Tutorials, construction guidance, comparisons, commentary and evergreen articles
The Commercial Payments Bill brings a 60-day payment cap, mandatory statutory interest, and a retention ban. Here is what UK subcontractors should do now.
Luke Sanders
Learn how to turn won construction work into an approved Master Valuation Schedule, then use it to prepare the first accurate payment application.
Luke Sanders
Cost, quality and time are the three sides of the iron triangle. Here is what each one means on a construction job, why you cannot maximise all three, and how to choose.
Luke Sanders
A practical checklist for UK contractors preparing construction payment applications, including valuation breakdowns, retention, variations, previous certified amounts, and evidence.
Luke Sanders
When a payment dispute escalates, speed becomes the main issue. Adjudication exists to deliver a fast interim decision path, but only if your records and timeline control are st...
Luke Sanders
Understand the difference between 6+6 and 12-month retention release schedules in construction, and how to track release dates effectively.
Luke Sanders
If variation work is not tracked clearly, it often gets done but not paid in full.
Luke Sanders
Compare spreadsheet payment applications with BuildQS, estimate the hidden cost of formula risk, and use a checklist to decide when to move to structured software.
Luke Sanders
Retention is often treated as "we will get it later". That is not a strategy.
Luke Sanders
Late payments cost UK subcontractors time, cash and stress. Learn your legal rights under the Construction Act, how to charge statutory interest, and practical steps to recover what you're owed.
Luke Sanders
Learn how to calculate gross profit margins for construction projects. Worked examples in GBP, the margin vs markup difference, and a free calculator.
Luke Sanders
Learn how cash flow forecasting helps construction subcontractors predict income, plan for retention release dates, and avoid cash shortfalls across multiple projects.
Luke Sanders