What is a mechanic’s lien?
A mechanic’s lien, also known as a contractor or property lien, is a legal claim or document that secures interest in a property in which compensation is owed for services rendered. Such services include work performed to improve the property, labor, and materials. For example, if a homeowner hires a contractor to remodel their basement and, upon completion, the contractor has not been fully compensated for that service or the materials required to perform the work, the contractor could file a mechanic’s lien against the homeowner’s property.
Who can file a mechanic’s lien?
In the State of Colorado, any individual or company providing construction services or land improvement in which laborers, materials, and labor is used, that individual or company can legally file a mechanic’s lien. Subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers are also eligible to file mechanic’s or contractor’s liens.
When should a mechanic’s lien be filed?
Colorado has certain requirements and deadlines for filing a mechanic’s lien. Such requirements are dependent upon who is filing the lien. All lien filers, with the exception of laborers who do not provide materials for their services, are required to file the lien within 4 months of the last day any work or materials were rendered. For those laborers who performed work, but no materials, the lien must be filed within 2 months of the last day labor was performed. A Notice of Intent to Lien is required to be filed by the mechanic’s lien filer at least 10 days prior to filing the lien.
How can a lawyer help?
Hiring an attorney who practices Construction Law can be beneficial for those seeking to file a mechanic’s lien, or property owners threatened with a mechanic’s liens. Ted Bendelow of Bendelow and Wolfson is a seasoned Colorado attorney with decades of experience in Construction Law. Ted Bendelow has successfully represented contractors and property owners, alike, and understands the complexities that pertain to construction law. Regardless of which end of the mechanic’s lien you find yourself, having adequate representation from an experienced attorney is your best bet. If you live in Boulder, Denver, Longmont, or along the Colorado Front Range and need the expertise of an attorney who specializes in Construction Law, call Ted Bendelow and his experienced team at Bendelow and Wolfson for a consultation today.
