I am a general contractor working in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. We do restoration work and in most cases invoice for emergency services when they are complete. Occasionally the lien deadline on emergency work approaches while the rebuild work is in progress. Does the lien deadline extend if we are still onsite performing work?
As an Illinois Attorney, I can only answer with respect to Illinois law, although I suspect that the answer would be similar in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Your question comes down to whether the time-periods prescribed by the Mechanics Lien Act can be extended ("tolled") while work is being performed. Strictly speaking, the answer is "No," but that is because the time does not begin to run until work is completed or you leave the job. If you are still working, the period has not begun to run.
Illinois law provides that notice of a mechanics lien claim must served on all necessary parties within 4 months to be effective against the curren owner, and any subsequent owners, of the property. If parties are notified more than 4 months, but less than 2 years, after completion of work, it will still be effective against the original owner.
Finally, while filing a lien claim with the Recorder of Deeds constitutes one form of notice, proper statutory notice involves more than merely filing the lien: keep that in mind.
I hope this information has been helpful. Best of luck!