Why we use escrow
No up-front deposit. Claim money for the building is held by an independent escrow company and paid out only as the work is done: on every commercial project, and on home projects when you choose it.
Wire safety: SkyView never sends or changes wire or payment instructions by email or text. Before wiring money, call Build Safe Escrow at 855-611-3532 at a number you look up yourself.
Why we built it this way
Insurance money for a roof or building is often the largest check an owner ever handles. The money for the building and the work goes to a neutral escrow company, not to SkyView and not to the contractor, and comes out only as the work is done. On commercial projects we use escrow on every project. On home projects escrow is your choice (Form R8).
| The usual way | The SkyView way |
|---|---|
| A large deposit, often a third to half of the job, before any work starts. | No up-front deposit from you. |
| The money goes into the contractor's own account. | Claim money is held by Build Safe Escrow, a company that handles construction escrow only. |
| If work stalls, the company closes or a dispute starts, you chase your money. | The contractor is paid in steps, with proof sent to you. Money left over is yours. |
Protections on every escrow project
- Disputed money stays put. Escrow holds any amount in dispute and pays only what is not disputed.
- Lien waivers as work and materials are paid, so the property stays clear.
- Denied or cancelled in time? Escrow returns the money to you, less only unpaid emergency work.
- Wire safety. We never send wire instructions by email; call Build Safe before wiring money.
- It costs you nothing when you build the project. Escrow fees come out of the contractor's share. If you cancel approved items, escrow fees come first from the money for those items, along with any Cancellation Fee (commercial) or Cancellation Charge (home).
Commercial projects
On every commercial project, the money for the building and the work goes to Build Safe Escrow.
How the money gets to escrow
- Carrier to escrow. Your carrier adds Build Safe Escrow to the claim and pays it directly when it allows (Direction to Pay).
- Through your public adjuster or attorney. They send it on to escrow within 5 business days after it clears, less only their own fee.
- A check comes to you. Send it to escrow within 2 business days, or hand it to us to sign “for deposit only” to escrow (Form 15). We never cash it.
- Your mortgage holder is on the check. Give it to them with our letter (Form 12) asking them to release the money to escrow.
Contents, business income and extra expense payments stay with you. Your deductible goes to escrow with the first claim payment.
How it is paid out
| Step | Released when |
|---|---|
| Milestone 1 · 25% | The approved scope and price are confirmed with you on Form 9. |
| Milestone 2 · 25% | Materials for the approved scope are delivered to the property. |
| Milestone 3 · 25% | Half of the approved work is installed, shown in our progress report. |
| Milestone 4 · 25% | All work is complete, the final walkthrough is done and the Final Cap-Out Sheet is signed. |
You see every request first. Each release request and its proof go to you. You have 10 business days to object in writing, or you can approve it sooner in the escrow portal and it is paid the same day.
Your signed Project Agreement, Direction to Pay, Escrow Instructions and Schedule 1 control. Download the commercial sheet (PDF).
Home projects
On home projects escrow is your choice (Form R8). When you choose it, the money for the building and the work goes to Build Safe Escrow.
How the money gets to escrow
- Carrier to escrow. Your insurance company pays Build Safe Escrow directly when it allows.
- Through your public adjuster or attorney. They send it on to escrow within 5 business days after it clears, less only their own fee.
- A check comes to you. Send it to escrow within 2 business days, or hand it to us to sign “for deposit only” to escrow (Form R10). We never cash it.
- Your mortgage company is on the check. Give it to them with our letter (Form R7) asking them to release the money to escrow.
Contents and additional living expense payments stay with you.
How it is paid out
| Step | Released when |
|---|---|
| Emergency work (if any) | Tarping or emergency repairs, paid from claim money only, never your deductible. Invoice and photos to you first. |
| Payment 1 | Materials for your approved scope are delivered to your home. |
| Payment 2 | The work is complete and you have had your final walkthrough. |
You see the proof. Each payment is made only at the step your Payment Schedule shows, with photos and proof sent to you.
Your signed Home Project Agreement, Payment Schedule and Form R8 control. Download the home sheet (PDF).
Build Safe Escrow
Independent construction escrow · BuildSafeEscrow.com · 855-611-3532 · Info@BuildSafeEscrow.com
SkyView receives no fee, rebate or referral payment from Build Safe Escrow.
This page explains the process; your signed agreement controls. See also Our Commitments to You, the Owner FAQ and Terms, rates and documents. Questions: Info@SkyViewRestore.com · 866-321-VIEW (866-321-8439).