Written by Chloe Kiernan
Introduction
Throughout this article, we will be exploring the invoicing process with Blue Engineering, along with the differences between the invoicing types and terms.
Transparency is one of Blue Engineering’s core values, and with this in mind, we would like to share more about our company processes with you. The invoicing journey with Blue is something every client entails, no matter the size of your project. It is important that you are aware of the process so that no invoice received is a surprise.
The invoicing journey begins when you appoint Blue Engineering to your project. The invoices align with the fee proposal, which you receive after you request a quote. This document includes the scope of works and the projected fee. The fee proposal will outline the invoice plan and how many site visits will be included in your project.
Read more about our company values here.
Types of invoices at Blue
Every project is different at Blue Engineering; however, the invoicing journey is similar for every client. Before an invoice is issued, the accounts team at Blue will request your contact information from the Engineer running your project; this information is your full name, contact number, and email address.
There are different labels Blue uses for invoicing, which are listed below with the RIBA stage, where relevant:
- Deposit Invoice – Stage 3 Developed Design
- Remainder Invoices – Stage 4 Technical Design
- Construction – Stage 5 Construction
- Site Visit
- Additional Fees
The majority of project invoices are divided between the deposits, Stage 3, and the remainders, Stage 4 unless stated otherwise in the fee proposal. Often at the start of every project, an initial site visit takes place. This is when the engineer visits your property and collects information that can help reveal your property conditions; how thick the walls are or whether they are timber or masonry, for example. It helps the engineer identify what is supporting the property and how the house is currently working, which reduces any risk later down the line.
Read more about what we do on site visits here.
Stage 3 Developed Design is the stage of the project in which the concept is designed. Stage 4 Technical Design is the final design stage where all design details and information are aligned, and the final package of work is issued. Stage 5 Construction phases are usually involved with larger projects that need structural engineering advice further into the construction of a project.
You can read more about the RIBA stages in their plan of work guide.
You will receive the deposit invoice after you request Blue Engineering to provide structural engineering services for your project. Payment of this invoice confirms Blue Engineering’s appointment, and our team can get to work. The value of the deposit invoice is presented in the fee proposal; it is 50% of the total fee unless this percentage is agreed to be different.
You will receive the remaining invoice upon completion of the works. The lead engineer on the project will make the accounts team aware that the works have now finished, and the remainder can be raised. The fee for this invoice will be the remaining 50%. Payment terms for invoices are set to 14 days, this is for every invoice other than a deposit, if your invoice remains unpaid after 14 days of receiving the invoice, the invoice is considered overdue.
If there is a need for an additional site visit, for example, if the builder has a query and requires another site visit to take place, or a new design/set of works is needed, the additional fees will be agreed upon separately and prior to being taken. The client will receive an invoice for this upon agreement. Please note these are only charged if the work needed is outside of the scope of works covered in the fee proposal.
If you have any questions or queries regarding your invoice or project, please call us on 0207 247 3811.
In Summary
The invoicing journey at Blue should be clear and straightforward for every client. If there are any questions at any stage of the project, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Blue team. All invoices are sent directly from the accounts team who are always available if you have any queries with the invoice contents.
Payment of the deposit invoice enables our structural engineers to begin work and issue documents. The remainder invoice will be sent out once the project has been issued for tender. Your project will mainly consist of stage 3 and stage 4 works, and then stage 5 if it is a bigger project. If additional site visits are needed or, additional works, the fee and turnaround time will be agreed upon with your lead engineer. Payment terms differ depending on the type of invoice but if there are any concerns, the accounts team are always there to help and answer any questions.
Would you like to discuss our invoicing process further? Email us with your query at info@blueengineering.co.uk
