FAQs

WHAT IS A MECHANIC’S LIEN?

A mechanic’s lien (also known as a construction lien) places a legal claim on the property you helped improve. This claim can delay a sale or refinancing — putting pressure on the property owner or general contractor to resolve payment issues quickly.

WHY FILE A MECHANIC’S LIEN?

If you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in Virginia and haven’t been paid for your work or materials, a mechanic’s lien may be your best tool for securing payment.

WHO CAN FILE A MECHANIC’S LIEN?

You may be eligible to file a mechanic’s lien if you are:

  • A general contractor with a direct agreement (verbal or written) with the property owner

  • A subcontractor working under a general contractor

  • A materials supplier who delivered goods for the project

  • A licensed design professional (in certain cases, such as architects or engineers)

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A MECHANIC’S LIEN AFTER FINISHING WORK?

In Virginia, you generally have 90 days from the last day of the month in which you last furnished labor or materials to file your lien.  There’s also an outside limit: you cannot file later than 90 days after the entire project is completed or terminated, even if you were working more recently.  Because of these overlapping rules, it’s recommended to start your lien well before that 90-day window closes.

WHAT IS THE 150-DAY RULE?

Virginia’s mechanic’s lien law only allows you to include charges for work or materials provided during the 150 days immediately before your last date of work.  Anything older than that “falls off” and can’t be part of your lien claim.  For example, if your last work was July 1, you can only claim amounts from February 1 forward.

WHAT AMOUNTS CAN BE CLAIMED UNDER A MECHANIC’S LIEN?

A mechanic’s lien can include the unpaid balance for labor and materials you actually furnished to the project within the 150-day window. You can also claim interest on the unpaid amount.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ONCE I’VE BEEN PAID FOR MY LIEN CLAIM?

If you receive payment for the amount claimed in your lien, you must release the lien at the land records office where it was filed. This clears the lien from the property’s title and confirms that the debt has been resolved. If Cardinal prepared your lien, we will help you prepare and file the lien release at no additional charge.

HOW LONG DOES THE ALL-INCLUSIVE LIEN PACKAGE TAKE?

Approximately five business days from submission to filing (it may take longer if we need additional information or clarity on something you submitted).

HOW LONG DOES THE DIY LIEN PACKAGE TAKE?

Approximately two business days (it may take longer if we need additional information or clarity on something you submitted).

I HAVE LESS THAN ten DAYS BEFORE MY FILING DEADLINE—CAN I STILL USE YOUR SERVICE?

Unfortunately, no. We cannot accept liens with less than ten business days before the filing deadline based on the information you enter. This buffer accounts for unforeseen issues in preparing your filing.