What is a Construction Lien?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A construction lien is a lien on a property which can be filed by an artisan who has not been paid for his or her work on that property. While the lien is in effect, the title to the property is not clear, and the owner cannot sell or transfer it or can only do so with difficulty. Construction liens are a mechanism which construction professionals can use to ensure payment. If payment is not forthcoming, the property can potentially be seized and sold to satisfy debts.
The origins of security interests in the form of liens are quite old. In 1700s America, for example, the right of artisans who performed improvements on property to be paid was acknowledged and artisans could create a construction lien if they were not paid. Today, many nations have mechanisms in place to allow construction workers to file liens. The laws vary by nation and people considering improvements may want to get detailed information about the law as it applies to contractors in their area.
Generally, a lien must be filed within two months of the completion of the disputed project. A general contractor who has a contract with the property owners can file a lien, but so can subcontractors and suppliers. This means that if a general contractor is paid but fails to pay subcontractors or suppliers, they can use a construction lien to force payment. Property owners should be aware of this and should make sure that they see all bills, and accompanying proof of payment, related to a construction project. If subcontractors and suppliers are not being paid, this can create problems for the property owner.
The precise rules about these arrangements vary. Many regions require contractors to provide property owners with information about construction liens at the time that a contract is written, so that people understand when and how liens might be used. People who intend to file a lien must provide notice and if no action is taken, a lien can then be filed. The lien is lifted when the debt is resolved.
Also known as a mechanic's lien, a construction lien can be filed by anyone who is involved in making improvements to a property. This can include people who work offsite fabricating materials used on site as well as personnel involved in construction projects. Since artisans cannot take their work back for nonpayment, liens provide an important mechanism for ensuring that compensation is provided for labor and materials.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Plumbers and other tradesmen can place a construction lien on a property if they are not paid for their work.]()
By: Nomad_SoulPlumbers and other tradesmen can place a construction lien on a property if they are not paid for their work. -
![If there is a construction lien on a property, it generally cannot be sold because its title is not clear.]()
By: Andy DeanIf there is a construction lien on a property, it generally cannot be sold because its title is not clear. -
![A construction project.]()
By: Sue AsheA construction project.
Discussion Comments
You seem to have misunderstood the nature of a lien. It is not a loan or a mortgage. You don't "repay" it. A lien is a legal remedy for an unpaid contractor. The owner does not have a choice in the matter and cannot prevent the lien being attached to the property.
The contractor, on the other hand, can't (well, shouldn't) register a lien unless there are unpaid debts. This is a highly sophisticated area of law. If hiring a contractor, you should know if it applies in your area before you sign any contracts for property improvements.
A construction lien can be a good option, actually, for many people. However, anyone thinking about doing this sort of thing should be very familiar with construction law before committing.
Also, it should be kept in mind that anyone taking this road should be as close to certain as possible that they will have the money to repay the lien in the given amount of time.
Otherwise, the homeowner should never consider such measures in the first place.
I don’t know, guys. It sounds like you could get into a lot of trouble from either end with this kind of lien. Particularly if you are a homeowner, it sounds like you could lose your home if something happens and you don’t pay this within two months.
Then again, who wants to put in a ton of work and never get paid for it?
It always seems wiser to me for folks to only hire services they know they can pay for. I don’t think home improvements are worth a person losing their actual home for. I know their are construction lien waivers, but who wants to take that kind of chance?
It’s always a tricky situation, particularly if you really need something major and have few options for procuring it.
Maybe I’m just not a risky person, but the thought of losing a home is incredibly scary!
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