Whether you are a general contractor, subcontractor or supplier, it is important to ensure you are receiving the agreed-upon payment for your services. If you have not acquired your due compensation, use the support of a Fairfax title company to file a claim of mechanics lien. A mechanics lien is a guarantee of payment for labor or materials provided on a remodeling, repair, or construction project. This legal document allows the filer to pursue effective remedy by placing a lien against the owner of the property that was improved.
How Mechanics Liens Work
A mechanics lien will place a monetary security on the title of the property that was worked on by a contractor who provided the services, labor and materials. The lien acts as a mortgage security for the property owner. This requires that the property owner who denied payment to contractors must pay off the lien if they intend on selling their property. Mechanics liens are commonly placed on properties that are undergoing current construction or have recently been completed.
Referring To Mechanics Liens
Mechanics liens can be filed on buildings, land, or real property. They are referred to by different names for specific parties involved in property construction and remodeling:
- Construction lien when referring to a contractor
- Materialman’s/Supplier’s lien in reference to suppliers of materials
- Laborer’s lien in reference to those who perform labor
- Design Professional’s lien when referring to designers and architects
Homeowner Assistance With Mechanics Liens
If you are a homeowner who hired a financially irresponsible contractor for your remodeling project, legislation allows subcontractors to come after you and your property for settlement. When a mechanics lien is attached to your property and is not settled, the court can hold proceedings to sell the property for payment of the services or materials. Mathis Title Company can support you through the proceedings to develop a defense and evade the possible circumstances.
Our Fairfax title company attorney and experienced attorneys will support you throughout the filing process and subsequent statutory steps to filing a mechanics lien. As experts on lien laws in the state of Virginia, Mathis Title Company will provide you professional guidance to take care of stiff procedural requirements and strict deadlines that accompany filing liens. If you are a homeowner choosing to fight an invalid lien against your property, or if you are a contractor who is legally owed compensation for your labor, contact Mathis Title Company to request a free consultation.
