What is a pay-if-paid clause in construction contracts?

A pay-if-paid clause makes the general contractor's obligation to pay the subcontractor conditional on receiving payment from the owner. If the owner doesn't pay, the subcontractor may have no legal right to collect. Pay-if-paid is void in California, New York, North Carolina, and several other states. SubShield automatically detects these clauses and tells you if they're enforceable in your state.

What is broad indemnification in construction contracts?

Broad form (Type I) indemnification requires the subcontractor to indemnify the general contractor even for the GC's own negligence. This creates unlimited liability exposure. Over 40 states have anti-indemnity statutes that void these clauses. SubShield identifies them and cites the specific statute that voids them in your state.

How does SubShield analyze construction contracts?

Upload your subcontract (PDF, Word, or paste text) and SubShield's AI analyzes it in about 60 seconds. You get a risk score (1-10), identification of 50+ risky clause types, negotiation language to propose to your GC, and state-specific legal information.

Is SubShield a substitute for a construction attorney?

No. SubShield is an AI-powered educational tool that helps subcontractors understand their contracts better. For high-value contracts ($500K+) or complex disputes, consult a licensed construction attorney. SubShield costs $47 per analysis; attorney review costs $300-500+. Use SubShield for initial screening, attorney for final review.

What states does SubShield cover?

SubShield provides analysis for all 50 US states with specific knowledge of state lien laws, anti-indemnity statutes, prompt payment act requirements, retainage caps, and pay-if-paid enforceability which varies significantly by state.

How much does SubShield cost?

SubShield offers a free trial with one full analysis per month. Single reports cost $47. Pro Monthly is $97/month for unlimited analyses. Pro Annual is $797/year for unlimited analyses. All paid plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee.

What is a no-damage-for-delay clause?

A no-damage-for-delay clause prevents the subcontractor from recovering monetary damages when the project is delayed, even if the delay was caused by the GC. The only remedy is a time extension, not compensation for increased costs. These clauses can cost subcontractors $23,000+ on average. SubShield detects these clauses automatically.

How is SubShield different from using ChatGPT to review contracts?

SubShield is purpose-built for construction subcontracts with 50+ clause type detection specific to construction, state-specific legal information for all 50 states, industry benchmarks (AIA, ConsensusDocs standards), negotiation language templates, and a GC reputation database. General AI tools lack this specialized construction knowledge.

Mechanics Lien Deadlines by State: Complete 2026 Guide

Missing a mechanics lien deadline can cost you your entire claim. This comprehensive guide covers every state's requirements for preliminary notices, lien filing, and enforcement deadlines.

Why Deadlines Matter

Mechanics lien deadlines are strict. Miss them by even one day and you lose your rights entirely. There's no grace period, no exceptions.

A contractor in Texas recently lost a $340,000 claim because they filed their lien one day late. Don't let this happen to you.

Quick Reference: Preliminary Notice Deadlines

States requiring preliminary notice (days from first furnishing work/materials):

State

Deadline

Form Name

California

20 days

Preliminary Notice

Texas

15 days (residential)

Notice to Owner

Florida

45 days

Notice to Owner

Arizona

20 days

Preliminary 20-Day Notice

Nevada

31 days

Notice of Right to Lien

Washington

60 days

Notice to Owner

Note: Many states don't require preliminary notice. Check your specific state.

Lien Filing Deadlines

After completing work, you have limited time to file your lien:

Short Deadlines (60 days or less)

Louisiana: 60 days

Montana: 60 days

New Mexico: 60 days

Medium Deadlines (90 days)

California: 90 days

Florida: 90 days

Texas: 90 days (for liens)

Longer Deadlines (120+ days)

New York: 8 months

Georgia: 90 days from substantial completion

Ohio: 75 days

Enforcement Deadlines

After filing your lien, you must file a lawsuit to enforce it:

State

Enforcement Period

California

90 days

Texas

2 years

Florida

1 year

New York

1 year

Illinois

2 years

State-by-State Details

California

Preliminary Notice: 20 days from start

Lien Filing: 90 days from completion

Enforcement: 90 days from filing

Key Rule: Use only statutory waiver forms

Texas

Preliminary Notice: 15 days (residential), None (commercial)

Lien Filing: 15th of 4th month after work

Enforcement: 2 years

Key Rule: Different rules for commercial vs residential

Florida

Preliminary Notice: 45 days from start

Lien Filing: 90 days from completion

Enforcement: 1 year

Key Rule: Must serve notice to contractor

New York

Preliminary Notice: Not required

Lien Filing: 8 months from completion

Enforcement: 1 year

Key Rule: Trust fund protections available

Best Practices

Send preliminary notice on EVERY project - Even if not required, it puts everyone on notice

Track all deadlines in a calendar - Set reminders 30, 15, and 7 days before each deadline

Document everything - Keep records of first and last work dates

Don't wait - File early to avoid last-minute issues

Use SubShield's Lien Calculator

Our free Lien Deadline Calculator automatically calculates your specific deadlines based on your state, project type, and dates.

---

*This guide is for educational purposes. Always consult with a construction attorney in your state for specific legal advice.*

Mechanics Lien Deadlines by State: Complete 2026 Guide

Mechanics Lien Deadlines by State: Complete 2026 Guide

Why Deadlines Matter

Quick Reference: Preliminary Notice Deadlines

Lien Filing Deadlines

Short Deadlines (60 days or less)

Medium Deadlines (90 days)

Longer Deadlines (120+ days)

Enforcement Deadlines

State-by-State Details

California

Texas

Florida

New York

Best Practices

Use SubShield's Lien Calculator

Ready to Protect Your Next Contract?

More Resources

Turner Construction Subcontract Analysis: What to Watch For

Lien Waivers in Construction: The Complete Guide for Subcontractors

Retainage in Construction: What Subcontractors Need to Know