute.

Draft letters

Professional, firm but fair draft correspondence for the builder or their insurer.

Claim estimate

An estimate of losses and remediation costs to help set realistic expectations.

Lawyer-ready case pack

Everything bundled into a clear summary a solicitor can review quickly.

AI-assisted guidance

Plain-language prompts that help you understand each step without legal jargon.

Secure document storage

All your evidence kept in one place with access whenever you need it.

Coming soon

Choosing a builder? Reviews are not enough.

Sue My Builder Verified is our upcoming standards programme for builders who are willing to evidence the basics before a homeowner signs: a proper written contract, transparent payment terms, VAT status, and verified liability insurance.

Most homeowners rely on reviews, recommendations and photos of previous work. Those can be useful, but they do not always tell you whether the builder is using a clear written contract, whether the VAT position is correct, or whether their insurance is current and relevant to the work being carried out.

Sue My Builder Verified is being designed as a practical verification layer before work begins. Builders will apply to join and, if accepted, will need to meet published standards around contracts, insurance, trading information and transparent working practices.

Standard written contract

Verified builders will be expected to use a clear written building contract or an approved equivalent, with scope, price, payment stages, variations and dispute process properly documented.

VAT status checked

Where a builder is VAT registered, their VAT number and trading details will be checked. Where they are not VAT registered, that position should be clearly declared.

Insurance verified

Builders will need to provide up-to-date liability insurance details. The goal is to verify insurance directly with the insurer or broker, not just rely on an uploaded certificate.

Clear variation process

Verified builders will be expected to confirm changes to scope, cost or timing in writing before proceeding, helping reduce disputes later.

Join homeowner early access

Sue My Builder Verified is planned as an administrative, contractual and insurance verification programme. It will not guarantee workmanship, pricing, solvency, completion, legal compliance on every project, or the outcome of any dispute.

Coming soon

Solicitor Hand-off is coming soon

When your case file is ready, Sue My Builder will help you compare solicitors who may be able to support your next step.

Once you have prepared your evidence, chronology, defects schedule, payment summary and case pack, you may still need professional legal input. Our planned Solicitor Hand-off feature will help you compare solicitors by location, service fit, profile and cost information before requesting contact.

You stay in control. You choose which solicitor you want to contact, and you decide what information you are happy to share.

Compare relevant solicitors

View solicitors who may be suitable based on your location, dispute type, claim value and the support you need.

Understand likely costs

See available cost information such as fixed-fee case reviews, hourly rates, letter reviews or small claim support packages where provided.

Share your case pack with consent

If you choose to request contact, you can decide whether to share your summary, lawyer-ready case pack or documents.

Coming soon

Need an independent expert report?

Finding a RICS surveyor or building defects expert willing to take on a domestic building dispute can be harder than homeowners expect.

When building work is defective, incomplete or disputed, homeowners may need independent technical input before the next step is clear.

That might mean an advisory inspection, a defects report, a remedial works assessment, or in some cases a CPR Part 35 expert witness report for court-facing disputes.

Sue My Builder is being developed to help homeowners prepare an expert-ready case pack and compare independent surveyors or building defects experts by location, report type, experience, availability and cost information.

Know when expert input may help

The platform will flag situations where an independent report may be useful, such as technical defects, disputed workmanship, safety concerns or high-value remedial works.

Prepare an expert-ready pack

Organise the contract, photos, defects schedule, chronology, payment summary and key questions before contacting a surveyor or expert.

Compare suitable experts

View experts who may be suitable based on location, defect type, report type, availability and cost information.

Are you a surveyor or building defects expert?

We are inviting independent surveyors and building defects experts who assist with domestic homeowner disputes to register interest in joining the Sue My Builder expert referral network.

Register expert interest

Sue My Builder is not a law firm and does not endorse or guarantee any expert. Expert profiles and suggested matches will help homeowners compare options. Expert evidence for court may need to comply with CPR Part 35.

When solicitor input may be needed

We can help you prepare. For some situations, speaking to a solicitor is the right next step.

Claim value is over £10,000

The builder has instructed solicitors

Expert evidence is needed

There are safety or structural issues

Court proceedings are being considered

You need advice on settlement or mediation

See what your case file could look like

A sample of the kind of structured summary and draft letter the platform helps you create. Illustrative only — every case is different.

Case summary

Kitchen extension — Bristol

Contract value
£48,500
Paid to date
£41,200
Claim estimate
£12,800
Defects logged
7

Timeline

  1. 12 Mar

    Written quote accepted, 30% deposit paid.

  2. 04 May

    Stage 2 payment released; first defects photographed.

  3. 18 Jun

    Builder off-site 3+ weeks. Written notice sent.

  4. 02 Jul

    Independent surveyor confirms non-compliant works.

Suggested next step

Send a formal Letter Before Action citing breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.49 (reasonable care and skill).

Draft — Letter Before Action

To: your builder

Dear [Builder],

Re: Kitchen extension works at [address] — formal notice of dispute

I write further to our agreement dated 12 March 2026 for works valued at £48,500, of which £41,200 has been paid. Despite repeated requests, the works remain incomplete and, in several respects, fall short of the standard required.

An independent surveyor has identified 7 defects, including [example: incorrectly installed steel lintel, non-compliant electrical works, and unfinished plastering]. Estimated remedial cost: £12,800.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be performed with reasonable care and skill. I therefore require you to [remedy the defects / refund the sum of £12,800] within 14 days of the date of this letter.

Failing satisfactory response, I reserve the right to instruct solicitors and commence proceedings without further notice, and to rely on this letter as to costs.

Yours faithfully,
[Your name]

Draft only. Review by a qualified solicitor is recommended before sending.

Simple support at each stage of a building dispute

Start by organising your case. Then, if needed, prepare for an independent expert review or solicitor hand-off.

Most homeowners do not need to start by spending thousands on legal fees. Sue My Builder is being built to help you organise the facts first: what was agreed, what was paid, what went wrong, what evidence exists, and what support may be needed next.

Free Early Assessment

Free

For homeowners who want to understand whether Sue My Builder may be useful for their situation.

  • Guided dispute intake
  • Basic case summary
  • Initial evidence checklist
  • Identify missing documents
  • Early stage guidance
  • Join early access list
Join early access

Available during early access.

Most homeowners start here

Case Builder

Planned from £49–£99

For homeowners who want to organise their building dispute into a clear, structured file.

  • Case dashboard
  • Evidence checklist
  • Contract and document organisation
  • Defects schedule
  • Payment ledger
  • Timeline / chronology
  • Draft correspondence support
  • Working claim estimate
Join early access

Designed to help organise your position before escalation.

Expert-Ready Pack

Planned from £149

For homeowners who may need independent technical input from a surveyor or building defects expert.

  • Expert-ready case summary
  • Defects schedule for inspection
  • Photo and document checklist
  • Key questions for expert
  • Report type guidance
  • Independent Expert Hand-off coming soon
  • Compare experts by location, report type, availability and cost information
Learn about Expert Hand-off

Expert fees are separate and agreed directly with the expert.

Solicitor-Ready Pack

Planned from £199–£299

For homeowners who are ready to seek professional legal input with a structured case file.

  • Solicitor-ready case pack
  • Chronology and dispute summary
  • Defects and payment summary
  • Draft letter bundle
  • Risk and evidence overview
  • Solicitor Hand-off coming soon
  • Compare solicitors by location, service fit, profile and cost information
Learn about Solicitor Hand-off

Solicitor fees are separate and agreed directly with the solicitor.

Not sure which stage you are at?

Start with the free early assessment. Sue My Builder is being designed to help you understand whether you need to organise your evidence, seek independent expert input, or prepare for solicitor review.

Join the waitlist

Important note

Sue My Builder is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The platform helps homeowners organise information, prepare documents and understand possible next steps. Expert and solicitor profiles or suggested matches are provided to help homeowners compare options. Sue My Builder does not endorse, certify, guarantee or appoint any solicitor or expert. Any expert or solicitor fees are agreed directly between the homeowner and the professional.

Join the early access list

Be the first to use the platform. We'll use your details to invite you to early access and keep you updated.

We will only use your details to contact you about early access. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Built for clarity, not conflict

Sue My Builder is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The platform helps homeowners organise information, prepare documents and understand possible next steps. Important decisions should be reviewed by a qualified solicitor.