Guides & Insights

Tutorials, construction guidance, comparisons, commentary and evergreen articles

Learn what retention release means on a payment application, when it happens, and how BuildQS calculates refund amounts automatically.

Learn how discount percentages work on construction payment applications, when they apply, and how they affect your gross valuation.

What is retention in construction? Learn how retention works, typical percentages, your legal rights, and how to make sure you get your money back.

Learn what a notified sum is, how it differs from the applied amount on payment applications, and why it matters under the Construction Act.

Understand payment notice deadlines under the Construction Act for JCT Standard, JCT Minor Works, NEC4, NEC3, and the Act's default scheme.

Understand VAT rates in UK construction including standard, reduced, zero, and the Domestic Reverse Charge. Essential guide for subcontractors.