“Pay-if-paid” clauses are finding their way into subcontracts with increasing frequency. These clauses tie the subcontractor’s right to payment to the contractor’s receipt of payment from the owner. Federal projects require the contractor to post a “Miller Act” payment bond guaranteeing timely payment to subcontractors and suppliers. A recent case out of Virginia has answered […]
Debunking the Top Ten Payment Myths
Payment is the lifeblood of any contractor, subcontractor or supplier. Yet many myths adversely affect your ability to timely secure payment. Here is my personal top ten. 1. “Don’t worry about it, we can always lien.” While lien rights are important, they are not a substitute for good credit practices. Lien rights only attach to any […]
Preemptive Actions for Construction Collections
In a quick-paced world, getting paid promptly is key to many construction businesses. In order to do so, preemptive actions on the front end of your relationships with contractors and general managers is best. Here are a few quick tips to help you get out in front of the curve towards successful collections. 1. Initially, get as […]
What Can You Learn From a Country Lawyer? Abe Lincoln Revisited.
One Hundred and Seventy-Five Years ago a wiry country lawyer traveled the states of the old Northwest Territory, often sharing rooms and meals with opposing counsel and the circuit judge as they dispensed justice from county seat to county seat. While I would not recommend similar sleeping arrangements today, modern trial lawyers can still learn […]
Price Escalation Due to Steel Tariff
There has been a lot of discussion lately about President Trump’s plan to assess tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum. Construction materials use a lot of steel and would be greatly impacted by cost increases that will likely flow from such tariffs. Regardless of where construction contractors and subcontractors stand on this […]