Construction companies and professionals performing work for businesses or commercial property owners are often subject to very strict project deadlines. Commercial clients often need to know exactly when they can access facilities so that they can plan launch parties or arrange for workers to move to renovated office spaces.
Commercial construction contracts typically also include very clear deadlines for payments made by the clients after the completion of the project. Unfortunately, commercial clients do not always pay their final invoices in a timely fashion.
If they fail to render payment in full, professionals and businesses need to be ready to take prompt action, as the window of opportunity to do so is relatively brief.
Lien requests are only possible for 90 days
Securing a construction or mechanics lien is one of the most effective ways to guarantee repayment for the work performed on a commercial property or the materials provided for a project. State statutes limit how long construction professionals and businesses have to seek a lien as a means of using the property as collateral for the unpaid amount due.
Typically, professionals and organizations only have 90 days from the date of project completion or the final delivery of materials to request a lien against the property to secure their debt. Waiting because the client makes promises or has compelling excuses may prevent an organization from securing the leverage necessary to compel the client to pay.
Those frustrated by a payment-related breach of a commercial construction contract may need help responding appropriately. Seeking a lien quickly after the completion of the project can help secure the debt and increase the chances of obtaining payment in full.
