How do you determine when it is time to place a mechanic’s lien on a job on which you just can’t seem to collect the amount due? Do you have certain policies set? I constantly have customers ask me when they should begin the process.
Several begin the lien process immediately following the end of a job. Some send a pre-lien notice hoping that will encourage their customer to pay. Other clients send a notice of intent stating that a lien is just around the corner should they not receive payment. Others wait until two weeks before the deadline to file a lien.
At what point do you begin the mechanic’s lien process? What other tactics do you use to collect past due amounts? What policies have you set in place and why?