same as it does now, the builder builds, uses your services and materials then to avoid using his money will makes all the excuses going till he gets his money from a sale then you get half and he gets someone else for the next phase cos they are cheaper.
you get the rest of your money month down the line after you are exhausted chasing it
Of course you can Ian.
I got a cheque today from a builder after repeatedly requesting payment, and that payment by BACS. He has previously paid me by BACS so either he doesn't have the cleared funds or he's done it to piss me off. Either way, i'm not working for the c.unt again. He can get ******.
You need a thick skin in this industry.