Construction balances often turn on project-specific documents and state deadlines. Preserve possible lien, bond and notice rights while evaluating ordinary collection work. Those rights vary by jurisdiction and role, so obtain legal advice when a deadline may apply.
Assemble the project record.
- Contract, proposal and payment terms
- Approved and disputed change orders
- Invoices, pay applications and current ledger
- Delivery tickets, daily logs, completion and acceptance evidence
- Notices, lien waivers and bond information
- Communications about defects, delay, backcharges or retainage
Identify every relevant party.
Record the owner, general contractor, subcontractor, surety, lender and contracting entity. State who ordered the work and who currently says payment is being withheld.
Separate collection strategy from deadline protection.
An agency may pursue payment, but it should not be assumed to preserve lien or bond rights. Put applicable deadlines on the file and involve qualified counsel when required.
Ask before placement
How will you handle a documented construction dispute, and what legal or deadline-sensitive issues must remain with our counsel?
Prepare a disputed balance · Compare agency and attorney roles