It totally depends if your jurisdiction has defense of payment

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.

It sounds like a wise decision to me.

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 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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

I never have.

That’s not standard practice.

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.