Educational
Articles

Plain-English construction contract and project education for subcontractors, contractors,
and owners. Practical guidance on contract clauses, risk allocation, change orders, lien rights,
delay claims, and payment disputes.

LATEST ARTICLES:

How to Structure a Construction Payment Schedule | Owner’s Guide

Learn how owners should structure construction payment schedules, retainage, lien waivers, mobilization payments, change orders, and final payment protections.

5 Construction Contract Red Flags Owners Should Catch Before Signing

Before signing a construction contract, owners should watch for vague scope, risky change orders, weak delay protections, liability limits, and bad termination clauses.

How Much Retainage Is Too Much? Construction Retainage Guide

Excessive retainage can cripple contractor cash flow and lead to disputes. Learn when retainage crosses the line and how to negotiate better terms.

Can a Contractor Refuse Extra Work Without a Change Order?

Can a contractor refuse extra work without a signed change order? Learn contractor rights, duty-to-proceed clauses, constructive changes, and contract risks.

10 Costly Change Order Mistakes Contractors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Change orders can destroy contractor profits if handled incorrectly. Learn the 10 most expensive change order mistakes and how to avoid disputes, delays, and unpaid work.

What Happens If You Sign a Lien Waiver but Never Get Paid? Conditional vs. Unconditional Waivers Explained

Signed a lien waiver but never received payment? Learn how conditional and unconditional lien waivers affect your mechanics lien rights and what steps to take next.

Can a Contractor File a Mechanic's Lien Without a Written Contract?

Many contractors assume a written contract is required to file a mechanic's lien. Learn when lien rights exist without a written agreement, common pitfalls, and best practices.

Contractor Contingency vs Owner Contingency: Understanding Construction Project Contingencies

Learn the difference between contractor contingency and owner contingency in construction projects, including examples, risk allocation, GMP contracts, and best practices.

What is a Mechanic's Lien?

Learn what a mechanic's lien is, who can file one, how the lien process works, and the critical deadlines contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers must meet to protect payment rights.

Termination for Convenience Clauses: What Contractors Need to Know Before Signing

A termination for convenience clause allows an owner to end a contract without proving default. Learn your rights, recoverable costs, and negotiation strategies.

No-Damages-for-Delay Clauses in Construction Contracts: What Contractors Need to Know

Learn how no-damages-for-delay clauses work in construction contracts, common exceptions, state law restrictions, and how contractors can protect themselves from delay claims.

What Happens If an Owner Refuses to Sign a Change Order? | Contractor Guide

Learn what happens when an owner refuses to sign a change order. Understand constructive changes, payment rights, claims procedures, mechanic's liens, and contractor protections.

Owner Refusing Final Payment? What Contractors Can Do to Get Paid

Learn what contractors can do when an owner refuses final payment, including mechanic's liens, breach of contract claims, retainage disputes, and prompt payment laws.

Pay-If-Paid vs. Pay-When-Paid Clauses: Why Every Contractor and Subcontractor Must Know the Difference

Learn the difference between pay-if-paid and pay-when-paid clauses in construction contracts, including how they affect subcontractor payment rights.

Construction Contract Indemnity Clauses Explained: Broad, Intermediate & Limited Form Indemnity

Learn the differences between broad form, intermediate form, and limited form indemnity in construction contracts. Discover how indemnity clauses shift risk and what contractors and owners should negotiate before signing.

Retainage in Construction: What Contractors Need to Know Before Signing a Contract

Learn how retainage works in construction contracts, common retainage percentages, payment risks, and practical strategies contractors can use to protect cash flow and get paid faster.

The Economics of Mechanics' Liens: When Is It Worth Enforcing a Construction Lien?

Many contractors file mechanics' liens without understanding the true cost of enforcement. Learn when pursuing a lien makes economic sense and when legal fees can exceed recovery.

AIA A101 vs. A105: Which AIA Contract Is Best for Residential Construction Projects? (2026 Guide)

Compare AIA A101 and A105 contracts for residential construction projects. Learn the key differences, risks, and which agreement is best for residential builders.