These are some of the questions that we most often get asked here at NLB. If you have any questions or concerns that relate to your project specifically, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-432-7799.
You can also fill out a claim request form and an NLB representative will contact you.
National Lien & Bond:
What makes NLB different that a quick-lien company?
Here at NLB, we are the power behind the Mechanics Lien. Your projects will be managed by experienced lien consultants who are licensed construction attorneys. We have been doing this for over twenty years and our reputation backups our enforcement. Our network is vast and we can secure your receivables all throughout the US, Canada, and internationally as well. NLB is essentially a cost effective way to use a legal professional to protect yourself anywhere that you do business.
How does NLB operate?
Everything begins with the Claim Data Sheet, and once you submit a claim to NLB, we assign your company a Caseload Manager. This individual will be your one-stop contact for securing your receivables no matter where your project is located. We are able to accomplish this through our general counsel’s office and our vast network of legal professionals.
What is the NLB network?
Whether your project is in Boston, Beijing, Canada, or Bogota, NLB has you covered. The NLB network comprises of independent lawyers located in each of the fifty States, each Canadian province and several countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. Because of the location specific nature of lien laws and construction law generally, NLB’s local counsel provide the local experience and know-how to get the job done.
What makes NLB unique?
We are a group of dedicated legal professionals who can help you not only in perfecting your lien rights, but also in perfecting your business model. We regularly perform contract reviews, credit system analysis, joint check agreements, trust receipts, credit applications, correct waiver of lien usage, and much more.
What are lien rights?
Lien rights are special rights that subcontractors, contractor, material suppliers can use to help ensure payment for work performed on a construction project located in the U.S. or Canada. It is important to be proactive when using lien rights as they are time and location sensitive and when used correctly an extremely effective collection tool.
Who has lien rights?
You have lien rights if you did work that improved the value of a piece of real property. To be eligible, your product must either be attached physically to the property, or you must have provided a service that contributed to the improvement of the property. Generally, eligibility is limited to subcontractors, contractors, material suppliers, or distributors of building materials.
Is there a statue of limitations for my lien rights?
Yes. It is very important that you secure your lien rights by registering your involvement in the project as early as possible. Each state’s lien regulations differ and laws are constantly changing. Here at NLB, we specialize in monitoring your lien rights to make sure that you are secured in your business transactions.
How is a construction lien different from an auto-lien?
Many people get confused with the difference between an auto or garageman’s lien and a construction or mechanics lien. Lien rights were extended to automobiles like cars and boats, but National Lien and Bond does not specialize in that area of the law. Please contact a local attorney or your local DMV office for information pertaining to placing a lien on a vehicle.
What is a Preliminary Notice?
A Preliminary Notice, also know as a Pre-Lien or Notice to Owner (NTO) is a notice that can be utilized by a contractor, subcontractor, material supplier, equipment lessors or any other parties related to a construction project. It is not an actual filing of a Mechanics Lien but establishes the right to file that lien later on if you are not paid in full by your customer.
Why should I file a Preliminary Notice?
You should always file a Preliminary Notice or NTO on large projects because it protects your rights and your cash-flow. It is usually the first step in the lien clam process because it guarantees your lien rights later on in the project if you don’t get paid.
When do I have to file a Preliminary Notice?
The earlier you file a Preliminary Notice or NTO, the better. There are time restraints for filing them, and you don’t want to miss out on securing your lien rights. Each state is different and there are different regulations for different types of projects. Contact us today and ask about how we can help you with this procedure.
What is a Mechanics Lien?
Also known as a Construction Lien, a Mechanic's lien is a statement that a contractor has performed improvements on a property and has not been paid in full. It is a security interest in the title of the property and places limits on what actions the owner can take with
What does a Mechanics Lien do?
A Mechanics Lien prevents the owner (who requested the improvements) from selling the property without first addressing the lien claimant's interest in the property (unpaid receivable). A properly filed mechanic's lien can ensure the lien holder is paid before a mortgage holder if the property is sold or foreclosed upon.
What is Lien Perfection?
In order for a lien to be enforceable, it must be "perfected" by an experienced professional. Perfection means that the lien must comply with the statutory requirements of that state in order for it to be a valid lien against the property. If not done correctly, the lien could very well be ineffective and unenforceable.
What are the deadlines for filing a Mechanics Lien?
The deadlines and procedures for filing a lien vary from state to state and are constantly being updated. To find out what your lien rights are, request a Claim Data Sheet and we will then review your project. Once we review your project, we will understand the rights that you have and how to proceed with securing your project.
What is a Public Lien or Bond Claim?
The remedies available to contractors and subcontractors vary according to whether the project is privately or publicly financed. You can not place a Mechanics Lien on a public piece of property. For publicly financed projects, the government usually requests that the general contractor furnish a bond guaranteeing that the workers will be paid.
What does a Bond Claim do?
Some states allow an unpaid subcontractor to place a lien on the funds appropriated for the project. In that case, the public entity must ensure that there are provisions for paying the subcontractor before making any further payments to the general contractor.
How can I make a Bond Claim?
The available remedies and notice requirements vary from state to state. Request a Claim Data Sheet and once you submit it, we will be able to advise you as to your best solution for the given state that you are operating in. In some states, Bond Claims can be extended for private projects as well.
Collections
Collecting amounts due to our users nationwide, whether through recording and enforcing mechanic's liens, filing bond claims, securing collateral assignments from debtors and proceeding on their accounts receivable, or direct action against the debtor are all available collectively. Request a Claim Data Sheet and find out how we can help you with your project receivables.
Case Load Management
NLB's advanced Case Load Management System is customized to each of our clients needs. The Case Load Management System is able to keep track of your projects nationwide allowing our clients to request up to the minute case status report on any open matter. The CLM keeps records on project completion dates, statutory compliance issues, deadlines as project progresses, contract details, payment processing, and much more.
Receivables Management
NLB will monitor you project from the 1st day of work through completion. The available remedies and notice requirements vary from state to state and can become rather confusing to manage. Speak to us about setting for your business a Compliance System that will ensure prompt payment on all your projects that you register with us.
Customized Project Support
Each project is unique and here at NLB, we treat each claim that you submit with the proper attention that it deserves. We will customize a project support system that includes full documentation of project background information, purchase order or subcontract review, determination of entitlement, damage analysis and much more. Contact us today and ask about how these services can give your business the edge that it deserves.
To find out about National Lien & Bond Claim Systems’ services, call a customer service representative at 1-800-432-7799 or request a Claim Data Sheet.
