How Can I Protect Myself If a Construction Milestone Slips?

Protecting yourself starts with tying payments to clearly defined, independently verifiable milestones rather than dates alone. Require a written milestone schedule that matches plans and permits, and insist on third-party inspections, such as a qualified engineer or inspector, to verify each stage before releasing funds. Include a holdback for final fit-out and defect corrections, with defined deadlines and remedies if a milestone is missed or delayed. Put substitutions, delay remedies, insurance, title or lease registration and handover procedures into the contract, not into vague verbal promises. Require clear change-order procedures, and ensure the contract specifies who bears additional costs when scope changes. Finally, insist on regular progress updates, documented with photos or site reports, and use independent legal counsel to review the milestones before signing.