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Builders’ Liens in BC: Protect Your Construction Payments

Introduction

Construction projects have a lot of moving parts, and guaranteeing timely payment is essential for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. A builder’s lien is an essential tool that protects your right to payment, but steering through the legal requirements can be challenging, to say the least. At Pathfinder Law, we offer expert guidance to help you file, enforce, or dispute a lien in British Columbia.

What Is a Builder’s Lien?

A builder’s lien is a legal claim that sees that contractors and suppliers are paid for their work or materials on a construction project. It puts a hold on the property, preventing its sale or transfer until the lien is resolved. Understanding the rules under BC’s Builders Lien Act is crucial to protecting your rights. Without this legal mechanism, contractors and suppliers may struggle to recover unpaid amounts, leaving them vulnerable to financial losses.

At Pathfinder, we’ve got the expertise needed to guide an umbrella of clients. Whether it be large companies, small companies, material suppliers, general contractors, sub-contractors, individual workers, engineers, architects, and property owners through the complex statutory provisions covered in the Builders Lien Act, as well as common law decisions that govern construction throughout BC.

Filing and Enforcing a Builder’s Lien

Timing is everything when filing a builder’s lien. In British Columbia, you need to file within 45 days of completing your work or supplying materials. This deadline makes sure that claims are made promptly and fairly, and allows property owners to address disputes without undue delay. Pathfinder Law assists clients in preparing and filing liens accurately, ensuring compliance with the Builders Lien Act

Enforcing a lien entails initiating a legal action within one year of filing. Failure to meet this deadline may render your lien invalid, which puts your payment at risk. Our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout the enforcement process, helping you secure what you’re owed.

Resolving Disputes and Protecting Your Interests

We’re experienced in pursuing and defending all types of construction claims and defenses, like breach of contract, builders’ lien claims, delay claims, breach of trust claims, performance issues, and labour and material payment claims. Pathfinder Law is equipped to solve your construction law issues, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Why You Should Choose Pathfinder Law

Our main focus is to achieve positive and timely results that are in your best interests. Navigating construction law and lien disputes requires expertise and a proactive approach. At Pathfinder Law, we provide tailored legal solutions for contractors, suppliers, and property owners. Visit our Construction Law page to learn more about how we can assist with your construction projects.

Disclaimer – The information contained herein is of a general nature. It is not intended to be legal advice and it is not intended to address the exact circumstances of any particular individual or entity. You should not rely on or act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice and without a thorough examination of your particular situation.