I’m with you on not paying until I see the breakdown... learned that the hard way with some “miscellaneous” charges that were basically coffee runs.
Yeah, the “miscellaneous” line item is where budgets go to die. I always tell folks—if you can’t point to it on site, don’t pay for it yet. Photos are great, but I’d add: keep a running spreadsheet too. It’s not glamorous, but when someone tries to sneak in a $200 “site cleanup” that’s just sweeping up sawdust, you’ll catch it. And finishes? They’re like gremlins—double overnight if you’re not watching.
if you can’t point to it on site, don’t pay for it yet
I get the logic, but sometimes that approach can slow things down more than it helps. There are legit costs that aren’t always visible—like permit fees or off-site fabrication. I’d say, ask for documentation, not just physical proof. A spreadsheet’s good, but cross-checking with invoices and contracts is what really keeps everyone honest. And about finishes... agreed, they’re sneaky, but a detailed spec sheet upfront can save a lot of headaches later.
Title: Keeping track of your construction loan payments without losing your mind
I hear you on the "if it’s not on site, don’t pay" rule, but sometimes that’s just not practical. Like, how do you handle when the millwork is being built off-site? Or when the city wants their permit fee upfront but you won’t see a thing for weeks? I always ask for backup—quotes, receipts, whatever—but even then, some stuff slips through the cracks. Ever had a sub try to bill for materials that haven’t even shipped yet? That one gets me every time...
Ever had a sub try to bill for materials that haven’t even shipped yet? That one gets me every time...
Yeah, that’s a classic. I get why subs want to lock in payment for big-ticket items, especially with lead times being all over the place, but it’s risky on our end. For off-site stuff like millwork, I’ve started asking for photos of progress or even FaceTime walkthroughs—doesn’t solve everything, but it helps. Permit fees are just a sunk cost, unfortunately. Ever tried using a draw schedule that breaks out off-site fabrication separately? It’s not perfect, but it gives a bit more control.
Title: Keeping track of your construction loan payments without losing your mind
Had a GC try to get me to sign off on a six-figure cabinetry payment once—nothing even on the truck yet, just “trust us, it’s coming.” I get nervous every time I see a front-loaded invoice. I started doing site visits for anything custom (sometimes they hate it, but tough luck). Photos are good, but I swear some folks are getting creative with their angles... The draw schedule split for off-site stuff is smart, though. Keeps everyone a little more honest, or at least gives you something to point at when they start pushing.
