Is There a Penalty When a Contractor Does Not Finish on Time?
Whether or not there is a penalty for a contractor failing to finish on time depends on what the contract says about the completion date and what happens if construction is not completed by that date. Because the contracts are so very different in residential and commercial construction, I will address each separately. Penalties for […]
How to Secure a Valid Mechanic’s and Materialman’s Lien in Alabama: A Step-by-Step Guide
When working as a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in Alabama, securing payment for your labor or materials can be a concern. A mechanic’s and materialman’s lien is a powerful tool that can help ensure you get paid for your work or materials by placing a legal claim against the property you improved. However, to enforce […]
What Happens After a Termination for Convenience?
Most commercial construction subcontracts have a termination for convenience clause. This clause means that the general contractor can terminate the subcontractor at any time for no reason, just because it is convenient to the general contractor. But what happens after a termination for convenience? A termination for convenience clause exists to allow the general contractor […]
Chapter 9: Pay When Paid Clauses
Chapter 9 of Quit Getting Screwed, by Karalynn Cromeens Lioncrest Publishing Pop quiz: Who is in the best position to finance a construction project? If you answered, “The owner,” you’d be right. While the owner normally obtains funds from a bank to pay for construction, they are not the ones who finance the project. The […]
What is a Change Order Directive?
The change order provision in a contract is one of the most important parts, allowing the parties to increase or decrease the scope of work. Every contract has its own unique terms as to what is required to have a change order completed correctly, who can sign, what will be included in the change order, […]
Navigating Residential Home Improvement Contracts in Alabama: What You Need to Know
Embarking on a home improvement project can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, adding a new room, or upgrading your HVAC system, entering into a contract is a crucial step to protect both yourself and the contractor. Understanding Alabama’s specific requirements for residential home improvement contracts ensures that your project proceeds […]
Chapter 8: Daily Reports
Chapter 8 of Quit Getting Screwed, by Karalynn Cromeens Lioncrest Publishing “That is a lie,” Chris from Super Everything Subcontractor whispered to me while in trial. Chris’s company had been sued for more than $700,000 for the cost to complete a project they were forced to abandon. The project manager was testifying on how Chris’s […]
Chapter 7: Submittals/As Builts
Chapter 7 of Quit Getting Screwed, by Karalynn Cromeens Lioncrest Publishing The judge read the jury’s verdict, a judgment against my client, Super Door Subcontractor, for $150,000. All I could think was if my client had had something in writing approving the doors they installed, none of this would have happened. Before Susan with Super […]
A Healthy Business Starts With a Healthy You
Let me just level with you: your business won’t be successful or healthy if you’re not healthy as well. There’s this mentality among business owners, especially entrepreneurs, that we need to push ourselves hardest. That sets an example for the team and that if we’re not doing 200% then we’re doing 0%. But that’s the […]
4 Tips to Avoid Litigation as a Commercial Subcontractor
If there’s one thing a construction attorney is probably not going to tell you, it’s the best way to avoid litigation. But there comes a point where you’ve seen as many people come through your door as I have that you say to yourself, “There has to be a better way.” There’s no surefire way […]