Issuing certificates even if not paid

[andysparkfree]

Years ago i was told that the rule is to issue the electrical certificates
for the work undertaken and completed even if you have not been paid

anyone else agree with this?

 

[MFS Electrical]

Many do have common sense and dignity but as to those who aren't paying.... are they bothered?

Probably not but there is more than one way to skin a cat

 

[ipf]

Probably not but there is more than one way to skin a cat

....and I've used a few, over the years

 

[Nigel]

It all depends on what you state on the quote or estimate

Also whomyounare working for. If you are working for a client that issues purchase orders the terms on the PO will supersede that on your quote.

 

[Octopus]

Also whomyounare working for. If you are working for a client that issues purchase orders the terms on the PO will supersede that on your quote.

That would be true ....... if there were a P.O. and it stated a certificate must be provided

 

[MDJ]

The idea is to quote the job and get them to sign an agreement to allow you to start work and to agree with your terms. when the work is complete issue a certificate and invoice the job. If you have to take them to court you are in the right every time. You will have the signed form and you can say you did the job to a safe standard and issued the paperwork. They then look very guilty, the chances of them winning any case is low and they will end up paying the court fees, holding back the paperwork IMO makes you look a bit of a Cowboy, just saying

 

[Octopus]

Provide the cert .......... politely chase payment .......... then later go to the small claims court ............ and these costs are added to their outstanding debt...

 

[Squid]

What happens if your contract is with the builder and not the client, the job has been completed cert required for sale of property but the builder hasn't paid you?

 

[Octopus]

It all depends on what you state on the quote or estimate

Not sure why I got a dumb for this comment .......

 

[Ben0506]

Some years ago I had my kitchen rewired by a spark subcontracting to my builder who was fitting the kitchen. The cert never arrived and I forgot about it until it came to selling the house by which time the spark had moved to another area.

It took an age to find him which delayed the sale of the house. Turned out he'd put the wrong address on the cert which meant my efforts to get a copy from the NCEIC website failed.

I don't think it was in any way deliberate but means that I don't pay before I get a cert now... But then again I'm always happy to pay part of the works up front if it's a big job...

Not trying to start a fight but there are 2 sides to the coin.

 

[Ben0506]

Some years ago I had my kitchen rewired by a spark subcontracting to my builder who was fitting the kitchen. The cert never arrived and I forgot about it until it came to selling the house by which time the spark had moved to another area.

It took an age to find him which delayed the sale of the house. Turned out he'd put the wrong address on the cert which meant my efforts to get a copy from the NCEIC website failed.

I don't think it was in any way deliberate but means that I don't pay before I get a cert now... But then again I'm always happy to pay part of the works up front if it's a big job...

Not trying to start a fight but there are 2 sides to the coin.

 

[Octopus]

It took an age to find him which delayed the sale of the house. Turned out he'd put the wrong address on the cert which meant my efforts to get a copy from the NCEIC website failed.

Sounds like you were chasing the Part P certificate ......... the electrical certificate is another document completely.

 

[sparksfly]

I issue the certs and invoice together, part p sent to the customer way before my invoice.
Most of my work is done on a bit of trust and I only get customers to sign when doing a substantial job like a rewire...why ?....Theres too much paperwork as it is and over the years had very few non-payers or very awkward customers. It is a sad world we live in if every job needs a contract. The texts, email, phone logs and pictures are a good backup if needed.