How do weekly labor draws work for rehab projects?

We quote your full project price upfront. Instead of paying 30-50% as a deposit, you pay weekly as labor progresses. Each payment is credited toward your project total. Draws start at $4k/week for smaller projects and scale with project size. Materials are separate: we provide detailed lists and you purchase directly, so you control the spend.

Is SLH a project manager or contractor?

We're the licensed general contractor. Our crews do the work: demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, finishes, everything. We're not a middleman coordinating other contractors.

Why do investors purchase materials separately?

Transparency. Traditional contractors mark up materials or bundle them so you can't see what you're paying. We provide detailed material lists with quantities and timing. You buy directly from suppliers at cost. No hidden markup, full visibility.

What payment methods do you accept for rehab projects?

The $150 scope fee can be paid by credit card. All other payments (weekly labor draws, final balances) are wire transfer, check, or cash only. No credit cards for project payments.

How do I qualify for Portfolio Partner pricing?

You qualify with either 3 or more concurrent projects OR a commitment to 5+ projects per year. This gives you 10% off weekly labor draw rates plus priority scheduling and included pre-acquisition estimates.

Do you handle permits for rehab projects?

Yes, as an add-on service. We manage the entire permit process including applications, coordinating inspections, and maintaining documentation. Permit fees are passed through at cost.

When should I collect lien waivers?

With every payment. Conditional waivers when you release the payment. Unconditional waivers after the payment clears. With weekly draws, this becomes a weekly cycle.

Can a sub lien my property even if I paid the GC?

Yes. In most states, subcontractors can file a mechanics lien if they are not paid, even if you paid the GC in full. Lien waivers from subs protect you from this.

What is included in the $150 scope visit?

Full walkthrough, scope of work, cost breakdown, timeline, weekly draw schedule, and the lien waiver process built into every draw cycle.

Do you provide lien waivers with every draw?

Yes. Lien waivers from our team and all active subcontractors are included with every weekly draw package. It is automatic, not something you have to chase.

Lien Waivers for Real Estate Investors

You paid your GC. Your GC didn't pay his plumber. The plumber files a lien on your property. Now you can't sell until the lien is resolved. You already paid for the plumbing work. But you're paying again.

This happens. More than investors realize. And it's preventable with one document: the lien waiver.

What Is a Lien Waiver?

A lien waiver is a signed document from a contractor or subcontractor confirming they've been paid for their work and waiving their right to file a mechanics lien on your property for that payment.

In simple terms: "I got paid, so I won't put a lien on the property for this work."

Why You Need Them

In most states, subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) have the legal right to file a mechanics lien on your property if they aren't paid, even if you paid your GC and the GC failed to pay the sub.

Your $8,000 payment to the GC for plumbing work doesn't protect you if the GC pockets the money and doesn't pay the plumber. The plumber can lien your property for the full amount.

Types of Lien Waivers

Conditional waiver on progress payment: "I'll waive my lien right when this check clears." Used during the project for partial payments.

Unconditional waiver on progress payment: "My lien right is waived for this payment." Used after the check has cleared.

Conditional waiver on final payment: "I'll waive all remaining lien rights when the final check clears." Used at project completion.

Unconditional waiver on final payment: "All lien rights waived." Used after the final payment has cleared.

When to Collect Them

Every draw. Collect lien waivers from the GC and every sub with each payment. The weekly draw model makes this easy because the waiver cycle matches the payment cycle:

Friday: GC submits draw request
You release the draw
GC provides conditional lien waiver from themselves and all active subs
Next Friday: GC provides unconditional waiver (confirming last week's funds were distributed) alongside the new draw request

The Weekly Draw Advantage

Lien waivers and weekly draws work together naturally. Each weekly draw includes:

The draw request (what work was done)
Conditional waiver from GC (waiving rights upon receipt)
Unconditional waiver from GC for last week's draw (confirming distribution)
Sub waivers as applicable

At Seller's Little Helpers, lien waivers are part of every weekly draw package. You don't have to chase them. They're built into the process.

What Happens Without Lien Waivers

Sub files a lien
You can't sell the property (title isn't clear)
You either pay the lien (paying twice for the same work) or fight it in court
Legal fees: $2,000-$10,000+
Timeline delay: months
Stress level: extreme

All preventable with a piece of paper.

Book a $150 scope visit at sellerslittlehelpers.com - lien waivers included with every weekly draw, automatically. Call (708) 536-6700 or email info@sellerslittlehelpers.com.

Lien Waivers for Real Estate Investors: Protecting Yourself From Subcontractor Claims