Help & Support

Find answers to common questions or reach out to our team. We are here to help you navigate escrow, payments, and everything in between.

Emergency

For urgent payment or escrow issues, call our emergency line: (301) 575-8777 — available 24/7 for active escrow accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners and contractors.

What is project escrow and how does it protect me?

Project escrow is a secure holding account for your project funds. When you deposit money into escrow, it is held in an FDIC-insured account and only released when specific milestones are completed and approved. This protects homeowners from paying for unfinished work and guarantees contractors that funds are available when they complete verified work.

How are milestone payments released?

When a contractor completes a project milestone, they submit a completion request through the platform. Your project manager then verifies the work quality and completeness. Once verified, you receive a notification to review and approve the release. After your approval, funds are transferred to the contractor within 24-48 hours.

What happens if there is a dispute over completed work?

If you disagree with a milestone completion claim, funds remain frozen in your escrow account while the dispute is resolved. Kealee provides professional mediation services for a flat fee of $150. Our mediation team reviews documentation, photos, and statements from both parties to reach a fair resolution. If mediation does not resolve the issue, the dispute can be escalated through the legal process outlined in the service agreement.

Are my funds insured and protected?

Yes. All escrow funds are held in FDIC-insured accounts at our partner bank, insured up to $250,000 per depositor. We use 256-bit SSL encryption, are PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant, and maintain SOC 2 Type II certification. Your money is as safe as it would be in your own bank.

How long does it take to set up an escrow account?

You can create an escrow account in about 5 minutes. You will need your project details, contract amount, and milestone schedule. Once created, you can fund the account via ACH bank transfer (3-5 business days, no fees), credit card (instant, 2.9% + $0.30 fee), or wire transfer (same day, $25 fee).

Can I add more funds to my escrow account later?

Absolutely. You can add funds at any time through your dashboard. This is common when change orders are approved or when the project scope expands. Your budget tracking dashboard will automatically update to reflect the new total.

What fees does Kealee charge for escrow services?

Kealee charges a one-time escrow fee of 1% of the project value, capped at a maximum of $500 per project. If you are subscribed to our PM Package C or D, the rate is reduced to 0.5%. Payment processing fees depend on your funding method: ACH transfers are free, credit cards are 2.9% + $0.30, and wire transfers are a flat $25.

What happens to unused funds when my project is complete?

Any remaining funds in your escrow account after the final milestone is approved and released are refunded to you. Refunds are processed via the same method used to fund the account and typically arrive within 5-7 business days.

Knowledge Base

Browse our guides and articles organized by topic.

Getting Started

New to Kealee? Start here.

  • How to create your first escrow account
  • Understanding milestone-based payments
  • Setting up your project budget
  • Inviting your contractor to the platform
  • Funding your account step by step

Payments & Funding

Everything about money movement.

  • Accepted payment methods and fees
  • How ACH transfers work
  • Processing times for each payment type
  • Understanding payment confirmations
  • Requesting a refund of unused funds

Escrow & Milestones

Managing your protected funds.

  • How escrow protection works
  • Creating and editing milestones
  • Approving a milestone release
  • Viewing your escrow balance and history
  • What FDIC insurance covers

Disputes & Resolution

When things do not go as planned.

  • How to file a dispute
  • The mediation process explained
  • What happens to funds during a dispute
  • Escalation options beyond mediation
  • Preventing disputes with clear milestones

Contact Support

Cannot find what you are looking for? Our support team is ready to help.

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Email Support

Send us a detailed message and we will respond within one business day.

support@kealee.com
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Phone Support

Speak with a support specialist during business hours.

(301) 575-8777

Mon-Fri 9AM - 6PM ET

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Emergency Line

For urgent escrow or payment issues that cannot wait.

(301) 575-8777

24/7 for active escrow accounts