If you work for builders, you probably don't get paid at the end of the job. You claim as you go, usually every fortnight or month, for the work done so far. Done well, progress claims keep cash coming in. Done badly, they're late, wrong, argued over and paid in 60 days. Here's how to do them well.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every state has its own security of payment law with its own rules and time limits, and your contract matters too. Check both, and talk to an adviser if a claim is disputed.
What is a progress claim?
A progress claim is a bill for the part of the job you've finished so far. Most claims are worked out against your quote or schedule of rates: each line, how much of it is done as a percentage, and the dollar value of that, less what you've already been paid.
Security of payment laws
Every Australian state and territory has a security of payment Act. The details vary, but the idea is the same: if you do construction work under a contract, you have a right to progress payments, and a builder who wants to pay less than you claimed has to say so in writing, with reasons, within a set time. In some states that written reply is called a payment schedule. If they miss the deadline, the law in many states gives you strong options to recover the amount.
To get that protection your claim usually has to meet your state's rules. In many states it must identify the work, state the amount claimed, be served on the right person, and in some states say that it's made under the Act. Look up your state's Act or its building regulator's guide, and set your claim template up once to tick every box.
Habits that get you paid faster
- Claim on the same day every cycle. Builders pay claims that arrive on time, in the batch they expect.
- Claim against the quote lines, with percentages, so the builder's QS can check it quickly.
- Put approved variations on as their own lines. See how to charge for variations.
- Send it to the right person, the way your contract says, and keep proof you sent it.
- Know when payment is due, and follow up the day after it's late, not three weeks later.
Base your percentages on real progress
Guessing "walls about 60% done" invites an argument. When the crew sign off hours against each line every day, you can see how far through each part of the job really is, and back the claim with it.
TradieXai builds progress claims from your quote lines, tracks which claims have been opened and paid, and reminds you when one's overdue.