[Bill Schwab]

No matter what size job, we cannot by law ask any more than 10%, or $1,000.00, whichever is the lesser amount. Now can we bill for anything moe than work competed, supplies on site, or both. Said that, we bill every 3 days, simply because we can. It trains people to keep the checkbook out, and any issues that typically are brought up on the final walk through are address before someone owes us large sums of money. Ever get to the final pay period, you go to collect and the owner tells you they will pay as soon as you do something they don't approve of?

We had a guy hold $5,000.00 because a half pallet of sod died that he did not water. So for $100.00 worth of sod and a few hours labor, he holds $5K of our money? I don't think so. So, we eliminated the problem from happening again by making smaller payments more frequently. We allow a 5% retention for final walk through.

I use two rules in billing and recievables.

Rule number one. Never let someone YOU work for tell you how they intend to pay you. Rule number 2, never give someone the opportunity to use your money as a tool to argue and bicker over a minor issue. As a contractor, we will do anything our clients want within the scope of work. You as the contractor set the terms on how you will be paid.