We can answer a lot of your questions, but sometimes its good to go to the source. Each state's mechanics lien statutes are all available through LienItNow, updated as of 2011. The law is what created construction liens, so reading through it is always a good idea. When you are done, let us know if you need us to file a property lien on your behalf, and we'll be happy to do it.
If the mechanics lien statutes are to long and complicated, or you just don't have the time to read through all of them, we've also compiled state and document specific pages of FAQs that will probably answer your question. Take a look by going to our Reference Desk.