Construction collections
Construction collections for contractors and suppliers.
Construction receivables come with short, strict deadlines and several possible sources of payment. We match contractors, subs and suppliers with collection agencies and construction collection attorneys who know them.
Why construction debts are different
A contractor or supplier chasing an unpaid invoice often has more options than an ordinary trade creditor, but they are time-limited:
- Mechanics' liens on private projects. Every state has some form of lien right, but who qualifies, the notices required and the deadlines differ by state and are strictly enforced.
- Payment bond claims on public projects, where liens generally aren't available. Federal projects use Miller Act bonds, and states have their own "Little Miller Act" statutes, each with its own notice and suit deadlines.
- Preliminary notices. Many states require a notice early in the job to preserve lien or bond rights later.
- Retainage and pay-when-paid / pay-if-paid clauses, which affect when payment is due and from whom.
- Joint checks and personal guaranties that can create additional sources of payment.
Act early. Lien and bond deadlines can expire in a matter of weeks or months after you last furnished labor or materials, and missing one can forfeit the right entirely. Talk to a construction attorney in the project's state before deadlines pass. We don't list state deadlines here because they vary and change.
Agency or attorney?
A construction-experienced collection agency can work a clean, undisputed invoice quickly. Lien filings, bond claims, disputed change orders and claims against multiple parties (owner, general contractor, surety) usually call for a construction collection attorney licensed in the project's state.
Documents to have ready
- The contract or subcontract, purchase orders and approved change orders
- Invoices, pay applications and lien waivers exchanged
- Delivery tickets, daily logs and proof of the last date you furnished work or materials
- Preliminary notices sent and proof of service
- Project owner, GC and surety information, and any payment bond
- Your credit application and any personal guaranty
See also B2B debt collection, commercial debt placement and judgment collection.
Related
- B2B debt collection guide
- Debt collection agency licensing
- Debt collection laws for businesses
- Free templates (DOCX & PDF)
Not legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws vary by state and change over time. CollectionPlacement is a referral service, not a law firm or collection agency. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.
How it works
Three steps to placement
One short form replaces calling a dozen agencies.
Tell us about the debt
Debt type, total balance, age, number of accounts and location. Takes about two minutes.
We match you
We review your file and introduce you to agencies or collection attorneys that handle your debt type, size and jurisdiction.
You choose and place
Compare terms (contingency rates, fees, reporting) directly with the partner and place only if it's a fit. No obligation.
Trust & compliance
How we approach compliance
FDCPA-aware
Consumer and medical accounts are only referred to partners that represent they comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Regulation F and applicable state law.
Vetted partners
We check licensing/bonding where required, attorney bar status, and complaint history before adding a partner to our network.
No pressure, no obligation
Matching is free for creditors. You negotiate terms directly and decide whether to place.
Your data, handled carefully
We only share your file with the partners we introduce you to.
Frequently asked questions
Can a collection agency collect a construction invoice?
Yes, for many undisputed invoices. Lien filings, bond claims and suits generally need a construction attorney in the project's state.
What is the deadline to file a mechanics' lien?
It depends on the state, your role on the project and the type of project. Deadlines are strict and often short, so check with a construction attorney in the project's state promptly.
Can I file a lien on a public project?
Generally not. Public projects typically use payment bonds instead, under the federal Miller Act or a state equivalent, each with its own deadlines.
Who can I collect from besides the party that hired me?
Depending on the facts and state law, possible sources include lien rights against the property, payment bonds, joint-check agreements and personal guaranties. An attorney can assess them.
Free, no obligation
Get matched with a collection partner
Tell us about your receivables. We'll review and introduce you to vetted agencies or collection attorneys suited to your debt type, size and state.