Need help with construction liens in Olympia? Get an attorney

As a contractor, you often have to trust your customers to make payments on time. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world. If you are in a situation where the job is done but the customer is not paying as expected, you may have a hard time dealing with the financial losses. Even for larger construction companies in Olympia, delays in payments could mean bleeding by a thousand cuts. Thankfully, you have the option of recording a lien against the customer’s real estate or property. There is also the second choice to file a claim against bond, which will ensure you get paid for your hard work. Before you make a decision, consider getting an Olympia, WA construction lawyer for the matter. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding construction liens

A construction lien allows a contractor to claim a right against the property for which they have worked but haven’t received a payment. According to the laws in Washington, contractors and laborers have the right to file a lien against any property or structure that they have repaired, constructed, or worked on. There is a deadline of 90 days for recording the lien, counting from the last day of work. A claim against bond and retainage is similar but is for public works. The deadlines are also tighter.

Why do you need an attorney?

Law firms that handle construction liens know that running a business in this industry is hard. The lawyers work as trusted partners for contractors and companies. They help file liens and take appropriate steps to collect payment. The first consultation with a construction lawyer is the most important one, where they will check the entire contract and review the terms and conditions. They will also check the correspondence between the parties and documents that need attention. Once there is clarity on the situation, the construction lawyer will find the best ways for you to get paid.

Finding a reliable construction lawyer

Not all attorneys deal with construction liens, and we recommend that you check the profiles of the lawyers and the industries they specialize in. Meet the construction lawyer you have shortlisted and check their approach and attitude. Make sure that you understand the legal options and ask them how you can communicate with them. No matter how busy they are, you shouldn’t have to chase an attorney to get updates or seek help when necessary.