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Stage payment schedule

Split a job into stage payments, each tied to a clear point in the work, and get a schedule you can print, save as a PDF or copy into a quote. It checks the stages add up to 100%.

Everything stays in your browser; nothing is sent or stored. To save a PDF, choose Print and then "Save as PDF".

Why tie payments to stages

On a long job, stage payments keep your cash flowing and let the customer see what they're paying for. Tie each payment to something both of you can see, such as foundations inspected or the roof watertight, rather than a date. Keep each payment roughly in line with the work done and materials bought by then, so neither side is badly out of pocket if the job stops.

The law for business customers

For construction contracts between businesses, the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 gives you a right to payment by instalments, stage payments or other periodic payments, unless the work is specified or estimated to take less than 45 days. The parties are free to agree the amounts and when they fall due (section 109). Every construction contract must also provide an adequate mechanism for working out what payments become due and when, and a final date for payment (section 110). These sections don't apply to a contract with a residential occupier, meaning work mainly on a home that one of the parties lives in or intends to live in (section 106). Northern Ireland has its own equivalent, the Construction Contracts (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

For homeowners

Homeowners aren't covered by those sections, so stage payments depend on what you agree. Put the schedule in writing with the quote, and keep the terms fair and transparent (Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 68). If you agree the job in the customer's home, the 14-day right to cancel applies too (GOV.UK).

Add the schedule to the quote template and the terms and conditions template, invoice each stage with the invoice template, and see payment terms for trades. If a business customer pays a stage late, use the late payment interest calculator.

A starting point, not legal advice. Checked 15 October 2026.

Questions

Am I entitled to stage payments as a builder?

On construction contracts with businesses, yes, unless the work is specified or estimated to last under 45 days (Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, s109). For homeowners it depends on what you agree.

How much deposit should a builder take?

There's no single legal figure. Keep it in line with booking and materials ordered for that job, and put it in writing.

Should stage payments be tied to dates or to work?

To work. Use points in the job that both sides can see, such as foundations inspected or the roof watertight.

Can I print the schedule?

Yes. Click Print and choose Save as PDF, or copy the text into your quote.