Bob · Underpayments
Recover short and late payments under the Construction Act
For subcontractors and main contractors whose application for payment was paid short, paid late or ignored. Bob checks the payment and pay less notices, works out the sum due and when it was due, and chases it in the right order.
- Set and forget
- A QS in the loop
Use Bob when
- You were paid less than you applied for and no valid pay less notice arrived.
- Your application was ignored: no payment notice and no payment.
- A pay less notice came late, or does not explain how the sum was worked out.
- Payment is overdue and you want it chased properly without spoiling the job.
What Bob works out
The notified sum: what is legally due, from your application and any notices.
The due date and the final date for payment, from your contract or the Scheme.
Whether a payment notice or pay less notice was valid and on time.
Whether you need to give your own default notice, and the new final date it sets.
What has been paid, and what is still owed.
The next step and when it can go.
Days are counted under section 116 of the Construction Act, which leaves out Christmas Day, Good Friday and bank holidays in England and Wales.
The letters Bob sends, in order
Default notice
Only where your contract needs one. It sets a new final date for payment.
Construction Act, section 110B
Reminder
A polite reminder with 7 days to pay.
Formal demand
A formal demand for the sum due, with 7 days to pay, saying plainly what may follow.
Notice of intention to suspend
Gives at least 7 days' notice that you may suspend work. Bob asks you first.
Section 112
Adjudication
Bob asks you first, then hands the case to Quantsurv.
Section 108
Bob offers each next step the day after the time to pay runs out. You choose which letters go by themselves and which Bob asks you about first.
What Bob needs from you
- Your application for payment
- The payment terms in your contract, or tell Bob you are not sure
- Any payment notice or pay less notice you received
- What has been paid so far
When Bob hands the case to a Quantsurv QS
Bob stops chasing and hands the case to a Quantsurv QS when they dispute the work or raise a counter-charge, when they may be insolvent, when the payment terms are unclear, or when anything does not add up.
Updates your way
Bob emails you as each step happens. Text message and WhatsApp updates are coming later. Or switch updates off and check your dashboard.
EmailOverdue to youBob sent Example Build Ltd a reminder. They have until 7 November to pay you.
- TextComing laterOverdue to you
Bob sent Example Build Ltd a reminder. They have until 7 November to pay you.
- WhatsAppComing laterPaid to you
Example Build Ltd has paid you £28,250.00. Bob has closed the case.
Questions
What is a notified sum?
The sum stated in a valid payment notice or, if none was given, in your application or default notice. It must be paid by the final date unless a valid pay less notice reduces it.
What if my contract has a pay when paid clause?
Pay when paid is not allowed in most construction contracts. Bob asks you about it, flags it and hands it to a Quantsurv QS to check.
Can Bob help with homeowner jobs?
Work on a homeowner's own home is outside these payment rules, so Bob offers to move the case to invoice chasing.
Can I suspend work?
Section 112 lets you suspend after 7 days' notice if the notified sum is not paid by the final date. Bob prepares the notice and asks you first: it only goes with your go-ahead.
Taking the pain out of payments.
Join the launch list and we will email you once when Bob launches.