Getting Paid\n\nMechanic's/materialman's liens, preliminary notices, and conditional vs. unconditional lien waivers protect your right to payment. Public work is backed by payment bonds under the federal Miller Act and state "Little Miller Acts."\n\n> The licensing-law trap: in many states an unlicensed contractor cannot enforce its contract or collect — get licensed first (see the Licensing track).
Welcome
Hello, and welcome. This is Super Structures General Contractors — a national general contractor headquartered in Powhatan, Virginia — here to help you and your clients build something that lasts. We're glad you're with us, and we look forward to connecting with you.
Let's talk Getting Paid: Lien Rights & Payment Law, because getting this right makes everything after it easier. If you remember one thing, make it this: Protect your lien rights and get licensed first — unlicensed contractors often can't collect. Nail it, and it pays you back on every job you ever run.
In Practice
A sub finishes the work but the GC never pays. Because the sub filed a preliminary notice and preserved lien rights, they have leverage. Skip those steps and you may have none.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing preliminary-notice or lien deadlines
- Working unlicensed (you may not be able to collect)
- Not getting lien waivers in order
Takeaway: Protect your lien rights and get licensed first — unlicensed contractors often can't collect.