You've completed the project, submitted your final invoice, and now you're waiting for payment that never comes. Your calls go unanswered, your emails are ignored, and excuses are getting more creative by the day. If you're a subcontractor or supplier dealing with a contractor who won't pay your final invoice, you're facing one of the most frustrating situations in the construction industry. The good news is that you have more options and power than you might realize, especially in New York where the law provides strong protections for those who improve real property.

You've completed your work, submitted your invoices, and now you're waiting. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and your general contractor has stopped responding to your calls. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Payment disputes between subcontractors and general contractors happen more often than you'd think, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect what you're owed. The good news is that you have legal rights in New York that can help you get paid, but time is working against you.

If you're a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in New York, understanding mechanics liens could be the difference between getting paid and losing thousands of dollars. Despite being one of the most powerful collection tools available, many construction professionals don't fully understand how mechanics liens work or when to use them. A mechanics lien is a legal claim against a property that secures payment for labor, materials, or services provided to improve that property, as defined under New York Lien Law Article 2. Think of it as a "hold" placed on the property that prevents the owner from selling or refinancing until the debt is paid.

Filing a mechanics lien in New York can seem overwhelming, but it's actually a straightforward process when you know the steps. The key is understanding the requirements, gathering the right documents, and meeting critical deadlines. Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do to protect your right to payment.

Time is not on your side when it comes to mechanics liens in New York. The state has strict deadlines that, once passed, eliminate your right to file a lien forever. Understanding these deadlines and acting quickly could be the difference between getting paid and losing thousands of dollars. Too many contractors discover these deadlines too late, after their leverage has disappeared and their options have dwindled to expensive, uncertain litigation.