Construction tips, waiver best practices, and compliance guides.
Lien waivers are one of the most important documents in construction — and one of the least understood. Here is what every GC needs to know.
Ask most contractors what the difference between conditional and unconditional means and you will get a shrug. That shrug can cost you thousands.
Nobody thinks they need a lien waiver until they do. By then it is too late. Here is what a missing waiver actually costs you.
If you have ever spent two weeks chasing a sub for a signed waiver, you already know the problem. Here is how to fix it for good.
Texas mandates specific statutory lien waiver forms under Property Code Chapter 53. Here is everything general contractors need to know to stay compliant and protected.
A subcontractor refusing to sign a lien waiver is more common than you think. Here is how to handle it legally, professionally, and without losing the project.
California mandates specific statutory lien waiver forms under Civil Code Section 8132 through 8138. Here is what every general contractor needs to know to stay compliant.
A mechanic's lien filed against your project does not have to derail everything. Here is exactly how to respond, resolve it, and prevent it from happening again.
Florida has some of the most aggressive lien laws in the country. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Florida's requirements and the Notice to Owner process.
Project closeout is where most GCs make their biggest lien waiver mistakes. Here is the complete checklist to close out every project clean with zero missing signatures.
Michigan is a statutory lien waiver state under the Construction Lien Act. Here is everything GCs need to know about Michigan forms, the Notice of Furnishing, and sworn statements.
Lien filing deadlines vary by state and missing them eliminates lien rights permanently. Here are the deadlines for all 12 statutory states every GC needs to know.
Georgia is a statutory lien waiver state under the Mechanics and Materialmen's Lien Law. Here is everything GCs need to know about Georgia forms, the Notice to Contractor, and the Affidavit of Nonpayment.
Lien waivers and lien releases are not the same thing. Confusing them can leave your project exposed. Here is exactly what each one means and when to use which.
Arizona mandates specific statutory lien waiver forms under ARS Section 33-1008. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Arizona lien waiver forms, the Preliminary 20-Day Notice, and lien filing deadlines.
Mechanic's liens are almost entirely preventable with the right documentation process. Here is exactly how to protect your construction project from lien filings before they happen.
Nevada mandates specific statutory lien waiver forms under NRS Chapter 108. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Nevada lien waiver forms, the Notice of Right to Lien, and lien filing deadlines.
The conditional final lien waiver is the most important document in your project closeout package. Here is exactly what it does, when to use it, and why collecting it before releasing final payment is non-negotiable.
The conditional progress waiver is the most commonly used lien waiver in construction. Here is exactly what it does, how it works, and why you should collect one at every payment milestone.
An unconditional progress waiver releases lien rights immediately upon signing regardless of payment status. Here is what that means and when it is appropriate to use one.
The unconditional final waiver is the most powerful lien document in construction. It permanently closes all lien rights on a project. Here is exactly when to use it and when not to.
Utah is a statutory lien waiver state under the Mechanics Lien Act. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Utah lien waiver forms, preliminary notices, and filing deadlines.
Wyoming requires notarized lien waivers on all construction projects. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Wyoming's unique statutory requirements.
Montana does not require statutory lien waiver forms. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Montana lien waiver requirements and what makes a waiver valid.
Missouri is a statutory lien waiver state under Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 429. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Missouri lien waiver forms and deadlines.
Mississippi requires notarized statutory lien waivers under Mississippi Code Section 85-7-433. Here is everything general contractors need to know about Mississippi's unique lien waiver requirements.
Learn exactly how general contractors get paid on construction projects — from contract to final payment. Understand the payment chain, retainage, draw schedules, and lien waivers.
A mechanic's lien gives contractors and subs a legal claim against property when they aren't paid. Learn how they work, deadlines, and how to protect yourself.
Retainage withholds 5–10% of every construction payment until project completion. Learn how retainage works, when it's released, and how it affects lien waivers at every draw.
A Notice of Commencement establishes the official start of a construction project and affects lien rights for every party on the job. Learn when you need one and what happens if you skip it.
A joint check agreement protects GCs from materialman's liens by ensuring material suppliers get paid directly. Here is exactly how joint check agreements work and when to use them.
Most GCs do not have a real lien waiver process. Here is exactly how to build one that runs the same way on every job from day one through project closeout.
Mechanic's liens and materialman's liens are not the same thing. Here is the difference, how each works, and how to protect your project against both.
A GC filing bankruptcy mid-project stops payment, halts work, and leaves subcontractors and suppliers scrambling. Here is exactly what happens and what to do.