Commercial Planning Utility

Turn contract dates into a practical payment plan

Small subcontract payment dates can have a big effect on cash flow. This calculator helps you organise an indicative timeline, identify key notice checkpoints, and prepare questions before deadlines become urgent.

For a small one-off investment, you can turn a complicated payment timetable into a clearer commercial planning reference.

Select the form for reference only

Interim Valuation Date

Plan cash flow with greater visibility

See the key dates that may affect when payment is expected and when notices may need attention.

Reduce avoidable deadline confusion

Use one organised timeline instead of relying on scattered notes, emails, or manual date calculations.

Prepare before the pressure starts

Identify the dates and contract points that may need checking with your project team or suitably qualified adviser.

Indicative Payment Timeline

Standard Terms (Unamended)

Interim Valuation Date

–

The baseline valuation assessment date identified in your subcontract schedule.

Payment Due Date

–

Due date under unamended terms (typically 12 days after Valuation Date for DBSub).

Payment Notice Period

–

Contractor payment notice deadline under unamended terms (5 days after the Payment Due Date).

Pay Less Notice Deadline

–

Potential Pay Less Notice deadline under the selected contract payment mechanism. Confirm the exact deadline, notice requirements, and amendments in the signed subcontract.

Final Date for Payment

–

Contractual final date for payment under the selected payment mechanism. Confirm the signed subcontract and any amendments before relying on this date.

Why contractors use a payment timeline

Payment administration becomes difficult when valuation dates, payment notices, Pay Less Notices, and final payment dates are spread across contract documents and amendments. A structured timeline gives you a practical reference for planning, checking, and discussing the payment process before a deadline is missed.

What you receive

A structured 12-month payment timeline
Indicative notice and payment checkpoints
A clearer reference for cash-flow planning
Printable PDF output
Calendar-ready dates
A practical checklist of points to verify

Build My 12-Month Payment Timeline → One-off £14.00 payment. Instant access. No subscription.

Generates a commercial planning schedule based on unamended JCT standard rules. Always cross-reference generated dates against your signed contract particulars.

Operational Notice: This schedule is a commercial planning aid for trade contractors. It models standard, unamended contract mechanisms and does not constitute legal representation or determine statutory notice validity under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. Bespoke amendments and specific service clauses supersede standard timelines. Always verify critical dates against your signed subcontract documents.

Navigating JCT Subcontract Payment Cycles

Managing cash flow as a trade contractor requires navigating both the underlying statutory provisions of Part II of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) and the precise contractual terms in the signed subcontract.

Looking for detailed clause commentary? Visit the comprehensive JCT Contract Guide & Notice Repository for step-by-step guidance on valuation assessments, bespoke schedule amendments, and notice templates[cite: 12].

Understanding the Notice Milestones

1. Interim Valuation Date (IVD)

The operational baseline for each assessment cycle, determined by the project programme and the dates specified in the subcontract particulars.

2. Due Date Calculation

The Due Date establishes when payment obligations commence. While standard unamended DBSub provisions stipulate 12 days following the Interim Valuation Date, bespoke main-contractor schedules frequently amend this timeline.

3. Payment Notices vs Default Applications

Under standard JCT mechanisms, the contractor must issue a Payment Notice within 5 days of the Due Date. If the contractor fails to issue a notice and the subcontractor submitted an application in accordance with the contract, that application may constitute the default notice.

4. Pay Less Notice Cut-Offs

To reduce or withhold any payment, an effective Pay Less Notice must be served specifying the basis of deduction. Standard unamended forms stipulate service not later than 5 days prior to the Final Date for Payment, though amended schedules often introduce different prescribed timescales.

JCT Subcontract Payment & Notice Deadline Calculator