Construction Law
Subcontractors: Getting Paid
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching your checking account balance rise at the end of a pay period. Whether your payments are deposited directly into your account or you collect a paper check, it’s vital that you receive payment for the work you have contributed to a project. Unfortunately, getting paid isn’t quite this simple for many subcontractors, and without an attorney who is experienced in Colorado Springs construction law on your side, your options could be limited when you become a victim of nonpayment.
In this brief article, an attorney from our Colorado Springs construction law firm will discuss how subcontractors can ensure that they are paid for their hard work. Nobody wants to be taken advantage of, and our attorneys specialize in preventing subcontractors from footing the bill when fault lies with another party. For all of your construction-related legal needs, including lien law, payment disputes, and contractual disputes, consult the attorneys that review construction contracts in Colorado Springs from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
Review Your Contract
If you want to get paid, your contract must affirm your right to compensation. How much you are being paid, when you are being paid, and the delivery method for payment should all be clearly stated in the contract. This is one of the primary reasons why subcontractors should partner with attorneys who review contracts in Colorado Springs. Contracts have the ability to empower or disenfranchise depending on the language and information contained in the contract. You want to be the former, not the latter, and our attorneys can review your contracts to ensure that you aren’t left out to dry once a project wraps up.
Maintain Your Lien Rights
Once it becomes apparent that you are at risk of nonpayment, your knee-jerk reaction will likely be to file a mechanics lien. If this sounds like you, then you have the right idea, but it’s always best to approach lien issues with the help of an attorney. In Colorado, subcontractors are required to furnish a Notice of Intent ten days prior to filing a mechanics lien. The mechanics lien itself must be filed within four months of the last provision of labor or materials, unless labor was supplied exclusively, in which case this deadline is shortened to only two months. Finally, the lien must be enforced within six months of the final provision of labor or materials. It’s a lot to keep straight on your own, which is why many subcontractors opt to entrust a Colorado Springs construction law attorney with this task.
If you would like to speak with an attorney from our Colorado Springs construction law firm, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.