Running a construction-related business requires a lot of planning and investment. Although you can make good money, you often have to provide supplies or labor before you receive payment in full. Unfortunately, both individual property owners and even businesses that...
Construction Law
Why do construction projects miss deadlines?
As a contractor, you know that you may miss a deadline for a reason that is entirely out of your control. In a perfect world, everything would come together smoothly, but it simply does not happen in all cases. This can be a big problem when working with suppliers,...
Learn how to head difficult clients off at the pass
No contractor wants to get into the practice of turning down work, but if you want to avoid a big load of stress and drama, there are some clients that should be given a wide berth. Below is some information that can help you cope with difficult clients — and perhaps...
Why might a client bring a construction defect claim?
Clients usually have very specific visions when they hire a contractor to do work on their home. It’s imperative that you fully understand those specifics and other applicable points of the project before you start on it. This can help you to avoid some issues, but it...
The insidious problem of scope creep on construction projects
Every builder has their own horror story of how scope creep annihilated their profit margin on a job. But typically, it is a lesson that is quickly learned and not repeated. "Scoop creep" is the term used for a building project that seems to morph past its original...
Your rights as a construction supplier when a client doesn’t pay
Erecting a new building or remodeling an existing one is often a complex process. The flow of funding from one party to another often depends on contracts and the completion of various stages of the work. As someone who runs a business that supplies construction...
Get to know the Prompt Pay Act
Since 1982, the Prompt Pay Act has been in place to require federal agencies to make payments on time. When they are not made in a timely manner, interest builds. According to the Prompt Pay Act, every proper invoice must be paid with 30 days of its receipt. If an...
Is a mechanic’s lien the only option if a client won’t pay?
One major question that clients may have when signing a contract is why there is a clause referring to mechanic’s liens. You may include information on a mechanic’s lien in your contract so that your clients know that you’re willing to use a lien if they do not pay...
What to put in your construction contract to protect your company
Owning or managing the construction business means that risk comes at you from every angle. You have liability if your employees get hurt on the job. You have liability if clients feel dissatisfied with your work, and you have the risk of people bringing frivolous...
Get to know your rights with a mechanic’s lien
You did a lot of work on a property for a client. They paid for the majority of the project up front, but your contract stipulated that they’d paid the remaining 25% upon completion. Once you were finished, you completed a walk-through viewing with your client. They...