Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com To preserve a lien claim, a lien claimant must, among other things, record a notice of construction lien with the county recorder’s office, and within 180 days thereafter, initiate a lawsuit to foreclose on that lien. But what happens if, within that 180-day period, the lien claimant files an amended notice of …
Joseph G. Ballstaedt 801.365.1021 joe@snjlegal.com In Utah, a construction lien is a valuable tool for any contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who does not receive payment for work it performs on a construction project. If the party who contracted for the work refuses or is unable to pay, the construction lien provides a second route to …
Utah Construction Liens: an overview of the Five Basic Steps Read More »
Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com In prior articles, I explained four general steps to preserving and enforcing a construction lien (also known as a mechanic’s lien) in Utah. These steps include: 1) filing a preliminary notice; 2) recording a notice of construction lien; 3) filing a lawsuit and recording a lis pendens; and 4) prevailing in that lien foreclosure lawsuit. The …
Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com Many contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties in the construction industry conduct business in both Utah and Idaho. To preserve and enforce their construction lien rights, these entities must be aware of and adhere to the different laws that govern Utah and Idaho (in addition to any other states where they may …
Construction Liens: A Basic Comparison Between Utah and Idaho Law Read More »
Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com As I have explained earlier, liens are automatically created when a worker, contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or other person or entity provides construction services on real property. Although nothing more is required to create this lien, the lien claimant quickly loses the lien forever if he doesn’t take certain steps to preserve the lien, including the …
Enforcing Lien Rights in Utah Through a Construction Lien Foreclosure Lawsuit Read More »
Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com When a contractor fails to pay a subcontractor or supplier, the contractor takes a risky path. Even if the contractor doesn’t pay the subcontractor because he himself hasn’t been paid by the owner, it certainly isn’t good for business. Subcontractors and suppliers may, of course, refuse to engage in future projects with …
We’ve all heard the horror stories about home remodels gone wrong: contractors who disappear with the check, or the ones who stick around only to leave the house a wreck. Fortunately, you’re not completely helpless when it comes to preventing catastrophes like these. The following are four basic tips for ensuring a smooth process. Make …
Remodeling Your Home? Legal Tips From a Construction Lawyer Read More »
Being a part of building something that will last can be a great source of lasting satisfaction. That said, there is one thing that will sour that satisfaction regardless of how successful the project is—NOT GETTING PAID! As anyone in the construction business knows, too many projects end up with conflicts over payment, resulting at …
Tips for Getting Paid and Avoiding a Lawsuit on Your Next Construction Project Read More »
Over the years, I’ve fielded countless calls from frantic individuals, subcontractors, contractors and suppliers desperate to file a construction lien against a project immediately because that was the only way they were going to be paid. They’re right. That is the only way they were likely ever to get paid. But unfortunately, it’s not quite that easy. …
What Is a Preliminary Notice and How Do I File One? Read More »
As employers in the business industry know, they are directly responsible for any damages a negligent employee may cause. This is known in the legal field as “respondeat superior” or “vicarious liability” and is imposed regardless of whether or not the employer was involved or even aware the problem was going on. In contrast, employers …
Vicarious Liability and Independent Contractors: A Short Explanation Read More »
