Asking contractor for proof of payment to subs

[Anonymous]

Wrapping up a small project <$20k with GC and one sub. Is it reasonable to ask GC for proof of payment to the sub prior to final payment? New to remodeling and I realize this is probably something we should have discussed before.

[Anonymous]

That’s not standard practice.

[Anonymous]

I never have.

[Anonymous]

Not unreasonable. If the sub was paid why not show you? May not want to show you amount though.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if contractor is obligated to show you, but your thinking makes sense.

I have had a sub show up after job was done claiming that contractor had not paid him. I had paid contractor in full.

[Anonymous]

Can a sub-contractor place a lien on your home or property ?

[Anonymous]

I thought subs could put a lien on your property if they weren't paid by the GC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can a sub-contractor place a lien on your home or property ?

OP here. Yes, they definitely can. But I don't know if asking a GC is a normal or seemingly hostile thing to do especially for a not huge job.

[Anonymous]

Do you have reason not to trust him? Is he insured?

I think it’s a hostile question but even if you are suspicious, when he says yes, all are paid, how will you know they are paid in full? Are you going to contact each one to verify?

[Anonymous]

Read this

https://www.pendercoward.com/resources/blog-opinions-and-observations/subcontractors-can-sue-the-owner-of-a-construction-project-in-virginia-in-limited-circumstances/#:~:text=in%20Limited%20Circumstances-,Subcontractors%20Can%20Sue%20the%20Owner%20of%20a,in%20Virginia%20in%20Limited%20Circumstances&text=Owners%20typically%20control%20the%20money,limited%20rights%20against%20the%20owner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Read this

https://www.pendercoward.com/resources/blog-opinions-and-observations/subcontractors-can-sue-the-owner-of-a-construction-project-in-virginia-in-limited-circumstances/#:~:text=in%20Limited%20Circumstances-,Subcontractors%20Can%20Sue%20the%20Owner%20of%20a,in%20Virginia%20in%20Limited%20Circumstances&text=Owners%20typically%20control%20the%20money,limited%20rights%20against%20the%20owner.

If you are in Virginia

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have reason not to trust him? Is he insured?

I think it’s a hostile question but even if you are suspicious, when he says yes, all are paid, how will you know they are paid in full? Are you going to contact each one to verify?

No reason not to trust him, and he is insured. I just don't know what is standard practice and this is a tip I've seen other people write about.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a wise decision to me.

[Anonymous]

You ask your contractor to collect lien releases from subcontractors. If they got paid, they will sign. We had this included in the contract. Got releases from all subcontractors. A subcontractor can put a lien on your house if they don't get paid.

[Anonymous]

It totally depends if your jurisdiction has defense of payment