Ask the BuilderAsk the Builder
Ask the Builder's on:

Subscribe to askthebuilder's videos

Air Conditioning
Asphalt - Blacktop
Brick
Building Tips
Cabinets
Caulk
Ceilings
Ceramic Tile
Checklists
Chimneys
Concrete
Concrete Defects
Concrete Installation
Condensation
Countertops
Deck Construction
Deck Maintenance
Design
DIY
Doors
Drainage
Drywall - Plaster
DVDs
EBooks - EDocs
Electrical
Energy Savings
Engineered Wood
Fences
Fireplaces
Flooring
Foundation
Garage Doors
Glue
Hardware
Heating Design
Home Builders
Home Depot Stories
House Plans
Hurricanes
Insects
Inspections
Insulation
Interior Walls
Kitchen
Lighting
Lots
Miscellaneous
Mold
New Construction
Online Courses
Outdoor Projects
Painting - Staining
Patio
Payments
Plumbing Design
Plumbing Supplies
Projects
Radiant Barrier
Remodeling
Retaining Walls
Roofing
Rough Lumber
Screened Porches
Sheds
Siding
Specialty Accessories
Stone
Storage
Structural
Stucco - EIFS
Tools
Trim Lumber
Vapor Barrier
Ventilation
Videos
Walk Throughs
Wallpaper
Windows
Glossary







Payments













Contract Payments

Detailed contracts noting exact contractor and homeowner specifications and listing payment schedules help avoid payment disputes.



Payments To Contractors

Payments to contractors causes anxiety for a lot of homeowners. How much to pay, when to pay, who to pay? These are some of the questions to consider when working out a contractor payment plan. Residential construction cost breakdowns will help you determine the answers.



Payment Suggestions

Before payment or work begins, establish detailed contracts, building plans, payment dates, affidavits and helpful construction reports.



Quote and Bid Tips

Contractors can supply a more precise quote if you are specific about your needs and desires. Ask each of the contractors you contact for itemized bids. Get copies of insurance certificates from each contact as well to prove that it is in force.



Avoid Contractor Allowances

A contractor allowance is rarely a good idea. Preselecting every item you desire in your home will virtually eliminate construction delays, cost overruns, and homeowner heartache.



Allowances - The Financial Black Hole

Financial woes can be leveled by avoiding contractor allowances. Pre select all items before getting the quote and signing the contract.



Obtaining a Bid

Obtaining a bid stresses homeowners. Arm yourself with information by reading about the work you want to do, draw a plan outlining your needs as precisely as you can, or develop a good description of your desired job to give to all contractors. This will obtain bids on the same work so that you can make comparisons.



Time and Material Job Bid

A bid for time and material pricing may not be in your best interest. Fixed price bids lend more cost control than payment by the hour. Before signing a time and material contract, read this.



Job Pricing -Time & Material Method

Job pricing with a time and material quote can be risky. Home improvement job pricing should be detailed, unless there are many unknowns.



Tips on Paying Contractors

Contractors should be asked for an itemized bid. Obtain an affidavit from each party at time of payment. Do not pay for unfinished work. Compare bills with work performed by the contractor to assure they match. You will avoid many headaches with your construction bids if you follow these simple procedures.



Affidavit, Mechanic's Lien, & Materialman's Certificate

An affidavit and materialman's certificate are important to avoid a mechanic's lien against your property from contractors or subcontractors. A professional contractor will not hesitate to provide these forms.



Affidavits and Liens

Affidavits and liens protect homeowner and contractor. Consult a good real estate attorney concerning laws in your state before a problem ensues.



Liens

Liens can be avoided. To keep a mechanic's lien from being filed against you, consult a real estate attorney. Know the contractor and the subcontractors before you start your job. Avoid legal hassle and financial woes with affidavits from your contractor before making payment.



Contractor Allowances

Allowances in the quote from a contractor cover items not yet selected. Financial woe can result if this budget is exceeded. Your contract should be very specific to avoid overspending projected costs.



Pay in Cash?

Pay in cash at great risk. An affidavit from the contractor and payment before a bank officer are basic steps for cash payments.



When To Pay Contractor

Pay your contractor for construction costs when each job stage is completed correctly. Agree to a fair payment schedule before you sign the contract.



Pay Cash in Advance?

Pay your contractor with a cash advance only for custom items. Payment is due after each job stage is finished right, otherwise.



  







Ask the Builder Comment Help

Helpful Comment Tips: If you need help with a problem, please try these things now before you type in a comment. You could discover your answer in just minutes.
  • Read ALL Comments Before Submitting One: If there are lots of comments that are already part of this column, there is a very good chance your question has already been answered by me or someone else.
  • Read Similar-Titled Columns First: The column above is almost always part of a two-or-three-part series. The answer to a question you may have is probably in a related column or in comments that are part of that column.
  • Read Columns in a Category: Take the time to read many columns in a category. The amount of information you will discover will amaze you.
  • SHARE a Story: Please share any tips or amusing tales of glory! Tell others what has worked for you. Maybe you have a disaster you want to discuss. Let's collaborate so we all learn together.
Don't show this alert again.