How to Get Paid for Work Performed on a Construction Site

You've had your total bid accepted, signed the contract and now you have carried out work at a construction site. The time has come to invoice the client for the work that you have performed. Knowing how to create an invoice is a good skill. A confusing or incomplete invoice will cause confusion and can lead to delays in receiving payment.

• 1

  Visit the site and take a note of the progress that you have made on site so far. This can be in the form of a percentage, or your order may be split into build stages such as "First Fix," "Second Fix" and so on. Chart your progress in accordance with any stage breakdowns shown on your order to avoid confusion.

• 2

  Write down any additional work you have done that is a variation of the original contract. Keep track of the amount of time spent carrying out the task and the cost of any materials required to compare with your bid.

• 3

  Open a new document on your computer and write your business name at the top, along with the address and your contact details. Clearly write the word "Invoice" at the top of the page.

• 4

  Write a reference number for the invoice beneath your address and title. This will allow you to easily refer to it at a later date. Enter the date that the invoice was created onto your document.

• 5

  Create a table showing four columns, headed "Details," "Quantity," "Rate" and "Amount." In the first column clearly detail the work completed. The second column will show the quantity of items you are claiming for, in this case a percentage figure, or simply "1" for a stage payment. The rate is as shown on your order, and the amount is the quantity multiplied by the rate.

• 6

  Enter the details of the variation payment you are claiming with the corresponding amount. Include as much information as possible to help prevent delays. In this instance, you can break down your claim into labor and materials, clearly identifying the number of hours worked and your rates in the relevant columns.

• 7

  Show the invoice total at the bottom of the page, along with your terms of payment. This could be 14 days, 30 days or any time frame you have previously agreed with the client.

• 8

  Save your invoice, print it out and sign the bottom to show it is approved by you. Submit your invoice via mail or email to the client and keep a copy for your records.