PAYMENT & DEPOSIT POLICY
PROJECT TYPES DIFFERENCES
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Payment & Deposit Policy
Clear payment procedures help construction projects progress efficiently while establishing expectations for both homeowners and builders before work begins.
Every framing project differs in size, complexity, financing, scheduling, and administrative requirements.
For this reason, Master Framers administers project payments using payment structures that reflect the type of project being performed while maintaining consistency, transparency, and organized project administration.
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Project payments are administered in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.30. Our objective is to provide payment procedures that support efficient project delivery while allowing builders and homeowners to understand how deposits, progress payments, and final payment are typically administered throughout residential framing projects.
Payments & Deposits Policy
Payment Administration Depends on the Type of Project
Not every residential framing project is administered in the same manner.
Builder-managed developments, custom homes, residential additions, renovations, and smaller framing projects each involve different construction schedules, contractual arrangements, and administrative requirements.
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Rather than applying a single payment method to every project, Master Framers uses payment procedures that reflect the nature of the construction project while maintaining consistent administrative practices.
This approach allows payment administration to remain organized while reducing unnecessary complexity for both clients and the project team.
Large Residential Developments
Large residential developments, subdivision construction, builder-managed communities, and long-term construction programs are generally administered differently from private homeowner projects.
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These projects typically operate under executed construction agreements that establish payment schedules, progress invoicing, contractual milestones, and project administration procedures before work begins. Because professional builders and developers generally have established accounting systems and contract administration procedures, upfront deposits are not normally required.
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Project payments are instead administered according to the agreed contractual payment schedule throughout construction in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.30.
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Builders interested in ongoing construction relationships can learn more through our Builder & Developer Framing Partnerships page.
Payment Structure for Custom Home Projects
Custom home construction often differs from builder-managed developments because homeowners typically arrange project financing through private financial arrangements that they may prefer not to disclose.
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Master Framers respects the privacy of every client. As a matter of company policy, homeowners are not required to disclose their financing arrangements in order for us to administer the construction payment schedule.
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Instead, the contract value is divided into predetermined progress draws that correspond with agreed construction milestones. Before construction begins, one scheduled draw is collected in advance and retained to be applied as the final payment under the contract.
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Because the final draw has already been secured, there is generally no need for Master Framers to inquire into a homeowner's financing arrangements during the course of construction. This approach simplifies payment administration, protects client privacy, and provides both parties with a predictable payment schedule.
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Homeowners planning new construction can learn more through our Custom Home Framing page.
Payment Policy for Smaller Projects
Projects with a contract value below CAD $10,000 are generally paid in full before work begins.
This policy allows smaller projects to move directly into scheduling while keeping project administration efficient.
Preparing staged invoices, tracking multiple progress payments, administering payment schedules, and maintaining additional accounting documentation can create administrative costs that represent a significant portion of smaller framing projects.
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By simplifying payment administration, Master Framers is able to focus resources on construction rather than unnecessary administrative overhead. This approach helps keep pricing centred on the framing work itself while providing clients with clear payment expectations before construction begins.
Progress Draws During Construction
For projects administered through progress draws, payments are generally linked to agreed construction milestones rather than arbitrary calendar dates.
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Associating payments with completed stages of work allows both parties to clearly understand how construction is progressing while maintaining predictable project administration throughout the framing process.
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Clear milestone-based payment schedules also contribute to improved communication between homeowners, builders, suppliers, and project managers as framing advances from foundation through structural completion.
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Clients interested in understanding how projects progress can review our Framing Process page.
Transparent Communication
Questions regarding payment procedures are encouraged before construction begins. Reviewing payment expectations early helps establish a clear understanding of project administration while reducing uncertainty throughout construction.
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Master Framers believes payment discussions should be straightforward, transparent, and documented within the construction agreement so both parties understand the payment structure before work starts.
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Many payment-related questions can also be addressed during early planning discussions. Clients can learn more through our Framing Consultations page.
Payment Administration Supports Efficient Construction
Well-organized payment administration contributes to well-organized construction. Clear payment procedures allow builders, homeowners, suppliers, and framing crews to focus on scheduling, structural execution, and project coordination without unnecessary administrative confusion.
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Whether a project involves a large residential development, a luxury custom home, a home addition, or a smaller framing project, the objective remains the same: maintaining an organized construction process supported by transparent payment administration that reflects the specific needs of the project.
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Additional information regarding our commitment to organized construction can be found on our Construction Site Coordination page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all projects require a deposit?
A: No. Large builder-managed developments and similar construction programs generally do not require upfront deposits because payment administration is established through contractual payment schedules.
Q: Why do custom home projects require an advance draw?
A: The advance draw is retained and applied as the final scheduled payment under the construction contract. This allows Master Framers to administer the project without requiring homeowners to disclose their private financing arrangements.
Q: Why are projects under CAD $10,000 prepaid?
A: Smaller projects are prepaid to simplify administration, reduce unnecessary accounting overhead, and keep project pricing focused on the framing work rather than additional administrative costs.
Q: Are payment schedules discussed before construction begins?
A: Yes. Payment procedures are reviewed before work starts so both parties clearly understand how the project will be administered throughout construction.
Payment & Deposit Policy
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Professional residential framing depends upon more than quality workmanship. Clear payment administration, organized communication, and transparent project procedures help support successful construction from the first day of work through final completion.
By using payment structures appropriate for different types of residential projects, Master Framers provides homeowners, builders, and developers with predictable payment administration while maintaining efficient construction throughout Ontario.