Flooring disputes usually start after you leave. A board cups, grout cracks, or the owner says the color isn't what they picked, and the remodeler uses it to hold your final payment. Because flooring goes in late on most jobs, you may not find out you're unpaid until the job is already closed out.
Where payment breaks down for flooring contractors
- Remodelers claim workmanship issues to avoid the final payment.
- Material you special-ordered sits on your books if the job falls apart.
- Moisture or subfloor problems caused by others get blamed on your install.
- Small residential balances get written off because they feel too small to chase.
Your lien rights as a flooring contractor
On remodels you're often a sub to the remodeler, so the residential notice deadline (15th of the 2nd month) applies if the home is owner-occupied. If you ordered special material for the job that was never installed, Texas lets you claim for specially fabricated material in some cases (§ 53.021). We have no minimum claim size.
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, Ellis County: a flooring sub on a residential remodel was owed $4,280. The lien deadline had expired, so the account went to collections, and the contractor paid in full 6 weeks later. More on Ellis County liens →
What to keep for every job
- Material order confirmations and delivery dates
- Moisture readings or subfloor notes
- Photos at completion
- Signed selection sheets for color and product
Outside Texas?
We file liens for flooring 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 · Fencing Contractors · Drywall Contractors · Landscaping Contractors · Lumber and Building Material Suppliers · Equipment Rental Companies
Frequently asked questions
The remodeler says my install was bad. Can I still collect?
Yes. A dispute doesn't erase the debt. In one Ellis County job, the contractor paid the full balance 6 weeks after collections started.
Can I claim for material I ordered but never installed?
Possibly. Texas allows claims for specially fabricated material in some cases. Tell us what you ordered and when.
What are the deadlines on a home remodel?
For a sub on an owner-occupied home, notice is due by the 15th of the 2nd month after each unpaid month, and the lien by the 15th of the 3rd month after your last month of work.
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 flooring contractor?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
