How We Verify Builders on BuilderFinder

At BuilderFinder, trust and accountability are important parts of our platform. We want homeowners to have more information about who they are dealing with, while giving legitimate builders the opportunity to demonstrate their identity, business details and professional credentials.

For this reason, builders may be required to complete our verification process before receiving or undertaking work through BuilderFinder.

1. Identity, Face and Address Verification

The first stage is identity verification.

The builder provides an accepted identity document and completes an identity check using Noviqent IdCheck.

Where facial verification is used, the builder completes a face verification process so that IdCheck can assess whether the person completing the verification corresponds with the person shown on the identity document.

The system also performs checks on the submitted identity document and proof-of-address document, and returns verification results to BuilderFinder.

A proof-of-address document is also required, so that we can verify the builder's address.

Automated verification is not the final decision. BuilderFinder uses human review as part of its verification process.

2. Trade Qualification Verification

Certain trades require additional checks.

For example, where a builder represents themselves as a Gas Engineer or Electrician, we may request relevant registration, membership or certification information.

Where an appropriate official or professional register is available, our team may check the information against the relevant registration or competent-person scheme.

This helps us establish whether the credentials presented on the BuilderFinder profile correspond with information available from the relevant professional or regulatory source.

3. Manual BuilderFinder Review

Technology is only one part of our verification process.

A member of the BuilderFinder team manually reviews the builder's application and the available verification information.

Depending on the circumstances, this can include reviewing:

• identity verification results
• proof-of-address information
• the builder's name and contact details
• trade qualifications and registration details
• company information
• the builder's profile and business description
• photographs and portfolio information
• other information provided during registration

Where information has not been extracted automatically, an authorised BuilderFinder team member may complete or correct the relevant profile information based upon the documents provided.

The final BuilderFinder verification decision includes human review rather than relying solely upon an automated identity-verification result.

4. Companies House Checks

Where a builder represents that they operate through a UK registered company, BuilderFinder may check the company against Companies House.

We may check information including the company's existence and status, company number, registered details and whether the builder's name corresponds with a director or other relevant company information available on the public register.

A Companies House check is an additional verification measure and does not by itself guarantee the performance, financial position or quality of a business.

5. Review Checks

BuilderFinder may also manually review information associated with reviews and feedback.

We may investigate reviews, account activity and other available information where necessary to identify suspicious, misleading or potentially fraudulent activity.

Verification does not mean that BuilderFinder guarantees the quality of future work performed by a builder. It means that we have carried out the verification checks described by our platform.

Protecting Homeowners and Builders

BuilderFinder retains certain verified identity and contact information for legitimate platform, security, regulatory and dispute-management purposes in accordance with our Privacy Policy and retention procedures.

Access to identity information and verification documents is restricted to authorised personnel and service providers where required for their functions.

We do not make a builder's private residential address publicly available merely because the builder has completed verification.

However, where a genuine legal dispute arises concerning services agreed between a homeowner and a builder through BuilderFinder, BuilderFinder may, where lawful, necessary and proportionate, disclose relevant verified identity or correspondence information for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal rights.

Before making such a disclosure, we may require evidence establishing the identity of the requesting party, the relationship between the parties, the work or services concerned and the existence of a genuine contractual or legal matter.

A contract may have been entered into in writing or verbally, subject to applicable law and the evidence available.

Disclosure is considered on a case-by-case basis. We will only disclose information that we consider necessary and appropriate for the particular purpose.

Identity documents, facial-verification information and other verification documents are not routinely provided to another platform user merely because a dispute has been alleged.

What Verification Means

BuilderFinder verification is designed to make our marketplace safer and more accountable.

It helps us establish that the person behind a builder profile is who they claim to be, check relevant business information and, where applicable, review professional credentials.

Verification is not an endorsement, warranty or guarantee of a builder's workmanship, financial position or future conduct. Homeowners should still carry out appropriate checks, obtain written quotations and contracts where appropriate, and make their own decision before engaging a tradesperson.

Full detail is in our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.