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What To Expect: Notice Of Right To A Lien
As a property owner, you may receive a Notice Of Right To A Lien when construction work is being done on your property. If you’ve never received one before, you might wonder what it means, why you’re getting it, and what you need to do next.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about a Notice Of Right To A Lien—including why it’s sent, who it affects, and what to expect moving forward.
What Is a Notice Of Right To A Lien?
A Notice Of Right To A Lien is a standard legal document used in construction projects. It informs property owners that subcontractors, suppliers, or other service providers have the right to file a lien if they are not paid for their work or materials.
Key Things to Know About This Notice
- It does not mean a lien has been placed on your property.
- It is not a bill or demand for payment.
- It is a legal requirement in many states.
- It ensures that everyone working on the project is properly paid.
Receiving a Notice Of Right To A Lien does not indicate that there is a payment issue—it is simply a precautionary step to protect the rights of those contributing to your project.
When Are Notice Of Right To A Lien Sent?
A Notice Of Right To A Lien is typically sent at the beginning of a construction project or shortly after materials are delivered. The exact timing depends on state laws, but most commonly:
- Within the first few days or weeks of work starting.
- Before the first payment is made to ensure proper documentation.
- As required by law—some states have strict deadlines for sending this notice.
Since this is a routine part of the construction process, receiving the notice should not be a cause for concern. It simply ensures transparency and helps prevent misunderstandings about who is working on the project.
How Are Notice Of Right To A Lien Completed?
The general contractor or subcontractors providing labor or materials complete the Notice Of Right To A Lien by including:
- The name and contact information of the contractor, subcontractor, or supplier.
- A description of the work performed or materials supplied.
- The property address where the work is being done.
- A statement of the right to file a lien if payment is not received.
How Is the Notice Delivered?
A Notice Of Right To A Lien is typically sent via:
✔ Certified mail with a return receipt (to confirm delivery).
✔ Personal delivery (with a signature to acknowledge receipt).
As a property owner, you should keep this notice in your project records, but you do not need to take any action unless you receive further communication regarding unpaid invoices.
Who Is in Charge of Sending a Notice Of Right To A Lien?
The general contractor is responsible for managing lien notices and ensuring compliance with state laws. However, you may receive notices from:
1. Subcontractors & Suppliers
- If subcontractors or suppliers are providing labor or materials, they may send a Notice Of Right To A Lien directly to you.
- This ensures they have legal protection in case payment disputes arise.
2. General Contractors
- The general contractor oversees the project and ensures all subcontractors and suppliers are paid properly.
- They may send lien notices on behalf of others or notify you when subcontractors send their own.
3. Legal or Compliance Teams
- Some construction firms use legal teams or lien management services to ensure all notices are sent properly.
Receiving multiple Notice Of Right To A Lien documents is common, especially for larger projects with multiple subcontractors and suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does this mean someone has placed a lien on my property?
No. A Notice Of Right To A Lien is not the same as a lien claim. It is simply a precautionary notice to protect the rights of contractors and suppliers.
2. Why am I getting this notice if I hired a general contractor?
Even if you hired a general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers working on the project may still send you a Notice Of Right To A Lien to preserve their legal rights.
3. Do I need to respond to this notice?
No action is required unless you receive a notice of non-payment or a lien claim. However, it’s a good idea to keep records of all lien notices you receive.
4. What should I do if I receive multiple notices?
It’s common to receive multiple Notice Of Right To A Lien forms, especially on large projects. Each subcontractor and supplier may send their own notice to ensure their right to payment is protected.
5. Can I prevent a lien from being filed?
Yes. The best way to prevent liens is to:
✔ Make sure contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers are paid on time.
✔ Request lien waivers before making payments.
✔ Keep clear records of payments and notices received.
6. Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have concerns about a Notice Of Right To A Lien, you can:
- Contact your general contractor to confirm payment status.
- Consult a construction attorney for legal advice.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a Notice Of Right To A Lien is a normal part of the construction process. It does not mean a lien has been filed—it simply informs you that subcontractors or suppliers have the right to file a lien if they are not paid.
As a property owner, the best way to avoid any lien issues is to:
✔ Work closely with your general contractor to confirm payments are being made.
✔ Keep track of all notices and invoices related to the project.
✔ Ask for lien waivers when making payments to ensure all parties are compensated.
By staying informed and organized, you can ensure a smooth construction process with no surprises. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your general contractor for clarification.
What To Expect: Project Mobilization
Once a construction project is ready to begin, the first major step is Project Mobilization. This is the process of physically delivering materials, equipment, and workforce to the job site, ensuring that everything is in place before construction starts.
At Kimball Construction, we understand that a well-planned mobilization phase is essential for keeping projects on schedule and within budget. But what does it involve? When does it happen? And who ensures it runs smoothly? Let’s break it down.
What is Project Mobilization?
Project Mobilization is the process of moving all necessary resources—materials, equipment, and labor—to the construction site so work can begin. This includes:
- Transporting heavy machinery, tools, and equipment
- Delivering construction materials to the job site
- Setting up temporary facilities such as site offices and storage areas
- Establishing access roads and utility connections if needed
- Deploying skilled workers and subcontractors to the site
Simply put, mobilization is when a construction project transitions from planning to physical action. It ensures that everything is on-site and ready before actual building begins.
At Kimball Construction, we take a strategic approach to Project Mobilization, minimizing delays and ensuring an efficient start to every project.
When Does Project Mobilization Happen?
Mobilization begins after all pre-construction activities—such as permitting, engineering, and site preparation—are completed. This phase typically takes place in the days or weeks leading up to the official start of construction.
Key Triggers for Mobilization:
- Project Kickoff: Once contracts are finalized and approvals are in place, mobilization can proceed.
- Site Readiness: If land clearing or grading is required, it must be completed before mobilization.
- Material Procurement: Materials must be sourced and scheduled for delivery to avoid delays.
- Equipment Scheduling: Heavy machinery and tools are transported to the site based on project needs.
At Kimball Construction, we carefully coordinate mobilization timelines to align with project schedules, ensuring that construction can start without unnecessary downtime.
How Project Mobilization is Completed
Mobilizing a construction site involves several critical steps. Kimball Construction follows a systematic process to ensure everything arrives on time and in the right order.
1. Equipment and Machinery Delivery
Large construction projects require specialized machinery such as excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and concrete mixers. These must be transported to the site safely and efficiently. Kimball Construction coordinates all logistics, ensuring that equipment arrives when needed.
2. Material Transportation
Building materials—such as steel, lumber, concrete, and piping—must be delivered according to the construction schedule. Poor timing can lead to shortages or storage issues. Kimball Construction ensures just-in-time delivery to keep the site organized.
3. Workforce Deployment
Skilled labor, supervisors, and subcontractors are mobilized to the site in phases, based on project needs. This includes:
- Site managers and engineers for oversight
- Skilled tradespeople such as electricians, welders, and carpenters
- Subcontractors for specialized work like plumbing and HVAC installation
4. Site Setup and Temporary Facilities
Before construction can start, Kimball Construction sets up essential facilities, including:
- Site Offices: Temporary structures for project managers and engineers
- Storage Areas: Secure locations for tools, equipment, and materials
- Worker Amenities: Portable restrooms, break areas, and first-aid stations
- Signage: Kimball Construction signs, parking, or any other signage needed
5. Safety and Logistics Coordination
During mobilization, strict safety protocols must be followed to protect workers and ensure smooth operations. This includes:
- Establishing designated equipment staging areas
- Setting up traffic control and access routes
- Conducting safety briefings for on-site workers
By following a well-planned process, Kimball Construction ensures that mobilization happens efficiently, allowing construction to begin without unnecessary delays.
Who is in Charge of Project Mobilization?
Mobilization requires coordination among multiple team members to ensure everything arrives and is set up properly. At Kimball Construction, the following key personnel manage the process:
- Project Manager: Oversees mobilization logistics and ensures everything arrives on time.
- Site Supervisor: Directs equipment placement and material storage on-site.
- Logistics Coordinator: Manages transportation and scheduling of materials and machinery.
Each of these roles is essential for a smooth Project Mobilization process, keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Project Mobilization take?
Mobilization can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the project’s size and complexity.
2. Why is Project Mobilization important?
It ensures that all equipment, materials, and labor are on-site and ready before construction begins, preventing delays.
3. What happens if mobilization is delayed?
Delays can push back the entire construction schedule, increase costs, and disrupt workflow coordination.
4. Can mobilization costs be reduced?
Yes! Proper planning, strategic scheduling, and working with an experienced contractor like Kimball Construction can help optimize mobilization costs.
5. Who handles transportation during mobilization?
The Kimball Construction logistics team coordinates all deliveries and equipment transport to ensure timely arrival.
Conclusion
Project Mobilization is a critical step that brings a construction project to life. By ensuring that all materials, equipment, and workforce are on-site and ready to go, Kimball Construction sets the stage for a successful and efficient build.
If you’re planning a construction project and want a team that prioritizes seamless mobilization, Kimball Construction is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your next project.
What To Expect: Progress Invoices
When working on a construction project, keeping track of payments is essential. That’s where Progress Invoices come in. These invoices ensure that payments are made in stages, keeping the project on track while maintaining financial transparency. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Progress Invoices, including when they are due, how they are completed, and who is responsible for them.
What Are Progress Invoices?
Simply put, a Progress Invoice is a billing document used in construction projects to request payment for work that has been completed up to a certain point. Instead of billing for the entire project at once, contractors submit Progress Invoices at agreed-upon intervals.
These invoices provide a snapshot of the work completed and help maintain steady cash flow, ensuring that contractors, suppliers, and workers get paid on time. This system benefits both the contractor and the client by offering transparency and preventing financial strain.
Typically, Progress Invoices are based on:
- Percentage of completion – A portion of the total contract amount is invoiced as work progresses.
- Costs Incurred – Payments are requested based on costs incurred at specific project stages.
- Time intervals – Invoices may be submitted every other week or at other agreed-upon intervals.
No matter the structure, Progress Invoices ensure that payments align with the actual work performed, making them a crucial part of construction project management.
When Are Progress Invoices Due?
The due dates for Progress Invoices vary depending on the contract terms. However, many construction projects follow a biweekly billing cycle, meaning invoices are submitted every other week.
This regular schedule helps maintain steady payments and ensures that all parties involved can plan accordingly. Contractors and subcontractors should submit invoices on time, and clients should process payments promptly to avoid delays in project progress.
Late payments can disrupt the entire project, leading to delays in material orders, subcontractor payments, and overall progress. That’s why setting clear expectations upfront is key to maintaining a smooth workflow.
How Are Progress Invoices Completed?
At Kimball Construction, we make the Progress Invoice process simple and efficient for our clients. We generate and submit a Progress Invoice through Buildertrend, our project management software. This system allows clients to review, approve, and pay invoices seamlessly.
Here’s how the process works:
- Invoice Creation – Kimball Construction prepares the Progress Invoice for the work completed.
- Submission Through Buildertrend – The invoice is submitted through Buildertrend, ensuring easy access for the client.
- Client Review – The client can log into Buildertrend to review the invoice and verify details.
- Payment Processing – Once reviewed, the client submits payment directly through Buildertrend, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction.
- Confirmation & Record Keeping – Payments are recorded, and both parties receive confirmation for their records.
Using Buildertrend streamlines the invoicing process, reduces paperwork, and ensures that payments are processed efficiently. This system helps keep projects on schedule while providing full transparency for both Kimball Construction and our clients.
Who Is In Charge of Progress Invoices?
Managing Progress Invoices is a team effort. Multiple parties play a role in ensuring timely and accurate billing:
- Contractor or Subcontractor – Responsible for preparing and submitting invoices.
- Project Manager – Reviews the invoice to confirm that the work matches project progress.
- Accounts Payable Department – Processes payments according to the agreed terms.
- Client or Owner – Approves invoices and ensures funds are available for payment.
Clear communication between these roles is essential to keeping Progress Invoices on schedule. Delays in approval or payment can slow down the entire project, so coordination is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are Progress Invoices necessary?
Progress Invoices ensure steady cash flow throughout a construction project. They allow contractors to get paid for completed work instead of waiting until the entire project is finished.
2. What happens if a Progress Invoice is late?
If a Progress Invoice is submitted late, payments may be delayed, which can slow down the project. In some cases, late payments may also result in penalties or interest charges, depending on contract terms.
3. Can Progress Invoices be disputed?
Yes. If a client disagrees with the amount billed, they can request clarification or adjustments. Keeping clear records and providing detailed documentation helps resolve disputes quickly.
4. How do retainage and Progress Invoices work together?
Retainage is a portion of the payment withheld until the project is near completion. It helps ensure that final details are completed before full payment is released. Progress Invoices typically account for retainage deductions.
5. Do all construction contracts use Progress Invoices?
Most large projects use Progress Invoices, but smaller jobs may use lump-sum billing instead. The type of invoicing depends on contract agreements.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Progress Invoices is essential for anyone involved in a construction project. These invoices keep payments organized, maintain financial stability, and ensure that work progresses smoothly. By knowing when they are due, how to complete them correctly, and who is responsible for managing them, both contractors and clients can avoid payment delays and keep projects running efficiently.
For more guidance on managing Progress Invoices, contact Kimball Construction today!