Consultancy & Contracts · Contractor guide
Final bill dispute? Settle your final account properly.
The final bill (final account or final statement) settles everything due at the end of the contract: measured work, variations, escalation, claims and release of retention or security. Disputes are common because quantities, rates and deductions are re-checked at this stage. Be careful: signing a final statement or discharge can limit what you can claim later.
Common causes
Why it happens
Re-measurement
Quantities in the final bill are reduced after re-measurement.
Variations not agreed
Extra work is still unapproved or valued lower than claimed.
Pending claims
EOT, escalation or cost claims not settled before completion.
Deductions and penalties
Liquidated damages, recoveries or audit objections deducted.
Retention / security held
Retention money or security deposit not released after completion or defects period.
Audit observations
Payment held due to audit paras or departmental objections.
What you can do
Practical steps
- Do not sign a final statement, discharge or "no claim" certificate before checking what it gives up.
- List every item still due: work, variations, escalation, claims, retention and securities.
- Reconcile your bill line by line with the department's figures and ask for written reasons for each cut.
- Submit your final statement in the form and time the contract requires.
- Reply to audit objections in writing with supporting documents.
- If unresolved, use the dispute route in your contract.
Documents
What to gather
- Contract, BOQ and all variation orders
- All IPCs and the measurement book
- Taking-over / completion certificate and defects period records
- Pending claims and their correspondence
- Retention and security deposit / guarantee details
- Department's final bill, deductions and audit observations
How AHS helps
How we can help
We reconcile your final account, identify what is still due, prepare the final statement and supporting claims, reply to deductions and objections, and support you through settlement or dispute.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every contract is different, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should I sign the final bill to get paid quickly?
Read it carefully first. A final statement or discharge may stop you from claiming anything later. Get advice before signing.
When should retention be released?
It depends on your contract. Retention is often released in stages linked to completion and the end of the defects period.
Can audit objections stop my payment?
In practice they often delay it. A clear written reply with documents is the usual first step.
Can you guarantee the full amount?
No. We help you claim what your contract and records support.
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