Mechanic's Liens Only Attach After Construction Starts

摘要

Arecent case of the California Court of Appeal Second District confirmed what had always been the law. In order for anyone other than design professionals, to have a right to a mechanic's lien, construction must start. In April of 2001, the owner entered into an agreement with a licensed contractor for the construction of a project. In the next two years, the contractor provided approximately $850,000 in design-related services. He did design, planning, and hired design professionals. The owner tried to obtain financing, without success. Therefore, construction never started. No building permit was every issued for the project. No actual visual construction or other work was conducted at the site by anyone.