What should I ask before agreeing construction payment stages?

Link payment to verifiable progress

Ask the contractor to define each stage precisely: what work must be complete, what materials or documents are included and who confirms completion. Avoid vague labels such as “progress payment” without an agreed measurement or milestone. Clarify how off-site materials are treated, what evidence is provided and who bears risk before delivery or installation.

Ask when invoices are due, how they relate to approved variations, what happens if part of a stage is incomplete and how a disputed amount is handled. Check whether the contract provides for advance payments, staged valuations, retention or final account and understand the conditions for each. Do not assume any one structure is standard or appropriate.

Check the safeguards

Compare the payment schedule with the work programme and the value of work delivered. Ask what records you will receive, including invoices and any agreed supporting documents. Confirm bank details through a trusted independent contact method before making a transfer, especially if payment instructions change.

A Greek lawyer should review payment, suspension, default, completion and dispute clauses in the specific contract. Ask your engineer or architect whether the proposed milestones can be verified technically. Never rely on a verbal promise to alter a signed payment arrangement; document any agreed revision before paying.