Why the Final Invoice is the Hardest: Toby McCosker on Construction Contracts

The Last Step Always Feels the Heaviest

In construction, you’re only ever as good as your last job. And nothing tests that more than the final invoice. After months—sometimes years—of planning, building, and delivering, the final stage of a contract should be the easiest. But ask any experienced builder or contractor, and they’ll tell you the truth: getting paid that last 10% is often the hardest part of the job.

I’ve built projects across New South Wales and dealt with clients of every kind. The one thing that remains consistent? The resistance that shows up the moment that final claim hits their inbox.

Why the Final Invoice Becomes a Battleground

By the end of a project, emotions are high. Clients are tired. Budgets are stretched. And despite delivering exactly what was agreed upon—or often more—many builders find themselves fighting tooth and nail for that final payment.

This is where trust is truly tested. And too often, it’s where it breaks.

For me, Toby McCosker, it’s never just been about the money. It’s about principle. The final invoice reflects everything that’s come before—the early mornings, the weekend work, the pressure, and the pride. When that’s withheld, it’s not just a financial hit—it’s personal.

And let’s be honest, it’s rarely about quality. It’s about power. Some clients know that when the project is done, the leverage shifts. They stall, nitpick, or find reasons to delay in hopes you’ll back down or settle for less.

A Culture That Undermines the Builder

There’s an ugly truth in this industry: too many builders are forced to finish strong but get paid weak. It’s baked into a system that gives clients too much room to delay final payments while builders carry the full risk of labour, materials, and timelines.

I’ve worked on sites where I’ve fronted hundreds of thousands in costs before seeing a cent back. And when you’ve upheld every part of your agreement only to be told “we’ll settle later,” it breaks something in you. It erodes morale and makes future trust harder to build.

This issue isn’t isolated—it’s systemic. And unless we call it out, it keeps punishing the people actually doing the work.

Holding the Line: What I’ve Learned

I’ve made peace with the fact that in business, especially construction, you have to hold the line—no matter how uncomfortable it gets. That means:

• Having airtight contracts

• Documenting every step

• Not being afraid to escalate if you’re being strung along

But most importantly, it means backing yourself. I’m Toby McCosker, and I’ve had to chase final payments more times than I can count. But each time, I’ve walked away with my standards intact.

Builders need to understand: standing up for what you're owed doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you professional. The ones who play nice to keep relationships smooth often end up subsidising someone else’s bad faith.

Fixing a Broken System

If we want to improve construction industry standards, it starts with respecting the contract all the way through to the last dollar. Payment shouldn’t be a game of leverage—it should be a straightforward exchange of value for work delivered.

I believe builders deserve stronger protections, and I won’t stop speaking on this. Our work powers the economy. The least we should expect is to be paid fairly and on time.

Conclusion: Finish Strong and Stand Tall

The final invoice is more than a line item—it’s the closing chapter of a story built with sweat, skill, and sacrifice. When clients delay or dispute it, they’re not just questioning an amount—they’re undermining an entire process.

I’m Toby McCosker, and I’ve learnt to finish strong—both on the tools and on the invoice. If you’re a builder reading this, don’t shrink at the finish line. You’ve earned your payment. Claim it with the same integrity you used to build it.

More from Toby McCosker

Lessons from the Frontline: Leading Through Adversity
How pressure shaped leadership beyond the job site.

Reputation vs. Reality: What the Media Got Wrong
Why headlines don’t always tell the full story.

Tobias (Toby) McCosker is the founder of Built By Toby. After two decades in construction and business, he now shares raw lessons from the frontline.
Explore more at BuiltByToby.com.au