Useful tips for saving time, costs and minimizing frustration and conflict

Have a sub-contractors list of emergency telephone numbers.
Save time and frustration when instant communication is necessary.

Demand a pre-defined extra or deductive work schedule including: pre established unit prices, written approved cost estimate, and a 3-tier basis of actual construction cost plus percentage for overhead and profit.
Minimizes disputes and dramatically controls costs.

Require a schedule of values itemized to include: General conditions (general requirements), trade activities, bonds at cost, overhead and profit.
An invaluable aid in reviewing payment requests.

Ask to have payment and performance bond invoiced to you at cost.
You'll save a hefty mark-up.

Persist in a certificate of occupancy by the governing authority prior to contractor receiving final payment.
You'll be assured that work has been completed to code.

Ask for written confirmation from contractor stating all inspection list (punch list) items are completed.
Otherwise, items may be missed and re inspections will be necessary.

Request a Conditional Waiver and Release Upon Final Payment Request from the prime contractor and sub-subcontractors filing preliminary lien notices.
Your lien exposure will be reduced substantially.

Verify General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificates from contractor prior to starting construction.
Otherwise, you may have considerable liability.

Request a construction schedule prepared by the contractor incorporating you completion date and your move-in date.
Gives real meaning to the completion of your project.

Publish a Date of Completion (This is a notice that the your improvement contract has been completed or abandoned)
Helps protect your property against liens.