Final Payment

MicJames

Builder is turning up tonight wanting final payment

There is one little job left (awaiting delivery) and I'm concerned about paying before everything is done.

Worse is that somehow we ended up agreeing cash and I'm conscious I'll not get a receipt / final invoice.

DaftyDuck

I think you have to decide if you feel you need to withhold a small part of the payment until this delivery is done. Since you feel the need to post, you are probably a bit concerned about something.
If the builder is pushing for final payment before this last part is done, I'd possibly feel the same way... but it depends what the final bit is.

You could point out that, if he needs payment before this last piece is completed, you will need a receipt, stating this is still to be done.

MicJames

DaftyDuck wrote: »

I think you have to decide if you feel you need to withhold a small part of the payment until this delivery is done. Since you feel the need to post, you are probably a bit concerned about something.
If the builder is pushing for final payment before this last part is done, I'd possibly feel the same way... but it depends what the final bit is.

You could point out that, if he needs payment before this last piece is completed, you will need a receipt, stating this is still to be done.

Always wary - Was told I'd get a final invoice / reciept when he returns to sort out the last job.

If I hand over the last part of the money I have no leverage and worry that I'll not get a receipt as I've paid cash so will have no recourse later on.

DaftyDuck

Then, you've answered the question yourself. Final payment... clue in the words...

However, it's worth looking at it from the builder's point of view. You are in effect, saying "I don't trust you".

It's worth doing it as politely & firmly as you can. What is left, and what was the job?

McKneff

Dont pay cash, if he is a bona fide builder, he wont mind a cheque and yes, I would keep something back till the job is finished and
you get a receipted invoice in your hands.

phill99

I run a m,maintenance company and occaisionally something small is outstanding once everything else is done.

I would have no issues with a customer holding something back. Depending how big the outstanding job is, hold back say a days money (£100 - £150). Then there will be an incentive for him to return. If he is decent, he won't have an issue with it.

baldelectrician

Been caught out by builder thsi way before

What's to stop you printing your own reciept (2 copies) one for each of you to sign?

Detail on the reciept what the mones being paid cover and what is still to be done

I would hold back the cost of getting the final work done until it's done

RuthnJasper

baldelectrician wrote: »

Been caught out by builder thsi way before

What's to stop you printing your own reciept (2 copies) one for each of you to sign?

Detail on the reciept what the mones being paid cover and what is still to be done

I would hold back the cost of getting the final work done until it's done

That's a good idea. Where I work, there is always a small percentage of "retention" on any large building project, agreed with the builder, payable a few months after the main part of the invoice. I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask for a receipt without implying that the builder is on the fiddle. I would ask for one, just for my own records.

Best wishes. x

misgrace

I would hold back more than £150, as in some builders eyes its not much of an incentive to come back and finish bits and bobs, specially if they have another job lined up and need to start that one and of course will earn more at the end of it.

Some builders will swallow losing a small amount, as they cant be bothered to come back.

dave76

the builder that did my roof cracked a window during the job - he offered me to keep £100 back until he got somebody to come and do the job which I accepted, nobody ever turned up. I did the job myself a couple of weeks later for about 15 quid :T

new_home_owner_3

phill99 wrote: »

What a complete and utter !!!!!! you really are. When have I ever said I earn £40 per hour? I wish. the average tradesman in the UK on £100 - £150 a day.

You evidently have a small penis and an equally small brain to match. You complete rectal passage.

dont mind giving it out but cant take it hey? Oh well nevermind:D keep up the work of giving people excessive prices .....

You spend that much time on here no wonder you charge 40 per hour, it looks like your never working.