# Payment Schedule – Interior Project Milestone Plan (Guide + Template)

A structured payment schedule sets clear financial expectations, improves cash flow, and reduces disputes. Share this with clients at agreement stage and attach it to your proposal/contract.

## Why Use a Payment Schedule
- Clear financial expectations – no confusion about when/how much to pay
- Improved cash‑flow management – steady income for smooth execution
- Professionalism & credibility – organized and trustworthy brand image
- Reduces risk of non‑payment – work progresses against milestones
- Prevents project delays – funds available for materials and labour
- Legal protection – written schedule supports dispute resolution
- Better vendor/workforce management – pay on time, keep operations smooth
- Encourages client commitment – staged payments keep clients engaged

## Risks Without a Schedule
- Irregular/delayed payments and financial stress
- Clients holding back or demanding extra work without paying
- Project delays due to lack of upfront funds
- Hard to manage multiple projects and vendor payouts
- No legal backup in disputes; compromised margins
- Slower business growth due to inconsistent cash flow

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## How to Use
1) Enter total project value in the CSV’s top field  
2) Adjust milestones, days, and percentages – ensure total = 100%  
3) Share with client; both parties sign/initial each page  
4) Raise invoices per milestone and update status (Paid/Pending)

Open and edit: [/resources/payment_schedule_template.csv](/resources/payment_schedule_template.csv)

### Recommended Sample Milestones (edit as needed)
- Booking/Advance – 10%
- Design Development Freeze – 15%
- BOQ + Procurement Start – 20%
- Mid‑Execution Progress – 25%
- Pre‑Handover – 15%
- Final Handover – 15%

> Tip: Align milestones with material purchases and critical site stages.

## Notes
- Taxes/withholding as per law; add GST fields if needed
- Clarify what deliverables unlock each milestone (drawings, site progress, QC)
- Use with your main contract for full protection