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 financial advice.
• Common Legal Issues in Construction: Discussing the most prevalent legal challenges, including contract disputes and their impact on cash flow and project budgets.
• Importance of Contracts: Emphasizing the necessity of having well-defined contracts or terms and conditions to avoid disputes and protect business interests.
• Negotiating Contracts: The pitfalls of not negotiating terms when presented with contracts from other parties and the importance of making an effort to negotiate to get a better deal.
• Documentation as a Dispute Resolution Tool: Highlighting the critical role of thorough documentation in resolving disputes effectively.
• Change Orders and Material Escalations: Addressing the common mistakes related to change orders and the importance of having them signed before proceeding with additional work.
• Compliance with Regulations and Building Codes: Stressing the importance of compliance to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
• Handling Payment Disputes: Strategies for ensuring timely payments, including clear agreements on payment terms and training clients on payment expectations.
• Securing Lien Rights: The necessity of understanding and adhering to lien laws within specific jurisdictions to secure payment rights.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights for making data-driven decisions and enhancing your project’s financial success. Tune in now to revolutionize your approach to construction project management!

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About Our Guest:

Elizaveta Taylor
Founder of Beyond Books Solutions

Helping construction industry business owners save money and time by optimizing their financials. I’m ready to take the accounting load off your shoulders, so you can focus on your business, increase your earnings, enjoy more time with family and friends, and eliminate stress about tax season.

Website: https://beyondbookssolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizaveta-taylor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructionaccountant/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondBooksSolutions

The post Manage Legal Challenges in 2024 with Beyond Books Solutions appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet is joined by JP Berdejo to discuss an invaluable strategy for construction business growth in 2024: claiming your Google Business Profile. This conversation covers the what, how, and why of Google Business Profiles, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing business visibility and credibility online.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Google Business Profile: JP Berdejo provides an overview of Google Business Profile, explaining it as a free tool offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
• The Importance of Claiming Your Profile: The discussion highlights how claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile can significantly impact your construction business’s growth by improving visibility, attracting more leads, and building trust with potential clients.
• How to Claim and Optimize Your Profile: Step-by-step guidance on claiming your Google Business Profile is provided, along with tips on how to optimize it for better search engine rankings. JP emphasizes the importance of accurate and comprehensive business information, including hours of operation, services offered, and contact details.
• The Power of Good Reviews: Alex and JP delve into the importance of positive customer reviews, discussing how they enhance your business’s credibility and influence potential clients’ decision-making processes. They share strategies for encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews.
• Pitfalls of Not Claiming Your Profile: The conversation also covers the risks associated with not claiming your Google Business Profile, such as inaccurate information circulating online, reduced visibility, and potential loss of business to competitors who are more proactive in their online presence.
• Practical Advice for Construction Businesses: The episode wraps up with practical advice for construction business owners on how to effectively spend an hour claiming and optimizing their Google Business Profile to maximize its benefits.

Implications for Florida Construction Professionals:

For construction professionals in Florida, this episode underscores the importance of a robust online presence in today’s digital age. Claiming your Google Business Profile is presented as a must-do, low-effort, high-impact activity that can lead to significant business growth.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Alex Barthet

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About JP Berdejo

JP Berdejo, Marketing Director at MetricsLion, a marketing agency based in Miami, FL that works exclusively with home improvement companies and contractors across the USA. JP can be reached at MetricsLion.com

About MetricsLion

MetricsLion is a premier digital marketing agency that works with home improvement contractors and construction companies. We create strategic solutions for each individual business and walk our clients through the entire plan of action prior to starting any campaign. Schedule a free digital marketing consultation today.

The post How to Grow Your Construction Business in 2024 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

This week’s episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, hosted by Alex Barthet, dives into “Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them,” focusing on critical aspects of Florida’s Lien Law. Here’s what was discussed:

Lien Law Traps:

• The importance of the “last work” definition, emphasizing that it does not include repair, punchlist, or warranty work, which is crucial for understanding your lien rights timeline.
• The 90-day period for recording your lien is strict; it does not equate to three months, highlighting the need for precise calendar calculations.
• Detailed explanations on how weekends and legal holidays can affect your lien and notice to owner (NTO) deadlines, potentially extending your filing period.

Release Traps:

• Email copies of releases are considered valid even if the original is not sent, underscoring the importance of understanding the implications of electronic document exchanges.
• The misconception that a release titled as “conditional” is automatically conditional, stressing the need to include explicit conditional language in the document.
• The risks associated with $10 releases and the importance of specifying the expected payment amount in the release to protect your rights.

These insights are designed to arm construction professionals with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of lien and release processes, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the project lifecycle.

The post Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

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 schedules, and conditions, including ensuring payments are due upon receipt, not mailing, to avoid ambiguities that could delay payment.
• Strategic Credits: Recommend offering credits only in exchange for full payment, suggesting structuring agreements to allow for discounts upon successful completion of payment terms, thereby encouraging timely compliance.
• Preservation of Lien and Bond Rights: Advise against relinquishing lien or bond rights prematurely, suggesting the use of alternative security measures like personal or corporate guarantees if necessary.
  This episode is a valuable resource for construction professionals seeking to improve their financial agreements and ensure timely payments while retaining their legal rights.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

The post Lockdown Payment Plans like a Pro appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

This week’s episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, hosted by Alex Barthet, dives into “Common Lien and Release Traps and How to Avoid Them,” focusing on critical aspects of Florida’s Lien Law. Here’s what was discussed:

Lien Law Traps:

• The importance of the “last work” definition, emphasizing that it does not include repair, punchlist, or warranty work, which is crucial for understanding your lien rights timeline.
• The 90-day period for recording your lien is strict; it does not equate to three months, highlighting the need for precise calendar calculations.
• Detailed explanations on how weekends and legal holidays can affect your lien and notice to owner (NTO) deadlines, potentially extending your filing period.

Release Traps:

• Email copies of releases are considered valid even if the original is not sent, underscoring the importance of understanding the implications of electronic document exchanges.
• The misconception that a release titled as “conditional” is automatically conditional, stressing the need to include explicit conditional language in the document.
• The risks associated with $10 releases and the importance of specifying the expected payment amount in the release to protect your rights.

These insights are designed to arm construction professionals with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of lien and release processes, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the project lifecycle.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

The post How to Avoid These Common Lien and Release Traps appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

In the latest episode of The Lien Zone Podcast, host Alex Barthet interviews James Terry, founder of  GreenTeam Building Services, exploring the hurdles and strategies of expanding a construction business. James shares his transition from being laid off in 2009 to establishing GreenTeam, initially a plumbing service company that adapted and grew in response to market demands and opportunities. James and Alex talk about the transition from residential to larger institutional and Class-A office projects, emphasizing professional services and strategic networking to target underserved markets.

The discussion also covers the evolution from solo operations to building a team, the role of family in the business, and the significance of establishing core company values to guide team behavior and decision-making. James highlights the power of authenticity in professional networking, especially on LinkedIn, and the balance between personal growth and operational scaling. This episode provides invaluable insights for construction professionals navigating the complexities of business growth, underscored by the real-world experiences and strategies that have driven Green Team’s success.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About Our Guest:

James Terry
GreenTeam Building Services. Plumbing

James Terry is a licensed Florida commercial plumbing contractor with 13+ years in the commercial plumbing business, and 20+ years of plumbing trade experience in Florida. James started GreenTeam from a one truck operation and turned it into one of the most dynamic and diversified Plumbing & Utilities companies in the region. GreenTeam services South Florida’s largest and most valuable real estate assets ranging from private college campuses and public healthcare districts, to portfolios of class A office buildings and industrial distribution centers

Website: https://getgreenteam.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-terry-86277536/

The post Embrace the Suck: Growing a Construction Business is Hard appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

In this episode of TheLienZone Podcast, Alex Barthet is joined by JP Berdejo to discuss an invaluable strategy for construction business growth in 2024: claiming your Google Business Profile. This conversation covers the what, how, and why of Google Business Profiles, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing business visibility and credibility online.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Google Business Profile: JP Berdejo provides an overview of Google Business Profile, explaining it as a free tool offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
• The Importance of Claiming Your Profile: The discussion highlights how claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile can significantly impact your construction business’s growth by improving visibility, attracting more leads, and building trust with potential clients.
• How to Claim and Optimize Your Profile: Step-by-step guidance on claiming your Google Business Profile is provided, along with tips on how to optimize it for better search engine rankings. JP emphasizes the importance of accurate and comprehensive business information, including hours of operation, services offered, and contact details.
• The Power of Good Reviews: Alex and JP delve into the importance of positive customer reviews, discussing how they enhance your business’s credibility and influence potential clients’ decision-making processes. They share strategies for encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews.
• Pitfalls of Not Claiming Your Profile: The conversation also covers the risks associated with not claiming your Google Business Profile, such as inaccurate information circulating online, reduced visibility, and potential loss of business to competitors who are more proactive in their online presence.
• Practical Advice for Construction Businesses: The episode wraps up with practical advice for construction business owners on how to effectively spend an hour claiming and optimizing their Google Business Profile to maximize its benefits.

Implications for Florida Construction Professionals:

For construction professionals in Florida, this episode underscores the importance of a robust online presence in today’s digital age. Claiming your Google Business Profile is presented as a must-do, low-effort, high-impact activity that can lead to significant business growth.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Alex Barthet

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About JP Berdejo

JP Berdejo, Marketing Director at MetricsLion, a marketing agency based in Miami, FL that works exclusively with home improvement companies and contractors across the USA. JP can be reached at MetricsLion.com

About MetricsLion

MetricsLion is a premier digital marketing agency that works with home improvement contractors and construction companies. We create strategic solutions for each individual business and walk our clients through the entire plan of action prior to starting any campaign. Schedule a free digital marketing consultation today.

The post Grow Your Construction Business in 2024 appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

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 project to track and ensure all parties are accounted for.
• Releases Are Key: The critical role of releases in protecting property owners from liens, emphasizing the need to obtain releases from every party that sends a Notice to Owner, regardless of payment status during that period.
• Understanding Lien Rights: A detailed explanation of who has lien rights, including general contractors, subcontractors, and certain professionals like architects and engineers.
• Timing Rules for Notices and Liens: The importance of adhering to timing rules for serving Notices to Owner and recording liens, including the 45-day rule for notices and the 90-day rule for lien recording.
• Lien and Notice Calculators: Tools like the Lien and Notice Calculator can help developers manage critical deadlines associated with Notices to Owner and liens.
  • Calc-U-Lien – Have trouble figuring out when your Notice to Owner (NTO), Claim of Lien or Payment Bond/Notice of Nonpayment is due? Use our Calc-U-Lien app to help calculate Florida state Notice to Owner (NTO), Claim of Lien or Notice of Nonpayment (payment bond claim) dates. https://calc-u-lien.com
  • Lien-O-Matic: Get your very own Lien-O-Matic, the Florida Construction Law Calculator. The Lien-O-Matic helps you understand what and when to file, depending on your role and type of construction project. https://lienomatic.com/
• Enforcing and Contesting Liens: Strategies for enforcing lien claims and contesting liens, including the use of Notices of Contest of Lien to reduce the enforcement period.
• Conditional vs. Unconditional Releases: The difference between conditional and unconditional releases and the significance of ensuring releases are correctly categorized to reflect payment receipt.

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

The post Hey Developers! Follow These Steps to Protect Your Projects from Liens appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

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 financial advice.
• Common Legal Issues in Construction: Discussing the most prevalent legal challenges, including contract disputes and their impact on cash flow and project budgets.
• Importance of Contracts: Emphasizing the necessity of having well-defined contracts or terms and conditions to avoid disputes and protect business interests.
• Negotiating Contracts: The pitfalls of not negotiating terms when presented with contracts from other parties and the importance of making an effort to negotiate to get a better deal.
• Documentation as a Dispute Resolution Tool: Highlighting the critical role of thorough documentation in resolving disputes effectively.
• Change Orders and Material Escalations: Addressing the common mistakes related to change orders and the importance of having them signed before proceeding with additional work.
• Compliance with Regulations and Building Codes: Stressing the importance of compliance to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
• Handling Payment Disputes: Strategies for ensuring timely payments, including clear agreements on payment terms and training clients on payment expectations.
• Securing Lien Rights: The necessity of understanding and adhering to lien laws within specific jurisdictions to secure payment rights.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights for making data-driven decisions and enhancing your project’s financial success. Tune in now to revolutionize your approach to construction project management!

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About Our Guest:

Elizaveta Taylor
Founder of Beyond Books Solutions

Helping construction industry business owners save money and time by optimizing their financials. I’m ready to take the accounting load off your shoulders, so you can focus on your business, increase your earnings, enjoy more time with family and friends, and eliminate stress about tax season.

Website: https://beyondbookssolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizaveta-taylor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructionaccountant/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondBooksSolutions

The post Legal Issues with Beyond Books Solutions appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.

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 during ongoing projects, enabling:
  • Tracking jobs individually and the business as a whole.
  • Knowing all of your costs throughout all projects for data-driven decisions.
  • Cost code tracks supply costs and more.
• Streamlining with SubBase: How SubBase assists General Contractors in tracking project numbers and costs efficiently.
• The Critical Importance of Cost Coding: Ensuring precision, enabling timely decision-making, and maximizing profitability.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights for making data-driven decisions and enhancing your project’s financial success. Tune in now to revolutionize your approach to construction project management!

Make sure to follow us on YouTube and social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to get a jump on your competition.

About Our Host:

Alex Barthet
Principal, The Barthet Firm

Alexander Barthet is a board certified construction attorney in Florida and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering.  He manages The Barthet Firm, a ten lawyer construction law firm in Miami, and maintains a construction law blog at www.TheLienZone.com. He can be reached at 305-347-5295 or [email protected].

About Our Guest:

Eric Helitzer, LEED AP
Founder & CEO of SubBase

As the Founder and CEO of SubBase, I am passionate about transforming the construction material management process with innovative, efficient, and user-friendly technology.

Website: https://www.subbase.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/subbase/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erichelitzer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subbase.io/

Elizaveta Taylor
Founder of Beyond Books Solutions

Helping construction industry business owners save money and time by optimizing their financials. I’m ready to take the accounting load off your shoulders, so you can focus on your business, increase your earnings, enjoy more time with family and friends, and eliminate stress about tax season.

Website: https://beyondbookssolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizaveta-taylor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructionaccountant/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondBooksSolutions

The post Red or Black. Why Cost Codes are the Key to Determine Profitability appeared first on TheLienZone Podcast.