Your client went silent after the final invoice

Most silent clients pay after a clear, dated reminder and a firm second notice. The ones who don't need a written demand, then a decision about small claims or a lien, and liens have short deadlines, so don't let weeks drift.

A contractor asked how far to take it when a customer stopped answering after the final walkthrough and invoice. The walkthrough had gone fine. No complaint, no dispute, just nothing. The replies split between people who'd chase every dollar and people who'd write it off. Both camps agreed that waiting too long made it worse.

A timeline that works

Day 1 after it's due: a short, friendly reminder. Attach the invoice and the date it was due. People do forget.
Day 7: a second note that says what's owed, when it was due, and how to pay. Ask if there's a problem with the work you don't know about. If there is, you want to hear it now.
Day 14 to 21: a written demand. Amount, due date, a deadline to pay, and what you'll do if they don't (small claims, a lien, or both). Send it so you can prove delivery.
Then act. File in small claims if the amount fits your state's limit. If you're considering a mechanics lien, check your state's deadline the day the job finishes; in many states it's counted from your last day of work, and missing it loses the right.

What makes the demand stick

The demand works when you can show three things: what was agreed, that the work was done and accepted, and what's been paid. A signed contract, the change orders, photos and the walkthrough record do that. A pile of texts can too, but it takes longer to explain. More on that in small claims evidence for contractors.

Next time

Put the payment due date in the contract, tie the final payment to the job being signed off, and give the client a set number of days to sign off or say what's wrong. Then silence has a meaning both of you agreed to before the job started.

Silence with a clock on it

Everkept asks your client to sign off the job from their email. If your contract gives them a set number of days and they don't answer, Everkept sends a reminder the day before, then records that the time passed. The overdue days are counted from the date you both agreed, and the job pack is ready if you need it.

Start a job

This is general information, not legal advice. States differ on what a home improvement contract and its changes must contain. Check with your state’s contractor licensing board or an attorney.