Subcontractor Documentation
Stop Letting GCs Slash Your Invoice with Unfair "Credits."
Disputes over Deductive Change Orders and so-called "Supervision Fees" cost subcontractors millions every year.
If you did the work — or if they didn't supervise it — you shouldn't pay for it.
Most subs lose because they argue instead of proving.
Bottom Line
If a GC claims you owe a 'credit' for work you self-performed or demands a supervision fee they didn't provide, VoiceLogPro's timestamped daily logs prove who did the work and who was on site — making unfair deductions impossible to sustain.
Is Your GC Asking for a Credit on Work You Managed Yourself?
You know how this goes:
- GC demands a 20% markup or "supervision fee"
- GC claims "it's in the contract"
- GC was not actually present on site
- GC was not supervising your crew
- You feel boxed in — and under-documented
The Trap
Contracts allow supervision fees. But only if supervision was actually provided.
The Reality
If they weren't there, they don't get paid. But without proof, the GC controls the narrative.
Don't Argue. Show the Logs.
To win a deductive change order or construction credit dispute, you must prove:
Who was on site
Who was not on site
What work was performed
Who actually managed it
VoiceLogPro allows subcontractors to create defensible, time-stamped jobsite records using short voice notes.
Example Log Entries:
Automatic timestamps
GPS location tagging
Immutable daily logs
Searchable transcripts
Documentation for disputes, not productivity tracking.
"GC tried to hit us with a $5,000 credit for 'supervision and coordination' on a bathroom rough-in. Said it was standard. I pulled up three weeks of VoiceLogPro transcripts — every single one noted 'GC superintendent not present.' Sent them over. Never heard about that credit again."
Marcus D.
Plumbing Foreman, Commercial Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a deductive change order?
- A deductive change order is a contract modification that reduces the contract amount, often used by GCs to claim credits for work they allege was not performed or for supervision fees they claim to have provided.
- Can a GC charge a supervision fee if they weren't on site?
- While contracts may allow for supervision fees, these are typically only enforceable when supervision was actually provided. If the GC was not present or did not actively supervise, the subcontractor may have grounds to dispute the charge.
- How do I dispute an unfair back charge from a GC?
- To dispute an unfair back charge, you need contemporaneous documentation proving who was on site, what work was performed, and who actually managed it. Time-stamped daily logs, photos, and written records create defensible evidence.
- What documentation do I need to fight a construction credit dispute?
- You need time-stamped records showing: who was on site each day, who was NOT on site (especially GC supervision), what work was performed, who managed and coordinated the work, and materials sourced by your crew.
Disclaimer: VoiceLogPro provides documentation tools to support your record-keeping. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for specific guidance on contract disputes and construction law.