Builders Lien Lawyers in British Columbia

If you need to file, enforce, or remove a builders lien in British Columbia, timing matters. Builders liens are governed by strict legislation and short deadlines, and mistakes can be costly. We act for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, workers, and property owners across BC in builders lien matters, including disputes involving unpaid work, project delays, and alleged deficiencies.

Builders Liens and Construction Disputes

Builders lien claims often arise alongside broader construction disputes, including payment conflicts, scope disagreements, project delays, and deficiency claims. A lien is rarely the only issue. Understanding how lien rights interact with construction disputes is critical to protecting your position and resolving the matter efficiently.

Who Can File a Builders Lien in BC

Under the British Columbia Builders Lien Act, certain project participants may be entitled to file a claim of builders lien if they are unpaid for work performed or materials supplied. This may include construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and workers involved in a construction project.

Determining eligibility and preserving lien rights requires careful analysis of the project structure, contractual relationships, and statutory timelines.

Support for Property Owners

Property owners must comply with specific obligations under the Builders Lien Act. Failure to do so can expose owners to unexpected payment obligations or delay the progress of a project. If liens have been filed against your property, legal guidance can help you assess your options, address lien claims, and move the project forward while managing risk.

We advise owners on lien removal, holdback requirements, and dispute resolution strategies.

Strict Deadlines and Filing Requirements

Builders lien legislation in British Columbia imposes strict filing and enforcement deadlines. These timelines are short, rarely extendable, and require precise compliance. Errors in timing or documentation can result in the loss of lien rights or unnecessary exposure.

We assist clients with preparing, filing, enforcing, and discharging builders liens in accordance with statutory requirements.

Why Legal Advice Matters

Builders lien matters are rarely resolved through self-help alone. Early legal advice can help protect your rights, reduce risk, and ensure that lien claims and related remedies are managed properly. Whether you are asserting a lien or responding to one, informed legal strategy can make a material difference to the outcome.

Situation

A glazing subcontractor’s work on a large commercial construction project was delayed and compromised due to the negligence of another subcontractor.

Issue

The head contractor blamed the glazing subcontractor, refused to pay outstanding invoices, and asserted a deficiency set-off, resulting in significant financial prejudice.

Our role

McKechnie & Company filed a builders lien against the project, commenced legal proceedings to enforce the lien and recover the debt, obtained expert evidence to support the subcontractor’s position, and guided the matter through mediation.

Outcome

On the eve of a lengthy trial, the parties reached a negotiated settlement.

Recent Builders Lien
Case Study

Builders Lien Lawyers Serving Vancouver and Across BC

If you’re facing a builders lien issue, contact Cam, Phil or Kevin directly for legal support, or reach out to our office using the contact form or number below.

Read more and download our helpful guide about Builders Liens here