Problems with Builder's Invoice

alibo

When I submit invoices for stage payments, they are normally accompanied by a spreadsheet showing how the original tendered figure is made up and how much I have 'drawn' from each item, together with any extras that have been agreed to date. It is also usual practice when dealing with larger sums of monies for the client to withold a retention of say 5 or 10% from each payment until works are completed, then this is reduced to 2.5% or 5% until the end of a 'defects' period normally 6 months, the remaining monies are then released when all defects have been rectified. However a third party i.e. surveyor is usually involved to promote fairness on all sides and make sure the quality of work is there, and you are getting the work that you have asked for. There can often be discrepancies between what you think you wanted and what your builder thought you wanted unless a detailed specification is given and explained.

Myrtle

Thanks for your input Alibo. That sounds exactly what I wanted from my builder. I gave him a very detailed specification of what work he was to carry out. I expected a similar level of information from him in return so I could keep a close eye on the budget.

I've talked to him this morning and he's agreed to re-write the invoices. I hope there are no nasty surprises.

alibo

Toots wrote: »

Myrtle

Did you actually have a quotation or an estimate from him for all the work?

If you had a quotation then please do not ask him about being on budget as that is nothing to do with you - you should only pay what he has quoted. If you only received an estimate then you won't have a leg to stand on and will have to pay the invoices unless they are outlandishly different to the estimate.

Toots, IMHO, I think what Myrtle is concerned about is that she doesn't want to have paid for works in advance of them being completed, for example he is asking for 90% of the quoted/estimated sum but only appears to have completed say 60%. If there is a falling out and he leaves site she could be seriously out of pocket.

Alibo