You did the work. Materials were bought. Labor was put in. But the check never came. That’s when a construction lien becomes your legal tool to protect what you’re owed. Understanding how Bitman Law construction liens work can make the difference between getting paid and chasing money you’ll never see.
Know Your Timeline Right Away
There are strict deadlines for filing a lien, and missing them means you lose your right to file. Most places require you to file within ninety days to a year after the work is completed. Check your local requirements because this part matters more than anything else.
Organize Your Documentation
Pull together the contracts, invoices, payment records, and photos of the finished work. It is easier if you have everything prepared, and it also gives you strong evidence in case things become complicated later on.
Send Notice before Filing
Most places require you to give notice before filing a lien. Send this notice to the property owner and the contractor you worked with. The notice tells them you’re planning to file if they don’t pay. Sometimes this alone gets the money moving. Make sure to mention your name, the work that you have done, the money that you are owed, and the address of the property.
Complete the Lien Form Correctly
The lien form has to be filled out exactly right. Wrong information can get the whole thing dismissed. It is necessary to have the legal description of the property, the name of the owner, the amount that is owed, the dates when the work was done, and what you did. Verify all details once again before you submit.
File With the Right Authority
Submit your application to the office of the recorder or the county clerk of the place where the property is situated. You will be charged a filing fee and receive an official record indicating the time and date when your lien was filed.
Serve Notice on Property Owner
After the lien has been filed, you must serve notice on the owner of the property. They must receive official notice of your lien through legal means. First of all, make sure to find out what is necessary in your state or county.
Think of Your Next Moves
Once you file the lien, a typical response by a property owner is to take action. They can pay the money, set up a plan, or it can get complicated. At times, a lawsuit may be required to enforce a lien.
Work With Someone Who Understands the Details
You can file a construction lien yourself, but just one miscalculation can blow your case. Talking with Bitman Law construction liens specialists makes sure you don’t miss a deadline or mess up the paperwork. They know the local rules and can help you recover what you’re owed.
Don’t ignore payment problems. File your lien within the deadline, do it right, and protect your ability to get paid for work you completed.
