What is a preliminary lien notice and when is it necessary?

A preliminary lien notice is a written document that is sent by a construction professional (such as a contractor, subcontractor, architect, or engineer) to the owner of a construction project in Washington State. The notice details how much the professional is owed for labor and materials in order to complete a project. This notice is necessary when the parties involved need to protect their interests and make sure that payment is received for the work performed. A preliminary lien notice can be used to prevent an owner from taking possession or control of a construction project without paying for work that has already been completed. If the owner does not respond to the notice, the construction professional can pursue legal action and place a lien on the property in order to recover the unpaid funds. This lien can remain in effect until the debt is paid in full. In Washington, a preliminary lien notice must be sent at least 20 days before the construction professional is supposed to be paid. The notice must include the name and address of the owner, a brief description of the project, the total amount owed, and the date of the notice. Additionally, the notice must be sent by registered or certified mail and should include a copy of the contract for the work that has been completed. By ensuring that a preliminary lien notice is sent in a timely manner, construction professionals in Washington State are afforded an additional layer of protection. This prevents owners from taking control of their project without paying for the labor and materials that have been used.

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What is a preliminary lien notice and when is it necessary?

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