Effective Solutions From Experienced Chattanooga Mechanic’s Lien Attorney
Unpaid commercial construction projects can threaten your business cash flow and your livelihood. At Kuebler & Associates, PLLC, our lawyers bring a unique value proposition to your case. Our founding attorney, Michael Kuebler, spent more than 35 years in construction. Before becoming an attorney, he ran his own contracting business. He knows how to protect builders’ rights. He and our team understand both sides of commercial construction disputes. They pair real-world construction knowledge with legal experience. When commercial payment disputes arise in Chattanooga, we deliver the focused guidance necessary to secure your funds.
What Is A Mechanic’s Lien In Tennessee, And What Does It Do?
A mechanic’s lien serves as a legal security interest against the improved real property. Under Tennessee Code Section 66-11-102, unpaid contractors and suppliers have a statutory lien upon the land and buildings they improve. Filing a mechanic’s lien in Chattanooga ties up property titles. It incentivizes property owners and developers to settle outstanding debts. Mechanic’s liens are useful legal tools to help you recover payment for labor, materials, retainage and approved change orders.
Who Can File A Mechanic’s Lien In Tennessee?
Tennessee law grants lien rights to several parties involved in commercial construction projects. These include:
- General contractors: Prime contractors file liens directly against the owner of real estate for unpaid contracts.
- Subcontractors: Trade contractors secure payment for improvements made to commercial structures.
- Material suppliers: Suppliers seek funds for delivered materials used during active construction.
- Design professionals: Architects and engineers hold statutory lien rights for professional design services.
- Owners: Commercial property owners must recognize lien risks to resolve financial claims before clouding title.
Our commercial construction lawyers represent both claimants securing payment and owners resolving improper claims.
How To File A Mechanic’s Lien In Tennessee
Understanding how to file a mechanic’s lien in Tennessee takes knowledge of timelines, paperwork and legal procedures. Put broadly, the steps involve:
- Review Tennessee preliminary notice requirements.
- Send a notice of nonpayment, if you are a remote contractor.
- Serve a notice of lien on the property owner within 90 days from your last furnishing of labor or materials.
- Record your sworn notice of lien in the Hamilton County Register of Deeds office within 90 days of completion.
The statute of limitations to file a mechanic’s lien is 90 days from the date of completion or termination of the project, according to Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-11-101 et seq. However, prime contractors have up to one year to file their lien notice. Missing a single deadline forfeits your lien rights entirely. Our legal team meticulously prepares every document to satisfy Hamilton County recording requirements.
Discuss Your Options With A Tennessee Mechanic’s Lien Attorney Today
Kuebler & Associates, PLLC, protects your financial rights across every phase of commercial construction projects. We move quickly to enforce your legal remedies. Please contact our office at 423-822-5915 or send us an email today to schedule an initial consultation.