In this episode, we’re unpacking three common yet avoidable lien release mistakes that can have costly implications. We begin by examining the critical importance of selecting the correct form. Whether you’re a General Contractor or a subcontractor, choosing the right release form – narrow when receiving payment, broad when paying – is essential, and your contract may bind you to a specific format. We also highlight the necessity of including conditional language in your releases, especially when payment is pending. This ensures you don’t waive your rights prematurely. Lastly, we address the c ..read more

Join Alex Barthet for an insightful discussion with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, Founder & CEO of SubBase, and Elizaveta Taylor, Founder of Beyond Books Solutions, as they delve into the critical role of cost codes in construction project management and profitability. In this episode, we cover: Accounting Essentials: The backbone of financial management in construction. Job Cost Accounting: Understanding the specifics of construction project costs. The Power of Knowing Your Numbers: Keeping an eye on financial health throughout the year. Cost Codes Explained: How to effectively track costs dur ..read more

Hey there, construction pros! In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex Barthet covers the critical topic of “How to Get the Bonding Company to Pay You.” Here’s a detailed breakdown: What is a Payment Bond?: Understand payment bonds as a security device protecting your right to payment, backed by insurance companies like Liberty Mutual and Hartford. Key Deadlines: Learn the essential deadlines for serving notices and filing lawsuits to ensure your bond claim is valid. This includes serving a Notice of Non-Payment within 90 days of your last work and filing a lawsuit within one year ..read more

In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, titled “Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro” host Alex Barthet, a board-certified construction attorney in Florida, shares essential tips for securing payment plans that expedite payment and minimize litigation risk. Alex outlines four crucial strategies for effective payment agreements: Documentation and Authorization: Emphasize the need for written agreements signed by an authorized principal, highlighting the risks associated with verbal agreements and the importance of having formal documentation. Clear Terms: Specify the total debt, payment s ..read more

Hey there, construction pros! In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex Barthet sits down with Bryan Gorrita to discuss the current state of the South Florida construction and real estate market. Bryan, a seasoned real estate broker, offers valuable insights into the market’s ongoing growth, despite high interest rates, and the strategic investments being made. Topics Covered: Market Trends: Strategic investments in Miami’s booming real estate market. Affordable Housing: Efforts to address housing affordability, including the Live Local Act. Infrastructure Projects: Developments ai ..read more

As a contractor, navigating the complex terrain of construction projects can often lead you to unexpected roadblocks. From unpredictable subsurface surprises to shifting regulations and unforeseen cost increases, these hidden contract conditions can significantly derail your budget and timelines. This episode is your compass through these murky waters, highlighting the often-overlooked pitfalls that could jeopardize your project. Not recognizing these latent risks can escalate into costly fixes, replacements, or legal entanglements. Equip yourself with the knowledge to spot and manage these po ..read more

In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, Alex provides a comprehensive guide for developers on managing and preventing liens on their projects. Here are the key points discussed: Introduction to Liens: Understanding what a lien is, its purpose, and how it can affect property owners. Liens offer security to those who improve your property, granting them the right to claim payment through property sale if necessary. Notice to Owner (NTO): The importance of managing Notices to Owner as they indicate potential lien claimants. Developers should create a list of all notices received by proje ..read more

In this episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, we deep dive into Florida’s freshly updated regulations regarding public project payments. We begin with a closer examination of the “Public Project Notices of Nonpayment, Sections 255.05 and 337.18.” Here, the introduction of a provision allows claimants to assert their right to bond protection if a bond isn’t timely recorded. The episode underscores the necessity of serving a notice of nonpayment on contractors – especially vital for those not directly in a contract with the contractor. Transitioning to the “Public Project Prompt Payment Changes, Sec ..read more

Join Alex Barthet for an insightful discussion with Eric Helitzer, LEED AP, Founder & CEO of SubBase, and Elizaveta Taylor, Founder of Beyond Books Solutions, as they delve into the critical role of cost codes in construction project management and profitability. In this episode, we cover: Accounting Essentials: The backbone of financial management in construction. Job Cost Accounting: Understanding the specifics of construction project costs. The Power of Knowing Your Numbers: Keeping an eye on financial health throughout the year. Cost Codes Explained: How to effectively track costs dur ..read more

Hey there, construction pros! Dive into a unique episode of The Lien Zone Podcast titled “Legal Issues with Beyond Books Solutions.” This episode features a crossover with Elizaveta Taylor of Beyond Books Solutions, where Alex Barthet shares his insights on navigating the complex world of construction law. They tackle essential topics like the importance of clear contracts, meticulous documentation, and strategies to manage legal challenges effectively. Topics Discussed: Specialization in Construction Law: The benefits of specializing in a specific industry for providing tailored legal and fi ..read more