Home Improvement

Remodeling lien waivers

If you hire a general contractor to expand or remodel your home, be sure to ask for a lien waiver(s) from the contractor and any major subcontractors before you make your final payment. The contractor should also be able to provide waivers from major suppliers of materials delivered to the construction site (i.e. lumber yard).

A lien waiver will protect you in case your contractor fails to pay subcontractors. Without a lien waiver, any builder, material supplier or subcontractor who wasn't paid by the contractor, can place a lien on your property. A property lien makes you - not the contractor - responsible for their payment: even if you already paid for the main contractor for the work.

For more information, contact the Minnesota Department Labor and Industry - the agency responsible for issuing licenses to residential contractors in Minnesota.