Running a construction business is no small feat. Between managing crews, coordinating with subcontractors, and hitting deadlines, your time and attention are already stretched thin. And then there’s the money side—billing, payments, and cash flow. For many contractors, that’s the most stressful part of the job.
If you’ve ever had to front materials or payroll while waiting for a check, you know how fast cash flow problems can spiral. But the good news is: better billing strategies and smart financing solutions can make a big difference. Let’s go over how Truss can improve cash flow using effective construction billing methods and contractor financing options.
Key Takeaways:
- Construction cash flow challenges often stem from delayed payments and outdated billing methods.
- Adopting more innovative construction billing methods improves payment timelines and reduces stress.
- Exploring modern contractor financing options can provide the working capital you need to keep projects moving.
- Tools like Truss automate billing and lien waivers to accelerate cash flow and reduce risk.
Why Cash Flow is a Common Struggle in Construction
Construction is a unique industry when it comes to payment cycles. Unlike retail or service-based businesses that get paid upfront or immediately, contractors often work weeks (or months) before seeing a dime. Here's why that creates friction:
- Progress billing and retainage mean payments are often delayed or withheld.
- Slow approval processes from owners or GCs can stall your invoices.
- Change orders and scope creep complicate final billing.
- Manual paperwork and disorganized systems lead to errors and payment disputes.
When cash isn’t flowing predictably, it affects every aspect of your business—from buying materials to making payroll to taking on new jobs.
Poor cash flow doesn't just cause operational stress; it impacts your ability to grow. You might turn down new contracts due to a lack of working capital or delay necessary equipment upgrades. And when your crews aren’t paid on time, morale and retention can take a hit.
Why Truss is the Cash Flow Advantage for General Contractors
Truss is not just another payment tool. It's built to address the most significant pain points general contractors face when managing cash flow. Here’s how Truss directly improves your day-to-day operations and long-term financial health:
1. Real-Time Payment Processing
- Truss enables same-day ACH payments
- Faster payments that cover labor, pay suppliers, and keep projects on schedule without financing gaps
2. Integrated Lien Waiver Management
Lien waivers are non-negotiable in construction. Truss makes exchanging lien waivers for payment seamless, secure, and automatic. You get paid faster while staying protected legally. Clients love it too—less friction, more trust.
3. Automated, Contractor-Friendly Invoicing
- Billing based on milestones or time and materials–Truss creates clear, professional invoices
- Directly link documents, photos, and progress reports to each bill
- Truss auto-generates reminders so you don’t have to
4. Track Payments Across Subs and Projects
Need to keep tabs on multiple subcontractors or jobs? Truss gives you full visibility into incoming and outgoing payments across all active projects. No more digging through spreadsheets or emails.
5. Centralized Approval Workflows
Keep your office and field teams aligned. Truss lets you control who reviews and approves payments, helping you avoid internal delays. Everything is documented and time-stamped, which means less confusion and fewer missed deadlines.
6. Client Portal for Easier Payments
Truss isn’t just contractor-facing—it improves your client’s experience too.
Clients can:
- Log in
- View invoices
- Submit approvals
- Make payments
This level of transparency builds trust and speeds up the entire process.
7. Custom Payment Schedules & Flexibility
You can set up deposits, split payments, or recurring schedules that match your project flow. Truss allows you to customize your billing structure without jumping between apps or spreadsheets.
What Makes Truss Better Than Your Current System?
Let’s be real: if you’re still relying on email, spreadsheets, and manual invoicing, your cash flow isn’t optimized. Here's what sets Truss apart:
- Fewer disputes: Digital records and lien waiver automation mean fewer questions and faster resolution.
- Fewer delays: Automated reminders and same-day payments keep money moving.
- More visibility: Know what’s outstanding, what’s coming in, and who’s holding things up.
- Professional polish: Impress clients with a streamlined, modern billing experience.
- Growth-ready: As your business scales, Truss scales with you—no steep learning curve or messy transitions.
How Truss Improves Contractor Financing Options
Cash flow gaps happen, even when you're organized. Truss connects you to smarter financing tools when you need them most:
- Short-term cash advances based on approved invoices
- Access to lines of credit informed by your billing activity
- Prequalification for vendor and equipment financing based on transaction history
When your billing and payments live in one system, applying for and managing financing becomes simpler and more accurate. Truss helps you make data-driven decisions without overextending your business.
Final Thoughts: Truss is Built for Builders
You didn’t get into construction to manage paperwork or chase payments—you got into it to build. Truss helps you do just that by:
- Taking the guesswork out of billing
- Removing the friction around lien waivers
- Getting money into your account faster
- Reducing the stress that comes with managing multiple jobs and clients
Whether you're running a lean crew or managing dozens of projects, Truss gives you the tools to manage your cash flow without needing to be a financial expert.
Ready to get paid faster and build smarter?
Try Truss today—built for general contractors who are serious about growing their business.
