Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024 - 15

for items not required by the plans, payment by the 15th, a reasonable
schedule, a complete set of plans with no errors or omissions, and
adequate funds set aside available to finish the project.
If the plans are wrong or incomplete, you deserve more money, no
questions asked. (Don't forget, the project owner probably hired the
lowest price architect and engineers, and therefore the quality and
completeness of the working drawings likely reflect the fee they got
as well.) If you don't get paid per the contract or don't get answers
to questions and conflicts in a timely manner, you should put your
customer on notice, document the situation per your contract, and stop
working until you get the answers you need.
If your customer expedites the schedule to make up for other slow,
non-performing contractors, you should document the claim and get
overtime pay or additional time to complete your work. If your customer
or another contractor damages your work product, you should put them
on notice and get paid to repair the damage, or you should refuse to
do the work. If you submit a claim and don't receive a prompt answer
that meets with your approval, you should proceed under protest and
demand mediation or arbitration per the contract.
MANAGE EVERY CONTRACT
Start by getting a complete set of plans. Read the complete
specifications, the contract, and general conditions section to
clearly understand what's required to protect your rights and be in
conformance with the contractual requirements. If in doubt, put it in
writing and document even more than you think is necessary. Take
photos of every field condition that's in conflict or doesn't match the
plans and forward them to your customer with a notice or demand. Be
quick to make written requests, and don't give in to make them happy.
Remember, you can't pay your bills with happy customers. Friends pay,
and enemies don't!
LAWYER UP
Get an attorney who'll help you understand your rights, be aggressive,
and improve your overall success rate. Keep them on speed dial and set
aside a monthly attorney budget. Meet with them twice a year to review
what contract clauses to look out for, and which you will or won't sign.
Whenever you feel trouble approaching, call to get their opinion and
suggestion on how to proceed. Also, have them look at any new clauses
you don't clearly understand before you agree to them.
Don't be afraid to stand up for what's right. Don't be afraid of
being tough. Remember, if you do what your contract says, you have
the power.
about the author
George Hedley CPBC is a certified professional construction business coach
and speaker. He helps contractors build better businesses, grow, profit, improve
estimating and field production, and get their companies to work. He is the bestselling
author of Get Your Construction Business To Always Make A Profit! available
at Amazon. For more, visit www.constructionbusinesscoaching.com or contact
gh@hardhatbizcoach.com.
xxxx
xxx www.xxx.com.
www.mcsmag.com
NOVEMBER 2024
15
https://www.caldwellinc.com/ http://www.constructionbusinesscoaching.com https://www.caldwellinc.com/ http://www.mcsmag.com
Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024

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