Why Appoint an M&E Builder Directly? Save 15%+, No JCT, No Retention

The Architect-Nominated Model

Your architect designs the M&E scope and nominates a specialist builder to deliver it. Crucially, you — the client — appoint that builder directly. There's no main contractor in the chain and no middleman taking a cut of the M&E works. You get a specialist's quality at a specialist's price, with your architect still supervising the design intent.

The Main Contractor's 15%+ Markup

Main contractors routinely add 15-25% on top of the M&E package to cover coordination, overheads and profit. When you appoint the nominated M&E builder directly, that markup disappears. On a £60,000 M&E scope that's £9,000-£15,000 back in your pocket — spent on better materials, or simply saved.

No Main Contractor Means No JCT

JCT contracts govern the relationship between the client and the main contractor — payment, variations, delay and dispute provisions. With no main contractor, there's no JCT contract to negotiate, administer or argue over. Your direct agreement with us is simple and transparent, while your architect's professional indemnity insurance still covers the design.

Retention Explained — and Why None Is Held

Retention is a percentage of the contract sum the main contractor withholds until defects are fixed — typically 5%, often held for twelve months. It exists to protect the client from poor workmanship. Because we're accountable directly to you and your architect, and because we want your recommendation and review, we don't hold retention. You keep your money; we earn our reputation.

10/60/30 — Funded by Your Own Credit

• 10% on design
• 60% before materials are ordered
• 30% on completion

The works are funded by your own consumer credit: 0% point-of-sale finance, green loans from ~3.5% APR, or the Warm Homes Loan on heat pumps. You pay us directly, with the same consumer protections you'd get on any purchase — and none of the money is tied up in retention.