Begin "Operation Mechanic's Lein."

 

Thanks I will go and do that for sure. problem is in passing conversation found out her house is paid for so probably won't see money from that anytime soon. I'm screwed for now aren't I?

 

Might not be worth it to file a lien. For that amount, I would probably threaten the lien and keep sending a bill with interest. This is why we have the whole draw schedule. You want to stay ahead of the job, not vice versa.

 

Thanks I will go and do that for sure. problem is in passing conversation found out her house is paid for so probably won't see money from that anytime soon. I'm screwed for now aren't I?

Most of the time, and I say this loosely, a simple preliminary lien notice let's them know you are serious about this, even for 3000.00. People are very touchy when it comes to a lien on their property. Also I have to ask did you have a contract, doesn't mean you can't file a lien but it probably means you won't be able to collect. She may not know this rule and as long as she thinks you are filing a lien it might do the trick.

 

What state are you in? I can't see it from my mobile device.

 

What state are you in?

 

Your so right. Guess this is my wakup call for letting --- slide. Thank you guys

 

Oklahoma

 

Yes I have a contract w $ upfront, $ at 50% completion and final pmt. I only received first payment

 

Handle this very professional, you must first send her a bill every two weeks for a couple cycles. Put a copy of your lien rights in each bill. Then send her a preliminary lien notice. Let her know you aren't going away.

 

Yes I have a contract w $ upfront, $ at 50% completion and final pmt. I only received first payment

This is good, you are already a notch above most who come on here looking for help.

 

BUT. I forgot to amend it for the materials she said she was providing and I picked up for her. I just added it to final invoice but didn't put it in contract

 

Thanks. I'll start printing the bills! That will be kinda fun.

 

Are there contractor licensing requirements in your state?

This early in your career at worst you paid for some education...

and read my tag line.....

 

BUT. I forgot to amend it for the materials she said she was providing and I picked up for her. I just added it to final invoice but didn't put it in contract

Doesn't matter everything you agreed on should be in your bill. Don't start leaving things out because you think you can't legally collect. She will smell it and gain confidence, to not pay you anything. Just my two cents on all this. Good luck!

 

Here is some info on mechanic liens here in Oklahoma: http://www.gq-law.com/oklahoma-mechanics-lien/

 

You are so right! I had gut feeling in the beginning about this chick and should have heeded it. I have learned a lesson. I've had such good luck so far w good clients this really shook me up. I've never been fired before! I now will make sure I protect myself no matter how nice people seem

 

Cool thanks! I'll check it out

 

Anyone had any luck in small claims? Or is that a waste of time? Just in case she ignores everything else.

 

Yes. READ the court/small claims instructions carefully & understand them. Have all your documentation, receipts etc. laid out. Prepare for your court date. Create an outline that shows/explains how the project progressed. Admit to any errors you made.

KEEP EMOTIONS OUT OF IT. Just the facts, ma'am...:thumbsup:

 

Thanks Griz. Hopefully I can get this resolved.

 

One other thing, not knowing OK laws I can only tell you what ours are. If a client has a problem with your work they have to give you reasonable time and access to the problem, to make it right. They can't just throw you out and say I'm not paying you. Now they can throw you out as long as they pay you according to the terms of your contract.

 

And no there are no GC licensing requirements for residential in Ok. I have a degree in Interior design and construction management. Most of my knowledge came from doing rather than schooling tho.

 

Really! I need to check on that! Cuz I have called and texted and told her this is not a big deal to fix. It's touch up paint for goodness sake! Who has no touch up when job is finished?!? She called some other painter who was trying to get the work and probably told her everything was done wrong and he needs to redo it. It's a great paint job sprayed by my crew...2 coats primer 3 coats of paint! Sanding between each coat! What can this painter possibly do except My Touchup!? I was wondering if I could be fired for trying to finish my job. If we have those same rights that would really help

 

Really! I need to check on that! Cuz I have called and texted and told her this is not a big deal to fix. It's touch up paint for goodness sake! Who has no touch up when job is finished?!? She called some other painter who was trying to get the work and probably told her everything was done wrong and he needs to redo it. It's a great paint job sprayed by my crew...2 coats primer 3 coats of paint! Sanding between each coat! What can this painter possibly do except My Touchup!? I was wondering if I could be fired for trying to finish my job. If we have those same rights that would really help

If I'm a judge, her not giving you a chance to fix it, would tell me her intentions were to get out of payment. It definitely tells him her priority wasn't to get it fixed.

 

This has really given me some hope! I have worked for a lot of attorneys. I'll have to find out if that is law here too. Thank you!!!!!