Yes, that's true. You still have contract rights against the GC. Good luck.
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Jun 30, 2020
Yes. Very true.
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Jun 30, 2020
Yes, under California mechanics lien laws anyone who didn't contract directly with the property owner must provide a preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials to the project. Failure to provide this 20-day prelim is fatal to your mechanics lien rights.
However, if you missed the 20-day deadline, there is still an opportunity to secure some lien rights. This notice can be sent later than 20 days after the first furnishing date. However, this late notice will only secure lien rights for the value of labor or materials provided in the 20 days prior to the notice, and the remainder of the project. It can be better to secure some lien rights, instead of none at all.
If the project has already completed, then you will be unable to file a mechanics lien to secure payment. But that doesn't mean you are completely out of options. You can still file a lawsuit against the party who hired you under claims such as breach of contract. Also, depending on the amount in dispute, these claims can be brought up in California Small Claims Courts.