Whats the minimum amount a customer must owe before a Mechanics Lien can be obtained?
There is no minimum amount a customer must owe, but a Mechanics’ Lien can only be obtained if the property is improved by at least 15% of its value. The 15% test takes into account all work performed by all contractors. So if a vacant lot worth $100,000 is surveyed and permitted by an engineering firm for $2,000, and then graded and filled by a contractor for $13,000, both the engineering firm and the contractor could obtain a Mechanics’ Lien, even though they could not do so if only their own work had been performed. Do I have to appear in Court to get the Mechanics’ Lien? Not always. After the initial filing is made with the Circuit Court, the Court schedules a hearing and the property owner has about 30 days to file an answer. If the owner doesn’t file an answer, the Court usually cancels the scheduled hearing and the Mechanics’ Lien is granted. If the owner files an answer disputing some of the facts claimed by the contractor, a hearing is held about 45 days after the initial date
