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CLI Consulting Services – Contractor & Subcontractor Pre-Project Checklist

1️⃣ Verify Who You’re Working For

✅ Confirm who’s actually paying you.

Is your agreement with the general contractor or the property owner?

Get the full legal name, company name, address, phone, and email of the person or entity responsible for payment.

✅ Request proof of ownership or general contractor agreement.

If you’re working under a GC, ask to see the owner’s name and property information.

This will be critical if you ever need to file a lien later.

✅ Ask for written confirmation of your payment terms.

Don’t start on verbal agreements or texts alone.

2️⃣ Get Everything in Writing

✅ Use a written contract or work authorization.

Include a detailed scope, materials, rate, payment terms, and completion schedule.

List change order procedures — who must approve them and how.

✅ Confirm lien rights in the contract.

Don’t sign anything that waives your right to file a lien before payment.

If the contract includes a “no lien” clause — get advice before signing.

✅ Keep copies of all change orders and project updates.

Save texts, emails, and messages that confirm extra work or schedule changes.

3️⃣ Protect Your Right to Payment

✅ Send preliminary notice if required (especially in Texas).

Subcontractors and suppliers must send 2nd-month notices to protect lien rights.

Keep a log of when and to whom notices are sent.

✅ Track your payment deadlines.

Note your last day of work or delivery — lien timelines are based on that date.

✅ Request progress payments in writing.

Tie payments to milestones or completion percentages.

Always request a receipt or confirmation of each payment.

4️⃣ Verify the Jobsite Details

✅ Confirm property address and legal description.

Verify through county appraisal district or local property records.

If a lien becomes necessary, the legal description must be accurate.

✅ Know where materials are being installed.

If you’re a supplier, document delivery addresses, itemized lists, and signatures for receipt.

✅ Take before-and-after photos of your work.

Photos prove completion and quality in case of dispute.

5️⃣ Manage Your Communication

✅ Keep everything professional and documented.

Avoid casual text-only agreements.

Summarize every discussion in a quick follow-up email:

“Just to confirm, we agreed that…”

✅ Document any delays or unpaid invoices immediately.

Note the date, reason given, and person you spoke to.

Keep these in a “Project Communication Log.”

6️⃣ Protect Your Reputation

✅ Always finish strong — even if payment slows.

Maintain professionalism and clear documentation.

Keep proof that your work was completed to spec.

✅ Don’t let emotion or frustration guide communication.

CLI can help you handle payment issues the right way — factual, documented, and enforceable.

7️⃣ When to Contact CLI Consulting Services

Call us if:

You finished work and haven’t been paid within the agreed timeframe,

The GC or owner is ignoring your invoices or withholding payment, or

You’re not sure how to send your 2nd-month or 3rd-month notices before lien deadlines.

👉 We’ll help you organize your case, verify lien rights, and prepare documentation to recover what’s owed — quickly and professionally.

CLI Consulting Services – Homeowner Pre-Project Checklist

What to Know and Collect Before Hiring a Contractor or Paying a Deposit

1️⃣ Verify the Contractor

✅ Check for active registration or licensing.

Ask for their license number and verify it with your state’s licensing board.
In Oklahoma: CIB Licensing Lookup.
In Texas: check the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) site.

✅ Ask for proof of insurance.

Request a certificate of general liability insurance with you listed as the certificate holder.
If the job involves subs, ask if they carry workers’ comp.

✅ Look up online reviews and complaints.

Check Google, Facebook, and BBB for patterns of complaints, not just single reviews.

2️⃣ Verify the Scope and Price

✅ Get a written contract.

It should list exactly what’s being done, materials, quantities, payment schedule, and timeline.
Never rely on “handshake” or text-only agreements.

✅ Confirm materials and brands in writing.

Example: not just “flooring,” but “3,400 sq ft of stained concrete pad at $8.50 per sq ft.”

✅ Make sure the contract includes a completion date or a clear schedule.

Add what happens if work is delayed or incomplete.

3️⃣ Set Payment Terms Wisely

✅ Avoid large upfront deposits.

Standard is 10%–25% down, or enough to cover materials — never the full job amount.
Never pay cash; always use check, card, or bank transfer so there’s a paper trail.

✅ Tie payments to progress.

Example: 25% after materials arrive, 25% at halfway, 25% at substantial completion, final 25% after inspection.

✅ Get receipts for every payment.

Keep copies of checks or electronic confirmations.

4️⃣ Protect Your Property

✅ Request lien waivers with every payment.

A Partial Lien Waiver for progress payments, and a Final Lien Waiver once the job is paid in full.
This ensures no subs or suppliers can file a lien later.

✅ Confirm who’s supplying materials.

If subs or vendors are used, ask for a list so you can verify they’re being paid.

5️⃣ Document Everything

✅ Take before, during, and after photos.
✅ Keep all emails, texts, and quotes in one folder.
✅ Write down the project timeline (start date, delays, change orders).

These details become critical evidence if payment or workmanship becomes a dispute later — and it’s exactly the kind of information CLI Consulting Services uses to protect your interests.

6️⃣ Know When to Call CLI Consulting Services

If:

The contractor is behind schedule and not communicating,
Work was paid for but left unfinished, or
You suspect a lien may be filed against your property —

👉 Contact CLI Consulting Services before things escalate.
We’ll help you organize your documentation, communicate professionally, and protect your rights.