A subcontractor on Ottawa’s new LRT line finished its work, nobody said the work was bad, and nobody said the money wasn’t owed. The general contractor still went to court to keep $703,000 of its holdback, and the whole fight came down to one date.
Kosta and Johny break down Bradley-Kelly v. AtkinsRéalis, the Ontario case over the Trillium Line extension. They cover how a sub four levels down the chain gets caught when the companies above it fall out, how the 60-day lien clock works, and why a lien on a public job goes against the holdback instead of the property. They also explain what holdback is and why it applies to a $40,000 reno as much as a transit line. Johny shares the lien dispute where GPS timesheets were the proof that won it.
The case was saved by records that showed when the work finished. Jobtable’s daily logs keep a dated record of every day on the job, with notes and photos you can send to your client in one click, and timesheets record where your crew clocked in and out.
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00:00 – Intro and what's new in Jobtable
04:03 – $703K in holdback and the date that almost cost it
08:32 – Four levels deep on Ottawa's Trillium Line
19:32 – Two liens, one job, and where a lien goes on public work
29:43 – The 60-day lien clock and slow billing cycles
33:51 – Daily logs and GPS timesheets as proof
38:31 – How holdback works, even on small jobs
47:40 – Sharks in a tank: should the GC have just paid?
What is The Deconstruction Podcast?
Construction isn’t just about building—it’s about breaking things down to make them better. The Deconstruction Podcast dives deep into the untold stories, insider insights, and success strategies that shape the construction industry. Hosted by the founders of Jobtable, we tackle topics that matter most to contractors and entrepreneurs, sharing actionable advice and interviewing industry leaders who’ve paved the way to success. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, spark new ideas, or stay ahead in the game, this podcast is your ultimate tool for construction and entrepreneurship.
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