One difficult client can cost you more than the job is worth — in time, stress, and sometimes money. Here's how to identify the five types before they get bad, handle them when they do, and fire them when you must.
Type 1: The Scope Creeper
Signs: "While you're here, can you also…" every day. Constantly adding small items and expecting them included in the price.
Handle it: Every request gets a written change order — no exceptions. Say: "Happy to — I'll send you a quick change order for that and we can get it added to the schedule." Do this for item #1. You'll rarely need to say it for item #2.
Type 2: The Slow Payer
Signs: Invoices go past due. Always has a reason. Promises payments by specific dates and misses them.
Handle it: Net 7 payment terms in your contract (not Net 30). Stop work after 10 days past due — this is legal in most states and gets attention immediately. Send a formal notice: "Per our contract, I'm pausing work until the outstanding balance of $X is paid. Happy to resume within [48 hours] of payment."
Type 3: The Constant Changer
Signs: Changes their mind on selections constantly. Wants to revisit decisions after work is started.
Handle it: Document every selection decision with a date. When they try to change: "We can absolutely do that — here's what the change order looks like, including demo of what we already installed." The real cost of changes stops most of them.
Type 4: The Negotiator
Signs: Tries to renegotiate after signing. "Can you do better on the price?" after contract is signed.
Handle it: "The price in your signed contract is the price. If budget is a concern, I can look at scope reductions and send a change order." This is professional and protects your margin. Never reduce price after signing without reducing scope.
Type 5: The Unreasonable Expectations Client
Signs: Calls multiple times a day. Expects daily updates. Unhappy with work that meets or exceeds spec. Threatens reviews over minor issues.
Handle it: Set communication expectations at contract signing: "I'm on-site most days. I'll send you a weekly update on Fridays and am available by text for urgent matters." If it escalates to review threats over legitimate disagreements, document everything in writing and resolve the issue if it's legitimate — or prepare to offer a credit to make it go away.
When to fire a client
Fire a client when continuing the relationship will cost you more than ending it. Signs it's time:
- They refuse to pay a legitimate invoice
- They've made working conditions unsafe or hostile
- Every interaction is a dispute and the project is killing your team's morale
- They've materially breached the contract (interfering with work, not providing access)
How to fire a client professionally
Send a written notice by certified mail and email: "Due to [specific breach or irreconcilable disagreement], I am exercising my right to terminate this contract per Section [X]. All work will cease on [date]. My final invoice for work completed to date will be sent within 48 hours. Thank you for the opportunity to work together."
Never walk off a job without written notice — in most states, that's grounds for losing your license.
ConstruMate keeps all client communication, change orders, and signed documents in one place — so you always have documentation when a dispute arises. Try it free.
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