Together we partner with you in hiring the contractor, sub-contractor, or tradesmen of your choosing and aide in managing them on your behalf. For cash customers we do require funds (or a percentage, depending on the scope of work being performed) to be placed in a bank account under Elevation Consulting and Accountability LLC, and the customer’s name for added transparency and total accountability. We do this as a way to guarantee the contractors are paid in a timely manner, thus giving us more bargaining power when negotiating contracts and payment schedules, however we do have a customer approval process prior to releasing payments. With my past experiences being on the contractor side of things paying them promptly is important to us as it builds and maintains good working relationships ensuring your project keeps moving forward in a timely manner. If using a construction loan for your project we can accommodate that as well! We maintain accurate accounting records, backed up electronically and manually on a daily basis and available at any time upon request.
By using our services, we negotiate the financial terms of your contract protecting your funds before and during the project! It has become common for contractors to request a large down payment upfront due to some homeowners failing to pay on time and some instances paying at all. While this practice was originally meant to protect businesses, it has also led to opportunities for fraud, with dishonest contractors misrepresenting the industry and committing fraud or mishandling your project funds. We believe in Trust but Verify! Additionally, some contractors have used down payments from future projects to bankroll current jobs, leading to delays and excuses for the lack of progress or at times finishing the job until they have the money to do it, while that is terrible business practice on their end, the homeowner is the one left with excuses. Remember if they don't want to work with us do you want to work with them?
Every reputable contractor should have established agreements with supply/material houses where they receive a minimum of 30-day payment terms for purchases. With us, the only reason to pay a down payment would be to lock in scheduling or to cover special-order materials needed for the project. From there, we negotiate payment terms to ensure cash flow continues for them while preventing your project from being put on hold due to lack of funds. Our saying is "keep them fed, but hungry".
Before we process any payments, we require customers to sign off and verify that the work completed for the invoice meets the contract specifications and is satisfactory. Building relationships is important to us so we do require this verification to be done within 48 hours to ensure that contractors are paid on time- remember "keep them fed but hungry". If this step is not completed within the 48-hour period, payments will be sent automatically.
For total accountability we do have a process in place to handle any discrepancies in work performed that cannot be resolved between the homeowner and the contractor. See our “Discrepancies” section for more details.
Every project should have a contract as that is what sets the standard for accountability. Let us help you "read between the lines" and catch the "fine print." While we're not attorneys, we specialize in construction and details matter! We review contracts, suggest changes, and offer clarifications when needed. Sometimes, it’s the small details that can make a big difference and save you from costly issues down the road.
We understand that changes are a natural part of construction. Our process for handling change orders is simple and transparent. When we receive a change order and money is owed back to the customer, we’ll issue a refund within 48 hours, or you can choose to leave the funds in the account until the end of the project.
If the change order requires additional funding, we will pay the contractor within 48 hours of the funds being deposited and keep a copy of the change order in your file. We allow for up to 5 change orders or $5,000 in additional funds before any extra charges apply.
Before submitting final payment, we request all lien waivers to protect you from contractors reporting non-payment and placing a construction lien on your property without your knowledge.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, we offer comprehensive project management services for remodels and renovations. Unlike a traditional general contractor, we collaborate with you to select the most suitable contractors and subcontractors based on your specific needs. We then manage the project on your behalf, ensuring that all aspects are executed as efficiently as possible. We will walk you through the good and bad with hiring a one and done company or sub-contracting the project out. If you choose, our team has the ability to oversee every aspect of the project, presenting you with all available options and ensuring you are kept informed throughout the process. For your budgeting convenience, we do not operate on a cost-plus basis. Instead, a fixed-cost model based on the specific demands of the project, rather than the overall budget. We maintain an open line of communication, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly and efficiently on your behalf.
We do not maintain a list of “preferred” contractors, as doing so could compromise our role as a neutral party between you and the contractor(s) of your choice. We believe in preserving integrity by remaining impartial throughout your project.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.