Fence contractors often work dozens of lots for the same builder at once. That's efficient until the builder slows down payment, and then you're owed small amounts across many addresses. Each one needs its own paperwork, and on homes, Texas's shorter residential deadlines may apply depending on who owns the house when you build the fence.
Where payment breaks down for fencing contractors
- Builders owe small balances spread across many lots.
- Final payment gets held even after the fence passes inspection.
- Homeowners dispute property-line placement after the fence is up.
- Gates and hardware get billed later than the fence itself.
Your lien rights as a fencing contractor
On builder jobs you're a sub: send notices for each unpaid month and file a separate lien for each lot. On a homeowner job you're the original contractor, and on a homestead you need the signed, filed contract. Landscaping-type improvements like fences, retaining walls and berms are lienable in Texas (§ 53.021).
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, Collin County: a fencing contractor on residential new construction was owed $6,875. After the builder received notice of the lien, it paid the balance in full within 8 days. More on Collin County liens →
What to keep for every job
- Lot list with addresses and completion dates
- Inspection approvals
- Survey or property-line markings you relied on
- Separate invoices for gates and hardware
Outside Texas?
We file liens for fencing 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 · Concrete Contractors · Plumbing Contractors · Electrical Contractors · HVAC Contractors · Painting Contractors · Flooring Contractors · Drywall Contractors · Landscaping Contractors · Lumber and Building Material Suppliers · Equipment Rental Companies
Frequently asked questions
I'm owed on 20 lots by the same builder. Is that 20 liens?
Each property needs its own lien. We can prepare them together and help you decide which lots are worth filing on.
Can I lien a fence on a new home the builder still owns?
Yes. And if the builder still owns it, the longer commercial deadlines may apply instead of the residential ones. We check before filing.
The fence passed inspection but they won't pay. What now?
If you're inside the deadline, a lien. In one Collin County job, the builder paid within 8 days of receiving notice of the lien.
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 fencing contractor?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
