Concrete is usually one of the first trades on a job, which is exactly why it gets hurt. You pour the foundation in month one, the house or building takes another six months, and by the time anyone talks about your invoice, your Texas notice deadline for that early work may already be gone. Concrete subs need to watch the calendar from the day of the pour, not the day the job finishes.
Where payment breaks down for concrete contractors
- Foundation work finishes months before the project does, so early-month notices get missed.
- Builders slow-pay the first trades while waiting on construction draws.
- Disputes over cracking or flatness get used as a reason to hold the whole invoice.
- Multiple pours across several lots get billed together, which muddies the dates.
Your lien rights as a concrete contractor
Most concrete contractors work for a builder or GC, so you're a sub. In Texas that means a notice of claim for each month you worked and weren't paid, by the 15th of the 3rd month after that month (2nd month on residential). Bill each lot or pour separately and track the month of each one. If your work stopped in March, your lien affidavit on a commercial job is due July 15.
The Texas deadlines that apply to you
For original contracts signed on or after January 1, 2022, a sub or supplier sends a notice of claim to the owner and the original contractor by the 15th day of the 3rd month after each month of unpaid work, or the 2nd month on a residential job (Tex. Prop. Code § 53.056). The lien affidavit is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your last month of work, or the 3rd month on a residential job (§ 53.052). A contractor hired directly by the owner sends no pre-lien notice and counts from the month the original contract was completed, terminated or abandoned. If a deadline lands on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next business day (§ 53.003(e)). Full Texas deadline guide → · Deadline calculator →
Residential or commercial? Texas uses its shorter residential deadlines when the home is owned and lived in (or meant to be lived in) by the owner, under the Property Code's definition of a residence (§ 53.001). A new home still owned by a builder can fall under the longer commercial deadlines. We check which set applies before we file.
Real job, Tarrant County: a concrete sub on a new custom home was owed $9,650. The lien deadline had passed, so the account went to collections, and the sub was paid in full 38 days later after negotiations with the builder. More on Tarrant County liens →
What to keep for every job
- Pour tickets and delivery tickets with dates
- Lot numbers or addresses for each pour
- Invoices by job, not lumped across a subdivision
- Any inspection reports on the foundation
Outside Texas?
We file liens for concrete contractors in 18 states, in any county. Each state has its own notices and deadlines. See the states we serve →
Lien deadline passed or the lien didn't pay?
The debt is still owed. We collect unpaid construction invoices on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. See construction collections →
Pricing and turnaround
Liens are $199 to $500, and that includes recording fees, notarizing and serving. Pre-lien notices are $100. Typical turnaround is 2 business days, and there's no minimum claim amount. Collections run on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. Call (469) 694-8003, Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Other trades we file for
Roofing Contractors · Plumbing Contractors · Electrical Contractors · HVAC Contractors · Painting Contractors · Fencing Contractors · Flooring Contractors · Drywall Contractors · Landscaping Contractors · Lumber and Building Material Suppliers · Equipment Rental Companies
Frequently asked questions
I poured the foundation months ago. Is it too late to lien?
Maybe not. Texas notices are tied to each month of unpaid work, so it depends on which months are unpaid. Call with your dates and we'll check.
Can I file one lien for several lots?
Each property needs its own lien with its own legal description. We prepare one for each lot you're owed on.
The builder says my work cracked. Can I still lien?
A dispute doesn't stop you from filing a lien to protect your rights. The lien keeps the claim alive while the dispute gets worked out.
This page is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm; we prepare and file liens and notices as agent for the claimant. Deadlines change and depend on the facts of your job, so confirm your dates with us before relying on them.
Owed money as a concrete contractor?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
