Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/quantity-surveying/main-contractors/construction-cash-flow-forecasting
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-19

# Construction cash-flow forecasting

For main contractors

Forecast the timing of project receipts and payments for your main contract or an identified subcontract.

## What is it?

A dated cash-flow forecast for one agreed programme and cost position. We distinguish application value, expected receipts, supply-chain payments and retention so the forecast shows the working-capital gap.

The forecast records assumptions; it is not a guarantee of payment or finance advice. Funding applications, tax advice, revised programmes and later updates are separately scoped.

## How does it work?

1.  ### You explain the work and the decision you need
    
    You describe the named main contract or subcontract and your position under it, the result you need and any urgent dates. The introductory conversation checks fit and availability; substantive assessment starts under an accepted instruction.
    
2.  ### We agree the scope, responsibilities and fee
    
    We check suitability, conflicts and capacity, then agree the scope, deliverables and timetable in writing, with a fixed fee or agreed hourly or daily basis. We explain payment terms, VAT and any separate costs before you accept. We agree the forecast period, intervals, included receipts and payments, and scenarios. Unconfirmed terms remain explicit assumptions. We confirm responsibility for urgent actions and specialist input.
    
3.  ### You accept the scope and provide the information
    
    You accept the written scope and provide the programme, agreed cost breakdown, proposed or signed payment terms, opening cash position, retention, planned purchases and available payment history. You identify missing items and the versions supplied; we agree who will obtain anything still needed.
    
4.  ### We check the records and resolve gaps
    
    We check the documents against the agreed scope, dates and versions, raise queries and record the basis on which work can proceed. Missing evidence stays identified; we agree any limited assessment or pause affected work until essential information is available. Live deadlines continue to run.
    
5.  ### We map when money is expected to move
    
    We model application dates, assessments, expected receipts, retention and payments to labour, suppliers and subcontractors separately. We do not treat an application as cash received.
    
6.  ### We calculate balances and test timing risks
    
    We reconcile the opening position and period totals, calculate closing balances and test the agreed delay or cost scenario. We distinguish confirmed dates from assumptions and identify periods with a funding gap.
    
7.  ### You review the assumptions and actions
    
    You confirm planned commitments and expected payment dates, consider the identified gaps and choose any funding or procurement action. We update the agreed scenario and record when the forecast should next be reviewed.
    
8.  ### We explain the result and complete the handover
    
    We issue the checked period-by-period cash-flow forecast, calculation basis and agreed sensitivity scenario, explain the findings and record unresolved items, next actions, owners and dates. We answer the included clarification and correct our errors. New information, changed scope and later stages need a separate agreement; you decide whether to instruct them.
    

We confirm timing after checking the scope and available records. Flag any live deadline when you enquire; it continues to run while information is gathered.

Read [how we agree the scope, fees and instruction](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#ways-to-work>).

## What do you get?

-   A period-by-period cash-flow forecast with an opening balance and stated calculation basis.
-   Payment-timing assumptions, identified funding gaps and the agreed sensitivity scenario.

Each fixed piece of work includes one consolidated clarification round requested within 10 working days of issue, unless agreed otherwise. New records or scope need a separate agreement; we correct our own errors without charge.