My Projects & Contracts
Track active projects, monitor contractor progress, and manage contracts. Understand the contract lifecycle, file change orders, and approve payments with confidence.
Why Use My Projects & Contracts
Stay organized and maintain transparency throughout project execution
Single view of all projects — no need to track multiple contractors via email
Real-time completion tracking — know at a glance what's done and what's pending
Full audit trail — all tasks, photos, time logs, and payments are documented and visible
Automatic contract generation — no legal fees, no complexity; contract is created on bid acceptance
Built-in change order system — modify scope mid-project without ambiguity
Payment tracking — see invoices, approve payment, release funds, and track due dates
Project Management
Understanding your projects page
My Projects Tab
View all active projects from bids you've accepted
- Active projects: Kitchen remodel, Bathroom renovation, Deck installation, etc.
- Status for each: Scheduled, In Progress, On Hold, Completed, Closed
- Completion percentage: 25% done, 75% done, etc.
- Contractor name, timeline (start/end dates), and latest update
- Click any project to dive into: Tasks, Timeline, Time tracking, Materials, Photos, Payments
Project Lifecycle
What happens at each stage
- Scheduled: Bid accepted, contract signed, work hasn't started yet. You can still modify scope.
- In Progress: Contractor is actively working. Track tasks, time, materials, photos daily.
- On Hold: Paused (waiting for your approval, material delay, weather, etc.). Contractor notifies you why.
- Completed: All work done, final photos uploaded, final invoice submitted.
- Closed: You've approved final payment. Project is archived but remains visible for reference.
Monitoring Project Progress
Stay informed without micromanaging
- Completion % updates automatically based on tasks marked complete by contractor.
- Review the Timeline tab to see if work is ahead/on schedule/behind.
- Check Photos to see visual proof of progress.
- Monitor the Payments tab: invoices sent, approved, paid, pending.
- Read contractor messages in the Chat Hub for real-time updates.
Contracts Explained
What they are and how they work
When Created
Automatically when you accept a contractor's bid. No additional paperwork needed.
What's Included
Scope of work (from your work order + the accepted quote), timeline, payment terms, project terms.
Digital Signing
Contract is auto-signed by the system. Both you and contractor can view and download a PDF copy.
Modifying During Project
Use Change Orders to modify scope, timeline, or pricing mid-project. Both parties must approve.
Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises, the contract terms and all project updates (photos, messages, invoices) are evidence.
Contracts Are Binding But Fair
Contracts created on ContractShield are legally binding. They protect both you and the contractor by documenting scope, price, and timeline. If disputes arise, the contract terms + all project documentation (photos, messages, invoices, time logs) serve as evidence. You don't need to hire a lawyer — the platform handles the legal framework.
Common Scenarios
Real project situations you'll encounter
Your kitchen remodel is 'In Progress.' Contractor submitted an invoice for $5,000 milestone payment.
Go to the project's Payments tab. See the invoice broken down: Labor $3,000, Materials $2,000. Go to Photos — see the before and progress photos. Go to Tasks — confirm that framing and rough electrical are marked complete (matching the invoice scope). Confident the work is done, you approve and release the $5,000 payment.
You realize mid-project that you want to add a bathroom outlet (scope change). Contractor says it'll cost $500 extra.
File a Change Order from the project page. Title: 'Add outlet in master bath.' Cost increase: $500. Timeline impact: +1 day. Contractor reviews and approves. Once approved, the updated contract reflects the new terms. No disputes because it's documented.
Project timeline shows 'On Hold' status. You have no idea why.
Check the Chat Hub for messages from the contractor. They likely sent a notification: 'We're on hold waiting for the homeowner to approve tile color.' Or 'Material shipment delayed 1 week.' Message thread keeps you informed without guessing.
Your project is supposed to be done today. Completion is 85%. You're nervous.
Check the Timeline tab. See the updated finish date is now +3 days. Click 'View reason' — contractor sent a note: 'Found water damage, added 2 days for remediation.' You now know it's legitimate and can plan accordingly. Without this visibility, you'd be calling the contractor angrily.
Project is Completed. Contractor asks for final payment of $2,000. You want to review everything before paying.
Spend 15 minutes in the project: 1) Photos tab — see before/during/after. 2) Tasks tab — all marked complete? 3) Materials tab — matches what was quoted? 4) Contractor's final message — everything looks right. Approve and release the final payment. Peace of mind.
What to Watch Out For
Common project management mistakes
Ignoring Project Status Changes
The Problem
Project is 'On Hold' but you don't see the reason. You're frustrated waiting. A week later, you learn contractor was waiting for your approval on a design choice. You missed the notification.
The Fix
Check projects 2-3 times per week. If status changes, read the message immediately. Respond to contractor questions promptly so work can resume.
Approving Invoices Without Reviewing Work
The Problem
Contractor sends a $3,000 invoice. You approve it immediately to be 'nice.' Later, you discover the work wasn't fully complete. You already paid. Now getting them back is hard.
The Fix
ALWAYS review photos, tasks, and materials before approving any invoice. Spend 10 minutes. If something looks incomplete or doesn't match the quote, ask clarifying questions in chat before approving.
Scope Creep Without Documentation
The Problem
You mention casually to the contractor, 'While you're here, can you also fix that drywall?' They do it. Later, they invoice for $500. You say, 'I never authorized that!' Dispute.
The Fix
Use Change Orders for any scope addition, even small ones. Document it in the platform. Both parties sign off. No ambiguity.
Not Saving Final Project Documentation
The Problem
Project is closed and archived. Months later, you have a question about what was done. You can't find the information.
The Fix
Even though the project is closed, you can still access it. Download the final contract PDF. Export photos. Keep records for your own files. ContractShield keeps data, but having backups is smart.
Waiting Too Long to Pay Final Invoice
The Problem
Contractor finishes on Day 30. Sends final invoice. You don't review or approve for 10 days. Contractor gets frustrated: 'You already got your work, pay me!' Trust erodes.
The Fix
Aim to approve/pay invoices within 3 business days of receipt. Contractor appreciates quick turnaround. Maintain the relationship even after the job ends (they might refer you to others or work with you again).
Start Managing Your Projects
Post your first work order and accept a contractor's bid to see your projects page come to life.