Speed Up Billing With Paperwork

Tell the Story

The best way to get the least resistance to getting paid is by telling the story clearly to help the homeowner and/or adjuster understand what they are paying for. Something that is simple to a contractor may not be as easily understood by others. This is why good record keeping and paperwork processing can make the billing process smoother.

Internal notes

It is extremely difficult to remember every detail on every project. There have been countless times for me when a note made all the difference on an estimate or in explaining the reason why a contractor did a task. Make internal notes with important details about each project at the end of the day. This way everyone has access to the information.

Sketch

Drawing a detailed sketch ensures that you get compensated for that entire SF that you complete work on. It also allows calculations to be easily completed in an estimating program.

Scope

The scope sheets need to be detailed. Missing one or two items on one project isn’t bad but once you get up to 20 projects it can cost your business a lot of money. When all items are on the scope sheets they get included on the estimate and final invoice.

Photos

Photos are an excellent way to show the person responsible for payment what happened on the job site visually. These are great photos to get:

• How you found the place

• How you left the place

• After each stage is completed; demo, drying, painting, etc.

• Document pre-existing damage, or odd situations like several layers of flooring or interior insulation.

Estimating/Invoicing

The best way to avoid having to answer many questions about your invoice is by making sure it is detailed to answer any questions before they are asked. One way this is accomplished is by itemizing all the different labor, materials and equipment with notes.

You could do an amazing job on site and a customers lack of understanding during the billing process can create a mess. Speed up billing by streamlining the process with these documentation tips. Reach out to us if you need an extra hand for our custom scope sheets, estimating and billing services.