I completed installing the trim to the house, and was given a check for that part of the project with a stamp on the back of the check with a lien waiver which I did not sign or cash the check. I installed a sewer line from the house to the city sewer line, and was told he would not pay for the work done. Everything was done to code and functions accordingly.
If your contract provides that you can add the cost of the lien, then you can. Review your contract terms. You can and should file a lien and you must follow those procedures to the letter. If they don't pay, then you can consider foreclosing on the lien but that is costly and time-consuming. If the amount at issue is $7500 or less, sue in small claims.