Caution - Did Your Sub Pay Your Bill?

Well it’s been awhile since I wrote and for that I apologize. But a bit of news from my father-in-law, Bobby, made me think that some of you might get hurt if I don’t provide some much needed information. Let me explain.

I recommended a concrete sub-contractor to my father-in-law. He needed a driveway pored. When the job was done, the sub was paid for a job well done.  A couple of weeks later Bobby received a registered letter explaining that if he did not pay his bill for the concrete poured, the concrete company was going to put a lien on his home.  Bobby immediately called the sub who told Bobby that the bill had been paid that day.  Bobby called the concrete company and verified that it indeed was paid.

I’m not sure about your State but in Texas this is how the law works:  A sub will purchase what he needs for your project and puts the charges on his bill; the bill has your address on it as the site for delivery.  If the sub does not pay his bill YOU are responsible for the charges!!!  Thankfully there is a remedy for this not so well planned out law.

You as the client of the sub MUST NOT PAY the sub until he or she has proven to you that all his bills for purchases made on your behalf have been paid.  I would insist on seeing the receipt from the company where the purchases were made. Take the slab for instance. Before you pay the sub make certain that he has paid for concrete, rebar, sand, etc. Once you are satisfied with the job and that all bills have been paid you can pay the sub.

I did not know about this situation when I was building my home. I was very lucky that no one took advantage partly because I very selective of my subs and talked to others that had used the same subs. If you live in Texas be extremely selective of your subs.

While we’re in this area let me say this: NEVER PAY A CONTRACTOR IN ADVANCE! IF YOU DO,  HE HAS NO REASON TO COME BACK TO FINISH THE JOB.

If you have any similar stories about laws in your State let me know. I will be glad to post them on the web site.

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