Construction cash-flow forecasting
Forecast the cash balance from dated receipts and payments, then test what happens when a receipt is delayed.
by Jack Butler-Kettle · About 2 min readShare
How to use it
Use bank cash and expected payment dates, not earned value. Carry each closing balance into the next opening balance and show any funding gap.
Construction cash-flow forecasting
Use bank cash and expected payment dates, not earned value. Carry each closing balance into the next opening balance and show any funding gap.
Free blank template for your own project. The completed example is shown below. No email address required.
View the completed example
Completed fictional example
Westhaven refurbishment · 14 October 2026 · Version 1.0
Construction cash-flow forecasting
Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.
| Period / scenario | Opening cash (£) | Receipts (£) | Payments (£) | Closing cash (£) | Timing / action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October baseline | £20,000.00 | £60,000.00 | £70,000.00 | £10,000.00 | Includes £25,000 client receipt expected 16 Oct |
| October delayed receipt | £20,000.00 | £35,000.00 | £70,000.00 | -£15,000.00 | £25,000 moves to November; arrange £15,000 funding or reschedule outflows |
| November after delay | -£15,000.00 | £75,000.00 | £50,000.00 | £10,000.00 | Includes delayed £25,000; opening equals October delayed close |
The first two rows are alternative scenarios, not consecutive periods. The November row follows the delayed scenario. Include VAT in cash flows where actually payable or recoverable.
Understanding your results
The first two rows are alternative scenarios, not consecutive periods. The November row follows the delayed scenario. Include VAT in cash flows where actually payable or recoverable.
How it works
The workbook provides blank working records. Grey cells calculate from the entered inputs; yellow cells are for your information. The completed example stays on this page.
Read the related guidance for the context and checks behind this template.
If you need help preparing or reviewing the project records, our quantity surveying services explain the tasks available under a separate appointment. Agree the deliverable, responsibilities and required specialist input before work starts.