Walk It Through: The Unpaid Contractor
A remodel, a notice of intent to lien, 90 days to record, and 6 months to sue.
A kitchen remodel finishes, and the tile supplier says the contractor never paid for the tile.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One remodel and one unpaid supplier. Frivolous liens, the owner's notice of nonresponsibility, lien releases, and the enforcement suit itself are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Notice of intent to lienThe notice everyone but a laborer serves on the owner and the prime contractor of a home, by personal delivery or certified mail, before recording a lien, which extends the time to record by 15 days.
- Notice of lienWhat a contractor, supplier or worker records with the county recorder to perfect a lien, within 90 days after the latest of completion, the last delivery or the last work.