As we celebrate Independence Day and the spirit of hard work and craftsmanship that built our country, it’s the perfect time to think about strengthening your construction business, so you have the freedom to grow and succeed.

When most contractors consider why they lose clients, they often blame price competition, slow projects, or a client’s unrealistic expectations. But in my experience as a construction bookkeeper, one of the most common—and preventable—reasons contractors lose business is poor invoicing practices.

I know what you might be thinking: “My craftsmanship speaks for itself; invoicing is just paperwork.” But the truth is that invoices are often the last impression you leave on a client. That impression determines whether you get paid promptly, earn a good review, or ever hear from them again.