Learn What You Need to File

Preliminary Mechanics Lien Checklist

A mechanic’s lien is an assertion of debt owed, which attaches to real property. Any individual or entity who supplies labor or materials to a construction project for improvement of the real property may file a mechanic’s lien against the property. Once recorded, the lien encumbers the real property’s title and appears on any title search. The owner of the property will not be able to sell or refinance the property without paying off the lien or posting a bond. 

To properly file a mechanic’s lien the following information will be needed:

☐      Lien claimant’s (your business) formal legal name

☐      Legal name or names of property owners

☐      Address of the property improved

☐      Legal description of the property improved

☐      Owner’s current mailing address

☐      Date of last work completed

☐      Date of substantial completion for the entire project

☐      Amount due and outstanding

☐      General contractor’s legal name

☐      General contractor’s current address

☐      Copies of all contracts, change orders, purchase orders, invoices, or other documents related to the assignment of work

Colorado maintains a strict 4-month (120-day) deadline for filing the mechanic’s lien that starts on the last date of work. The work that qualifies as the last day is actual progress work on the project.  Punch list work does not suffice. The notice of intent to lien, along with the lien, must be sent to the parties upstream including the owner 10 days prior to filing the mechanic’s lien. In order to timely meet your filing and notice obligations, you should have all of the above documentation ready by 90 days from your last work. Promptly supplying this information to your attorney at Galvanize Law Group, LLC., is essential for meeting these deadlines. Please contact us as soon as you believe a mechanics’ lien may be necessary, as we can provide further guidance during the process.