invoice

3/14/2009 at 12:28:09 PM

It depends on the contractor most contractors will charge a deposit depending on the job. 50% is what we charge to cover material costs. 25% after a certain point, and the rest at the remainder. Some contractors work there pay structure different. Lets save this is for spray foam. Once spray foam is installed it can not be removed easily for these types of jobs i take advanced payments only. I have been stiffed a few times from customers that say if I can go spray foam there cottage and I do the Job and never receive a dime latter. That will never happen again. Most other jobs can be worked out differently. but some jobs you just can't! Lets save you order so custom window's for your house. Now the windows where made for your house what would I do with them if you where to cancel. Get stuck with the windows, I don't think that would happened but it does happen. I would rather you as a customer pay the 50% down payment. This time day people are defaulting on everything and as contractors should be very careful. I had a problem the other day with a customer he ordered $5600 dollars in insulation he cancel the next day I had to return the product then return there money. In fact I should have charged a cancellation fee. When I process someones card I loss 4% right away. Then Gas, then time, who should cover that cost!

3/14/2009 at 7:17:50 PM

Hi Donna- again- if there were no additions the original estimate or quote and you have paid a deposit- you owe the balance, case closed. It would be in the contractors best interest to have an updated invoice handy if he knows work will be completed at a certain time, but again- if there are no adjustments to the original work order/quote/estimate/contract, you should have no problem paying him- just make sure you do get your final invoice from him, being sure it is marked 'paid.'

3/15/2009 at 12:19:50 PM

Is this the deposit to start the contract, or the final payment for the contract???

I would not advance any funds in either cercumstance. Get the paperwork FIRST.

David

3/16/2009 at 9:23:31 PM

Hi Donna,

I would never give away any of my money without some type of paper trail/receipt showing what I am paying for. As a contractor I would always have my paperwork ready especially if I know the job will be completed on a certain day. If the contractor does not have his paperwork at the end of the job, then simply state that you will pay the invoice once the bill is presented to you. As for the deposit, I ask for 1/3 up front usually as my rule and in every case I give the receipt of that deposit from each client.

Brad

3/22/2009 at 6:09:23 PM

Donna Lukas

Posted 3/13/2009 at 11:38:35 PM

Should you pay a contractor who says the paperwork is being done and will send later?

Answer: Donna, you should never pay any contractor unless they have a payment schedule which you have both agreed to and on final payment, the contractor should present you with a final statement which should include adjustments if any, payments you have made if any and the final balance. He should have 2 copies, which should be initialed by the both of you and then you can give him your final installment.

My contract agreements clearly indicate terms of payments during the project which is initialed every time a client provides me with an installment. In the end, I still provide the client with another final invoice which shows all credits, debits, adjustments and the final balance.

This will ensure closure of the project and no disputing as to when you need to pay and how much is still owing.

I have a comment to make: Some contractors seem to chat back and forth about unrelated verbiage which has clearly nothing to do with the actual topic posted. You might want to consider directly writing to one another as I am sure you all have access to each others' e-mail addresses?

If I were a person looking for a contractor and read some of the chatting going on which is completely unrelated to the topic posted, I would not be impressed. I am merely stating what people have already told me when they have come to HC seeking advice or have followed some of the comments made by some of the contractors.

If you have nothing to contribute to the topic then say nothing.

Suzette

3/22/2009 at 8:51:03 PM

Hi Suzette,

I may be one of those deer caught in your headlights however, I have been there before. I am guessing that if you actually read a few topics from other posts then you must have seen this trend all over. Sorry, is it unprofessional to you?

As for the chat back and forth, get use to it because we all do it and I am sure that you may one day do the same, unless of course you are perfect. I`m guessing at this point you won`t like my two sense and that is fine because I really don`t care.

Like I said, I have been here to where I am asking to stick to the topic but hell, if you can`t beat them, join em.

There is nothing wrong with a little chat between contractors, after all, Contractor Talk is the post yes?

As for the topic " Invoice" I still agree with your views and in a shorter way of explaining it I would simply say that I would not give any of my money away without a paper trail, so no is the answer to her question, not without the paper work. I hope its not too late Donna. Good luck.

Brad

3/23/2009 at 10:17:50 AM

Good day,

Wanted to clarify my previous message and furthermore, I was merely addressing some of the statements made to me by leads on this site in reference to some of the responses which had no relevance to the topic issue.

Message Board

Category: Contractor Talk

Topic: "Invoice"

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Have a great day.

Suzette

3/28/2009 at 10:32:50 AM

Donna,

I've you've managed to wade through the not essential chatter here I have the following to offer.

Any project large or small should not be paid until all invoices are received and verified by you. Depending on the size and value of the project you may want to involve your lawyer in the contract and look at adding a 10% holdback to legally protect yourself from over payment if a lien should occur.

Mary Dancey

Mary Dancey Interiors

3/29/2009 at 8:46:05 PM

Yes, there is a lot of chatter here for sure, life is tough thats for sure.

Is it "I`ve or You`ve?

Brad

3/31/2009 at 10:00:43 AM

lol tried to fix that but no where can I see an edit button. :) It is 'If'