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General
What does Cavass actually do?
Cavass helps homeowners take control of their building projects by combining contractor vetting, legally drafted agreements, and introductions to trusted bridging finance providers. We carry out contractor credit checks and due diligence, provide clear legal documents to protect every stage of the project, and connect eligible clients with specialist finance solutions. Our approach is designed to reduce risk, improve transparency, and give you the confidence to make informed decisions – so you hold all the cards.
Is Cavass a lender, broker, or law firm?
No. Cavass Legal Protection is not a lender, mortgage broker, or law firm, and it does not provide regulated financial or legal advice. Instead, Cavass offers contractor vetting, credit checks, and professionally drafted legal document templates to help protect homeowners. Where appropriate, we can also introduce eligible clients to trusted specialist bridging finance lenders, allowing you to access the right support while staying in control of your project.
How much does it cost to protect my build with Cavass?
Cavass offers flexible options to protect your home renovation, whether you need a single legal document or a complete Care Pack. Care Packs are available from £399 to £999, depending on the level of protection you require, while individual agreements can be purchased separately through our Agreements page. This allows you to choose the level of legal protection and contractor support that best suits your project and budget.
Who is Cavass built for?
Cavass is built for homeowners planning building or renovation projects, borrowers seeking specialist bridging finance, and brokers or lenders looking to support clients with added protection. Whether you need contractor vetting, legal agreements, or introductions to trusted finance providers, Cavass helps reduce risk, improve transparency, and protect your interests throughout the project.
What happens after I submit an enquiry to Cavass?
The how does Cavass work process depends on the services you need and the stage of your project. Typically, you can start by assessing your builder or contractor through relevant verification and credit checks. Once you are comfortable proceeding, the appropriate agreements can be put in place to establish clear terms for the project. If finance is required, Cavass can also help introduce or match you with relevant finance options where appropriate. As your project progresses, additional support may be available if circumstances change or a dispute arises, including mediation where suitable.
What information do I need to get started with Cavass?
The information required depends on the service you are interested in. You may need to provide details about your building project, builder or contractor, or the type of protection you are looking for. For services involving builder verification or credit checks, relevant information about the contractor may be required. If you are unsure what you need to provide, contact Cavass and the team can explain the next steps for your specific enquiry.
Bridging Finance
What is bridging finance and when would I use it?
If you’re wondering what is bridging finance, it is a short-term property finance solution designed to provide funds quickly when traditional finance may take too long. You might use it to secure a property at auction, fund a refurbishment or renovation project, complete a purchase before selling another property, or cover a temporary funding shortfall while arranging longer-term finance.
What does "non-FCA lender" mean, and is that a red flag?
A non-FCA lender is not necessarily a red flag or an indication that a lender is illegitimate. In the context of non-FCA bridging lenders, it generally means the loan is not a regulated mortgage product and therefore may not have the same regulatory protections as a regulated mortgage. Cavass helps reduce risk by providing lender introductions, contractor vetting, and clear legal agreements, giving you additional protection and greater confidence when arranging finance.
What types of projects can bridging finance cover?
Bridging finance can be used for a range of property projects, including auction purchases, light or heavy refurbishments, property conversions, and chain-break finance. A refurbishment bridging loan can provide short-term funding to help you purchase and improve a property before securing longer-term finance or selling it.
Lender Partners
How does Cavass pre-screen borrowers before referring them?
Cavass pre-screens borrowers through a structured intake process before making referrals as part of our bridging lender partnerships. Checks include a soft-search borrower credit check, contractor credit check, VAT and bank account verification where applicable, structured project data covering the works, timeline, planning status, income source and exit strategy, and relevant legal documentation already in place for the build.
What loan types do Cavass's lender partners typically fund?
Cavass’s lender partners typically fund pre-qualified bridging enquiries involving auction purchases, light and heavy refurbishment, structural conversion projects, bridging-to-mortgage exits, chain-break finance, and non-standard properties such as listed buildings, mixed-use properties, and non-standard construction. Enquiries are matched according to each lender’s stated criteria and lending appetite.
Agreements & Care Packs
What's included in a Cavass Care Pack?
Cavass offers three levels of protection designed to support homeowners at different stages of a building project. The Foundation Care Pack (£399), First Fix Care Pack (£799), and Completion Care Pack (£999) each include a combination of agreements, legal letters, and builder credit checks. Depending on the package, these can include a homeowner building contract, Quotation Agreement, Payment Schedule, Amendment Agreement, Confidentiality Agreement, Addendum Agreement, Termination Letter, Default Letter, and between 3 and 8 credit checks.
What loan types do Cavass's lender partners typically fund?
Cavass offers three levels of protection designed to support homeowners at different stages of a building project. The Foundation Care Pack (£399), First Fix Care Pack (£799), and Completion Care Pack (£999) each include a combination of agreements, legal letters, and builder credit checks. Depending on the package, these can include a homeowner building contract, Quotation Agreement, Payment Schedule, Amendment Agreement, Confidentiality Agreement, Addendum Agreement, Termination Letter, Default Letter, and between 3 and 8 credit checks.
Mediation
Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself is a voluntary process, so neither party is automatically required to accept a proposed outcome. However, if both parties reach an agreement and sign a Heads of Agreement or settlement, the terms may be legally binding. The exact legal effect will depend on the wording of the agreement and the circumstances of the dispute. We recommend confirming the specific terms with your mediator or legal adviser.
How long does mediation usually take?
Mediation is often much quicker than going to court. Around 80% of cases are settled on the day, with a further 6% reaching an agreement within the following week. The exact timeframe will depend on the complexity of the dispute and how willing both parties are to work towards a resolution.
Is what I say in mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is a confidential process, and information shared during the process is generally kept private. This includes confidential one-to-one discussions, known as caucus meetings, which will not be shared with the other party without your express permission. Mediation sessions are not recorded, and what is said during mediation cannot be used later in court if the dispute continues. This confidentiality helps both parties speak openly and explore potential solutions without fear of future disadvantage.
Mediation vs Court Disputes: Which Is Better?
When considering mediation vs court disputes, mediation can offer a faster, more collaborative, and potentially more cost-effective route to resolving a disagreement. Court proceedings can involve significant costs, delays, and uncertainty, whereas mediation gives both parties the opportunity to discuss the issues and work towards a mutually acceptable outcome in a confidential setting.
Builder Risk
What are the biggest red flags a builder might be a rogue trader?
Some common red flags of a rogue builder include demanding a large upfront deposit, insisting on cash-only payments, refusing to provide a written quotation, offering unusually low prices, or pressuring you to make a quick decision. A builder who is unwilling to provide clear information about their business, insurance, trading history, or previous work may also warrant further investigation.
What questions should I ask a builder before hiring them?
Important questions to ask before hiring a builder include whether they are VAT registered, how long they have been trading, what insurance they hold, and whether they can provide references from previous clients. You should also ask for a detailed written quotation covering the scope and cost of the work, and establish whether the builder is willing to sign a written agreement before work begins.
Is it normal for a builder to ask for a large deposit upfront?
A deposit is not necessarily unusual, but a demand for a large upfront payment should be treated with caution, particularly if the builder is also offering a significant discount for cash or pressuring you to pay immediately. These can be potential warning signs when considering how to spot a rogue builder. Before making a substantial payment, make sure you understand what the deposit covers, have clear written terms, and have carried out appropriate checks on the builder.
