CountBricks: Streamline Subcontractor Payments

Understanding Subcontractor Payments in Residential Construction

Effective subcontractor payment management is crucial in residential construction. Delays can lead to schedule overruns, strained relationships, and profit erosion. Utilizing AI-driven estimating and real-time cost tracking, CountBricks ensures transparent and efficient payment processes.

The Financial Impact of Inefficient Payment Practices

• Schedule delays when trades refuse to remobilize
• Higher bids from subcontractors padding against risk
• Wasted administrative time on lien waivers and change orders
• Reputation damage with homeowners due to delays

Mastering subcontractor payments not only protects margins but also enhances contractor reputation. CountBricks provides the tools to achieve this mastery.

Streamlining Payments with CountBricks

1. AI Voice Estimates

Field supervisors can dictate measurements and scope details, converting them into line-item estimates linked to a materials database.

2. Real-Time Pricing Data

CountBricks updates pricing data for materials like lumber and MEP, ensuring accurate subcontractor pay items.

3. Automated Schedule of Values

Estimates are broken into phases with percentage-complete triggers for subcontractor draws, agreed upon upfront.

4. One-Click Invoices & Digital Waivers

Subcontractors receive auto-generated invoice requests with e-signed waivers, streamlining compliance checks.

Building a Robust Payment Workflow

Define Expectations Early

• Include a schedule of values in every subcontract
• Require progress photos for milestone fund releases
• Set clear retention percentages and punch-list criteria

Standardize Documentation

• Use templates for change orders to prevent scope creep
• Store insurance certificates and licenses in subcontractor profiles

Leverage Automated Approval Rules

• Auto-route amount thresholds for sign-off
• Smart notifications for expiring lien waivers

Maintain Live Cash Flow Forecasts

CountBricks updates cash flow curves with each change order, helping builders manage credit lines effectively.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Pitfall: Manual Data Entry Errors

Solution: Voice-to-estimate capture eliminates double entry.

Pitfall: Price Escalation

Solution: Real-time feeds revise subcontract values before signing.

Pitfall: Delayed Lien Waivers

Solution: Digital waivers are tied to payment requests.

Integrating Homeowner Draws

Map subcontractor milestones to owner draw schedules to avoid fronting payments. Approvals inside CountBricks allow same-day fund releases.

Case Study: Saving Time and Money

A custom builder in Austin used CountBricks to save ten days on a project, reducing costs by $7,800. Learn more at CountBricks.com.

Best Practices for Success

• Host kickoff meetings to explain the invoicing process
• Encourage daily photo uploads for milestone approval
• Review payment dashboards weekly
• Use analytics to reward high-performing subcontractors

Get Started Today

Transform your subcontractor payment process with CountBricks. Schedule a demo at CountBricks.com.

Aligning Payments with Field Productivity

Many builders approve draws based on gut feel. CountBricks uses measurable data to replace guesswork.

How It Works

• Field crews upload date-stamped photos
• AI reviews images for accuracy
• Platform recommends draw percentages

Pay for Performance

• Accelerated payments for ahead-of-schedule subs
• Draw holds for under-performing crews

Case Example: Roofing Crew

A roofing subcontractor completed work early, triggering a bonus. Transparent data boosts morale and margins.

From Dashboard to Bank Account

• Payment data syncs with accounting integrations
• ACH disbursements reduce check costs

Ready to Level Up?

Visit CountBricks.com to see how our platform can enhance your next project.