You did the work. It passed inspection. The GC got paid, or says they didn't, and your invoice is sitting at 60, 90, 120 days. LevelSet Collections files mechanic's liens and collects unpaid invoices for subcontractors so you can stop chasing and get back to the next job.
As a sub, you're usually two steps away from the person holding the money. The owner pays the GC, the GC pays you — and if anything breaks down in between, you're the one left waiting. The good news: state lien laws were written for exactly this situation. In most cases, a subcontractor can lien the property even though the contract was with the GC, not the owner.
A lot of subcontracts say the GC only has to pay you when, or if, the owner pays them. Here's what most subs don't know:
We check your state's rules before we file, so you know where you stand.
Retainage often gets held until the whole project closes out — sometimes months after you packed up. If it isn't released when it's due, it's an unpaid amount like any other. Some states have separate notice or lien deadlines just for retainage, so send it to us as soon as it's late, not after the project wraps.
File a mechanic's lien. A lien puts a claim on the property title. Owners can't easily sell or refinance with it in place, so it gets attention fast — from the owner, the lender, and the GC. Liens run $199–$500 each, including recording fees, notarizing and serving. Pre-lien notices are $100. Typical turnaround is 2 business days. See how lien filing works →
Send it to collections. If the lien deadline has passed, or the GC owes you across several jobs, we work the account directly. Collections run 10%–33% contingency. No collection, no charge. See how construction collections work →
Not sure which one fits? Tell us about the job and we'll tell you. Sometimes it's both: lien first to protect your rights, then collections to push it over the line.
Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
In most states, yes. Subcontractors are covered by state lien laws, but many states require you to send notice before you file. That's what our $100 pre-lien is for.
Usually, yes. The clause controls when the GC has to pay you; it generally doesn't erase your lien rights against the property. We check your state's rules before filing.
It depends on the state and the type of project, and the clock usually starts from your last day of work. Some deadlines are only a few months out. Send us the job as soon as payment is late.
No. We're a lien filing and collections company. We prepare, file, serve and follow up on liens, and we collect on unpaid accounts. If your claim needs to go to court, you'll need an attorney, and we'll hand over a clean file.
Call (469) 694-8003 (Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm). Tell us who owes you, how much, and your last day of work. We'll tell you whether a lien, collections, or both makes sense.
Call (469) 694-8003. Liens from $199, filed in about 2 business days. Collections on contingency, no collection, no charge.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please contact us with your specific requirements so we can provide a professional consultation.
