I am a home owner in El Paso County, Colorado. I had a detached garage built recently by a general contractor. He sent me a contract with the amount I was to pay, the scope of work, and a few terms and conditions mainly concerning change orders during construction. I signed the contract and returned it. Nowhere in the contract were any provisions to pay more than the agreed upon amount - no clauses about unforeseen inflation, supply delays, labor cost increases, or material cost increases. No clauses about the home owner liable for cost overruns. If there had been I would have asked for clarification as to my final liability or I would have refused the contract. Can the contractor file a valid lien for cost increases out side the terms of the contract? I have fully satisfied the terms of the contract and change orders on time and to the best of my knowledge, the GC paid the subs. Can the contractor file a valid lien for cost increases outside the terms of the contract?
If there is a flat fee contract, you should owe nothing more than you agreed to pay. Were there additions or upgrades? What was the amount you paid. Consult with an attorney before you speak with the attorney to have a game plan in place.