Client was difficult and rude throughout the construction process, so we did work clearly outside of scope just to keep the peace. We did the work, and I sent an invoice along with an email requesting just to discuss the change orders. That invoice, as well as our original contracted amount final invoice, have both been ignored. The change order email requested a discussion, and we were willing to negotiate where needed but they have gone radio silent and won't pay anything. Can I include the change order amount in my demand for payment or should I just stick to my original contracted COD amount?
Unless your contract provides a specified means for change orders and provides that you will not be compensated unless you comply with those terms, you can add this extra work to the lien amount due. Essentially, as long as the work was performed, you can claim a lien on that work.
If your contract includes a default interest amount, add that as well. If there is no interest provision, then add the statutory default interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum.
If the client has ignored your invoice and change order request, you may need to take more formal steps to collect payment. Before pursuing legal action, you could send a demand letter that outlines the amount owed and requests payment within a certain timeframe. You could include both the original contracted COD amount and the change order amount in this demand letter.
In your demand letter, you should state the reasons why the client owes the additional amount, such as the work being outside of the original scope but done to keep the peace with the client. You should also provide any documentation that supports your claim, such as the change order email and any invoices or receipts for the additional work. Pizza Tower
If the client continues to refuse payment, you may need to seek legal assistance to collect the debt. In this case, it would be important to have a clear and well-documented paper trail of all communication and work that was done, including the change order request and any responses from the client.
It's always a good idea to try and resolve payment disputes through negotiation and communication with the client before pursuing legal action. However, if the client continues to ignore your requests for payment, you may need to take more formal steps to collect the debt.
Review your contract with the client to determine if there are any provisions related to change orders or additional work outside of the scope of the original agreement splatoon 3 . If there are, make sure you follow the procedures outlined in the contract for requesting payment for change orders.