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Mechanic’s Lien Research to Protect Yourself

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Have you ever gotten into a job and started hearing some bad rumors; such as, you might not get paid for your work? Or the GC on this job doesn’t pay retainage? Well a couple years ago I wrote this article:  Are you going to get paid ask a construction Lawyer to show that Attorneys can be used pro-actively instead of re-actively (which is the more expensive way). I’d like do a quick overview of something you can do yourself to pro-actively protect your business from trouble. Specifically, you can do your own research to determine if the person you are working for is having liens being filed against them currently.

As you might know, almost all larger counties have an online database you can search for deed records. However, you might not know that those same databases keep track of the lien affidavit filings as well. Here are links to the research databases around the DFW area:

Denton County Deed Record Search: https://www.dentoncounty.com/dept/county_clerk/recordsearch.asp

Dallas County Deed Record Search: http://roamdallaspropertyrecords.com/ailis/search.do

Tarrant County Deed Record Search: https://ccrecordse.tarrantcountytx.gov/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx

Collin County Deed Record Search: http://countyclerkrecords.co.collin.tx.us/webinquiry/

Each one works a bit differently but usually you can search for the name of the company in some form or fashion (sometimes it takes a little trial and error). Here is a search of somebody you may want to think twice before doing work for:


You will note that we put in the persons first and last name (you could have also put in a corporate name under the last name), and checked, land records. You will get results that look something like this:

As far as looking for Mechanic’s Liens that is the first highlighted area M/L AFDT, depending on the county it may say something different. It gets more interesting with the next two highlighted boxes. Abst Jdgmt means that they have lost in court and have a judgment against them and the abstract is in place to help the prevailing party secure their judgment on any real property owned by that person in that county, and I think we all know what it means when “USA” has a Fed Tax LN on someone.

This is just a quick example on how anyone can use public information to help protect their business. Obviously, if this is you and you are entering into business with someone who’s reputation you don’t know or may be a little dubious, it really pays to do your homework on the front end. If you would rather not do this yourself, then this is an example of what KMDA can do for you for all surrounding counties. We usually provide a report to our client that goes through the various businesses owned by that individual and tells you what type of Judgments and liens they might have against them.

Good Luck and Happy Researching!

Filed Under: Construction, Construction Law, General Business, Mechanics Lien Tagged With: , ,

Alternative to a Mechanic’s Lien – UCC Filing Part 2

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I first need to apologize for missing a few months of my reminders. The last few months have been a perfect storm of trials for me and I always put a high priority on making sure I’m as prepared as possible. So, some of the peripheral items do get put on the back burner sometimes.

Last time, I discussed the distinctions between “fixtures” and “non-fixtures” in construction projects and also explained why this distinction is important to a contractor. I also discussed how to perfect a security interest in a non-fixture. In this article, I want to continue this series and discuss ways to perfect your security interests in fixtures and how these UCC filings help you gain priority over other potential claimants (such as banks or other lien holders).

To recap, a “Fixture” means goods that have become so related to a particular real property that an interest in them arises under the real property law of the state in which the real property is situated. In other words, fixtures are, generally, those products which are physically attached to the building. There are numerous examples of this on a construction project – carpet, tile, countertops, and bathtubs.

A party with a security interest in goods which are considered a fixture must perfect this interest by making a “fixture filing.” Such is accomplished by filing a financing statement in the county where a mortgage on the real property would be recorded. In addition to the usual requirements for a financing statement (as were discussed last time - UCC Filing – Part 1), a fixture filing financing statement must contain the legal description of the real property to which the fixture is attached.

Determining priority in relation to these types of filings can be extremely tricky. However, the general rule is that in a contest between a holder of a security interest in a fixture (i.e. you, for example) and a holder of an interest in the real property to which the fixture is attached (i.e. the mortgagor, for example), the first party to file a fixture filing or record its real property interest prevails (which would almost always be the mortgagor).

However, a contractor can prevail over a mortgagor or someone with a prior interest, in the following situations:

1.   The security interest is perfected in any manner authorized by the code PRIOR to affixing the good to the property. In this case, that security interest will prevail over a real property interest if (1) the collateral is a readily removable office or factory machine; (2) the collateral is readily removable equipment that is not primarily used or leased for use in the operation of real property; or (3) the collateral is a readily removable replacement of a domestic appliance that is a consumer good.

2.   A security interest in fixtures, whether or not perfected, has priority over the conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner if (1) the encumbrancer or owner has, in an authenticated record, consented to the security interest or disclaimed interest in the goods as fixtures or (2) the debtor has a right to remove the goods against the encumbrancer or owner. This is something that would have to be included within a security agreement contained within your contracts.

3.   And, if you are not dealing with a construction mortgage but instead are dealing with a conventional mortgage or home equity line of credit (such as in remodel situations), a secured party who makes a fixture filing within 20 days after the fixture was attached to the property (i.e. you) will prevail over a real property interest in the same fixture that was recorded prior to affixation (i.e. the mortgagor).

In layman’s terms, what does this mean to you? Those services which are not the initial construction of a residential or commercial project have a high probability of falling within Exception 3, listed above. If you don’t fit into Exception 3, you can easily fit under Exception 2 and protect your interest in the fixtures you supply if you ensure that your contracts have a security agreement within the terms which is signed and consented to by all owners of the property. If you don’t fall within Exception 3 and do not have your contractual language in order, pursuant to Exception 2, the only thing you can do is see if the goods that you are providing to the Project are goods designated in Nos. 1-3 within Exception 1.

Generally, if you provide goods which can be considered a fixture to a construction project, the real point is that you can usually protect your interest but you have to have a plan, which is set prior to the delivery of the goods, as to how you are going to ensure that the goods you provide fall within one of these exceptions and, thus, have priority over other encumberances to the property.

While this might sound very complicated to a non-lawyer, this is a perfect example of why business owners should meet with their attorney, periodically, to discuss their business, what they are doing, what the business goals are, and how they can legally protect all of their interests. A lawyer can usually help make sure that your corporate formalities, contracts, employment policies, financial interests, etc. are all in order where they protect you. The real trick is seeking the advice before the problems arise!!!

Filed Under: Construction Law Tagged With: , , ,

Alternative to a Mechanic’s Lien – UCC Filing

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There is a great deal of confusion as to the term “fixtures” in the construction industry and even greater confusion as to what rights a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier has to the fixtures or non-fixtures that are incorporated into a construction project.  Over the next few months, I am going to attempt to explain the difference between a fixture and a non-fixture and provide alternatives to the Texas’ mechanic’s lien process for securing the goods and services provided on a property.

“Fixtures” means goods that have become so related to particular real property that an interest in them arises under the real property law of the state in which the real property is situated.  In other words, Fixtures are generally physically attached to the building.  There are numerous examples of this on a construction project – carpet, tile, countertops, bathtubs, … This should not be confused with the term “removable.”   See http://www.kmdalegal.com/construction-law/foreclosure-of-your-mechanics-lien/

Likewise, “Non-Fixtures” would be those goods which are made a part of a construction project but not permanently affixed as to become an actual part of the property.  For example, furnishings, equipment such as sound systems, tv’s, refrigerators and light fixtures, etc.

You might wonder how this relates to you and how this helps you get paid. I am sure at this point you have either personally been burned or know someone who has been burned by filing a mechanic’s lien on the property only to have your lien “foreclosed out” by the bank leaving your remedies extremely limited.   However, in Texas, there are various filings that you can file with the Secretary of State to secure your interest in the fixture or non-fixture you provide to a property.  This is important to you because, in some situations, you can have priority over a bank that has provided the construction loan for the property thus securing your rights even through a foreclosure.

Now I want to go over how Security Interests in Non-Fixtures works. The Uniform Commercial Code Section (UCC) is the central filing office for certain financing statements and other documents provided for under the Uniform Commercial Code since 1966.  Some of the main documents which are filed are financing statements and certain types of liens.  Securing non-fixtures should be done through the filing of a financing statement with the secretary of state.   The financing statement should state: the name and mailing address of the debtor; the name and mailing address of the secured party; an indication of the collateral covered.   The authenticated security agreement itself may be filed as the financing statement if the parties so desire.  “Authenticated” is defined as signed. The financing statement should be filed as soon as possible but certainly not later than 20 days after the first delivery of goods to the person with whom your contract is with.

I know what you are thinking.  More paperwork?  YES.  With our whole country struggling financially, unfortunately, the primary way to protect yourself is through a paper trail.   The good news is that a financing statement or security agreement are simple forms that you probably can have drawn up one time through an attorney.  This does not have to be complicated but you do have to go through the process of having something customized to your type of business that you can repeatedly use for your various customers and clients.

Next month, I am going to discuss Security Interests in Fixtures and explain how these UCC filings can help you gain priority over other potential claimants

Filed Under: Construction Law Tagged With: , , ,

Are You Going to Get Paid? Ask a Construction Lawyer

March 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We aren’t the biggest construction law firm in the DFW area, but it is funny how in our practice we get to see some industry trends developing first hand and probably even before most analysts do.  I’ve always told clients to keep up with their receivables in order to preserve their lien rights.  I’ve even gone as far as saying hey…if you don’t want to worry about deadlines just give me a monthly spreadsheet with your receivables and I can tell you which ones you have to worry about.  Usually I’m coming at it from the point of view of lien deadlines, but more and more I have another point of view.

Being an Attorney for many clients in the construction industry I get a broader industry perspective than the lone sole contractor, sub-contractor or supplier.  For instance, I usually know if residential construction projects are having more payment problems than commercial projects or vice versa.  I know what bond companies are easy to work with and which are not.

So the other day I was talking to a client about one matter when he just mentioned that he ‘may’ have another one for me.  I inquired more about it and when he was done, I told him that his ‘may’ was actually a ‘sure thing’.  His potential matter related to a specific General Contractor building an anchor store in Houston.  He was ‘promised’ that he would get paid and to just give it a month (which would have put him past his lien deadline).  What he didn’t know is the previous week I had filed a lawsuit to foreclose on a property in Dallas that the same General Contractor had built for the same retail chain.   So the odds that he would give up his lien rights and not get paid were actually pretty high.

So, yes, people can try and do liens themselves or use a online service to preserve their rights, but they give up something important (beyond probably not doing it right).  When you go to a law firm, experienced in the area of construction litigation and commercial collections, you have the added benefit of a wealth of knowledge regarding the financial viability of particular projects and General Contractors, Builders, Subcontractors and Suppliers in and around the DFW area and even in some cases, throughout the State of Texas.   Many times, we know who is paying, who is not, what jobs are having funding problems, which parties are known to be “slow pays,” “no pays,” or even continuously in litigation.  To most clients, this information is almost invaluable and is a benefit you can get from your law firm without having to spend any additional money.

Filed Under: Construction, Construction Law Tagged With: , ,

Does Your Work Meet the Requirements for a Mechanic’s Lien?

February 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

Every month, I get emails from various contractors wanting to lien a residential or commercial property. The problem is that not all work performed at a residence or building or on a property entitles the person to a mechanic’s lien pursuant to the Texas Property Code

To meet the definition, the work performed must be considered to be a fixture or financial benefit to increase the value of real property. For example, dental equipment, dish satellites, lawn mowing, property security, etc. would not increase the value of the property. Lawn mowing simply helps the aesthetic appeal of the property, property security provides a benefit to the owner and perhaps the contents within the property, and dental equipment is a benefit to the dentist but certainly not the property. Now, if sod had been planted or security cameras had been added, that would have improved the value of the property.

In these situations, the most the person would have would be a right to collect the monies due through civil litigation such as a demand letter or through small claims court.

Filed Under: Construction Law Tagged With: , ,
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