Preliminary notices, mechanics liens, stop payment notices, and payment bond claims are powerful resources for contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers. However, to be fully effective in protecting and facilitating payment, they must be prepared and filed or delivered correctly. Any mistake in the process could result in the loss of lien rights and render them unenforceable.
Unfortunately, given the many moving parts involved in any single project and the various rules and regulations for preparing notices, mistakes happen often. This is where the specialized process of jobsite research and verification from CNS comes into play.
Our in-depth research of construction project information and its verification is critical to the success and accuracy of every notice our team prepares.
If you’re experiencing slow, short, or no pay issues, contact CNS today or call us at 800-366-5660.
Comprehensive Information Collection
The foundation of any reliable preliminary notice or mechanics lien is accurate and comprehensive information. CNS begins this meticulous process by gathering a few important details from customers, including:
- The precise job address.
- Your customer’s information (the individual or firm who hired you).
- An estimated value of the work performed or the amount outstanding.
- A detailed description of the materials supplied or labor furnished.
This information allows us to delve straight into the research and verification process that follows.
Diligent Verification of Pre-Liens & Mechanics Liens
Upon receipt of the notice request, our research department employs a mix of techniques — emails, phone calls, title databases, building permit offices, and tax assessor information — to confirm the accuracy of every piece of information listed in the request. This rigorous verification process encompasses confirming details with upstream contracting parties and identifying and verifying the correct property owner, general contractor, lender, bonding company, and other relevant parties. This phase ensures that every link in the information chain is robust and verifiable. Typically, each request requires 6-8 phone calls before all information is verified. All verification(s) and methods are documented for accuracy and to provide you with support if anyone ever questions your claim.
State-Specific Requirements
Understanding and adhering to the unique lien laws and legal requirements of each state is crucial for ensuring that notices are effective. CNS’s expertise is especially significant in states like California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, where the law mandates that all relevant parties receive the notice for it to be valid. CNS’s nuanced understanding of state-specific legislation helps maximize your chances of fully collecting on the project.
The CNS Difference
The work that’s invisible to you is the most important thing to us. For 40 years, we have been helping contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers get paid. From our receptionists to our researchers, the entire CNS team is dedicated to the integrity of each notice and lien filed. This commitment is embodied in a rigorous system of quality control checks, ensuring that every document sent out meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Protect Your Right to Payment with CNS
By entrusting your preliminary notice and mechanics lien needs to CNS, you’re not just sending out a document; you’re deploying a meticulously verified claim backed by a dedicated team committed to supporting your right to fair payment.
Contact us to experience our jobsite research and verification process and get a prelim started today.
Prefer to call? You can reach us at 800-366-5660.
Disclaimer: CNS is not an attorney, and if you need legal advice, please contact one.
