How do trade phases work?

Trade phases let you organize project work by discipline — structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, finishes, etc. Each invoice line item can be linked to a trade phase. This gives you per-phase reporting, so you can see exactly how much has been invoiced and paid for each trade across the project.

How does retention management work?

Set a retention percentage (e.g., 5% or 10%) at the project or invoice level. Skode automatically calculates the retained amount on each invoice and tracks it in a retention ledger. When retention is due for release (typically at practical completion or defects liability end), create a retention release invoice with one click.

Does Skode support CIS tax deductions?

Yes. Skode handles Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions natively. Configure CIS rates per subcontractor (0%, 20%, or 30%), and deductions are calculated automatically on invoices. Reverse charge VAT for subcontractor invoices is also supported, ensuring compliance with UK tax regulations.

What types of progress invoicing are supported?

Skode supports four invoice types for construction: standard (one-off), deposit (advance payment), progress (interim valuation with cumulative tracking), and final (retention release and final account). Progress invoices track previous quantities, current quantities, cumulative billing, and remaining contract value.

How are change orders tracked?

Create variation orders (VOs) with reference numbers, descriptions, and values. Link change orders to specific invoices and see their impact on the original contract value. The contract summary shows original value, approved changes, revised contract total, invoiced to date, and outstanding balance.

constructionConstruction & Project Invoicing

Construction Billing. Finally Simple.

Purpose-built invoicing for construction and project-based businesses. BOQ references, trade phases, retention ledgers, change orders, CIS tax, and progress billing — all inside your CRM. No spreadsheets. No workarounds.

BOQtracking built-in

CIStax automated

4invoice types

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constructionCore Capabilities

Built for Construction

Every tool construction businesses need to manage project billing, retention, and compliance.

construction

Trade Phase Tracking

Track work by trade phase — structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing. Link invoices to specific phases for accurate project billing.

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BOQ References

Reference Bill of Quantities directly in invoices. Track quantities, unit rates, and cumulative billing against the original BOQ.

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Cost Codes

Assign cost codes to every line item. Filter and report by cost code for precise project accounting.

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Change Order Management

Track variation orders (VOs) with reference numbers. Link change orders to invoices and track their impact on the original contract value.

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Retention Ledger

Manage retention amounts — held and released. Track retention per invoice, per project, and across your entire portfolio.

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CIS Tax Support

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions calculated automatically. Reverse charge VAT for subcontractor invoices handled natively.

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Progress Invoicing

Four invoice types: standard, deposit, progress, and final. Track previous quantities, cumulative billing, and remaining contract value.

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Contract Summary

See the full contract picture — original value, approved changes, total value, invoiced to date, retention held, and outstanding balance.

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Purpose-Built vs. DIY Workarounds

Generic CRMs have no construction features. Skode includes everything out of the box.

Feature	Skode CRM	HubSpot	Salesforce
Construction Module	✓Built-in	Not available	Requires custom build
BOQ Tracking	✓Included	Not available	Requires custom build
Retention Management	✓Included	Not available	Requires custom build
CIS Tax	✓Built-in	Not available	Not available
Progress Invoicing	✓Included	Not available	Requires custom build

Comparison based on publicly available feature documentation as of March 2026.

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Construction Invoicing — Frequently Asked Questions

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Purpose-built invoicing for construction. No credit card required.

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