The use of Mechanics Liens as a protection of funds for contractors

We sat down with Ben Cushman of Deschutes Law Group to discuss a few quick perspectives on the importance of Mechanics Liens in the construction and property restoration process. Ben has been practicing construction law for over 25 years, the last 5 of which have been with his own firm based in Olympia, Washington.

What is a Mechanics Lien

A mechanic’s lien is a guarantee of payment to builders, contractors, and construction firms that build or repair structures. Mechanic's liens also extend to suppliers of materials and subcontractors and cover building repairs as well. The lien ensures that the workmen are paid before anyone else in the event of a liquidation.

Liens are the best security a contractor has

Many general and restoration contractors have expressed some reservations regarding using or enforcing Mechanics Liens. According to contracts lawyer Ben Cushman, of Deschutes Law Group,  

Liens are the best security a contractor has for non-payment, and it provides all kinds of strong remedies.

​Mr. Cushman will be joining us for our January meeting of the Fellowship of Construction Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Development. He will help educate our peers on the proper use and execution of liens and attendees of the meeting will benefit from discussing the experiences of other contractors as well. This group is for Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington, based professionals who work in the insurance claims industry (i.e. contractors, adjusters, providers, etc.). 

MEETING 004 

• Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 
• Time: 9-10am PST, doors open at 830am for Networking 
• Topic: Mechanics Liens for Contractors in Washington 
• Guest: Ben Cushman, Deschutes Law Group 
• ​Location: TBD - Likely in Puyallup, WA - keep an eye out for the Eventbrite to register 
• This is a physical meeting, Ben will be joining us remotely and will provide additional documentation as a resource to all attendees. 

Mechanics Liens resources for contractors

• Join us for our monthly meetings, the second Tuesday of every month 
• Check out The Book on Restoration Collections by Ed Cross, The Restoration Lawyer 
• Watch our two videos and listen to The DYOJO Podcast Episode 73 on this topic
• Reach out to a local construction lawyer, such as our guest Ben Cushman of Deschutes Law Group