“Lien on Me” — Understanding Construction Liens in Oregon

Let’s talk about something that makes many homeowners nervous — liens. No one ever wants to hear that word associated with their home. You’ve just signed a remodeling contract, maybe some work has started, and suddenly a letter arrives in the mail titled “Notice of Right to Lien.” Panic sets in. You feel blindsided and unsure what it all means.

Take a deep breath — we’re here to explain what’s really going on and why there’s nothing to fear when you understand the process.

What Is a Lien and Why Do You Get a Notice?

In Oregon, liens are a standard part of the construction process, not a sign that something has gone wrong.According to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers working on jobs typically over $2,000 are required to provide a “Notice of Right to Lien.”

Here’s the key takeaway:

A “Notice of Right to Lien” is not an active lien on your property.

This notice simply protects everyone involved in the project — especially small businesses and independent contractors — by ensuring that if payment issues arise, there’s a fair legal process to resolve them. Think of it as an insurance policy for the people doing the work, not a threat against you as the homeowner.

The 3 Steps of the Lien Process

Let’s break it down simply:

1. Notice of Right to Lien – This is what you receive at the beginning of a project. It means the contractor or supplier has the right to file a lien if they are not paid — but no lien has been placed.

2. Notice of Intent to Lien – If payment is missed or delayed, this is a warning notice that a lien may be filed soon if the issue isn’t resolved.

3. Active Lien – Only if payments are not made after prior notices will the lien actually be filed against the property to recover unpaid costs.

That’s it! The process is straightforward, transparent, and only comes into play when payments are not made. As long as payments are made as agreed, you’ll never have an issue.

Why Liens Protect Everyone

It might sound intimidating, but the lien process is designed to protect both homeowners and contractors. It ensures fairness and accountability — the same way your bank secures a loan with your home or car.

When you pay your contractor on schedule, the lien never activates. It’s simply there to create a fair, legal balance between all parties involved in your home improvement project.

A Word About Choosing the Right Contractor

Here’s where homeowners need to be careful: even if you pay your contractor in full, issues can still arise if your contractor doesn’t pay their subcontractors or suppliers.

That’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable, licensed contractor who has a proven track record of paying their team promptly and running transparent projects.

At Edelweiss Construction, we’ve proudly served Oregon homeowners for over 35 years, building trust one home at a time. Our handpicked and fully vetted subcontractors and suppliers share our commitment to quality, communication, and integrity — ensuring your home renovation runs smoothly from start to finish.

Your Home, Your Peace of Mind

Receiving a lien notice doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s simply a formality in the Oregon construction process. When you work with a trusted, experienced team, you’ll always know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to keep your project running seamlessly.

At Edelweiss Construction, we’re here to bring your dream home to life while keeping every step clear, fair, and stress-free.

Ready to start your next custom home build or remodel in Oregon or SouthWest Washington? Contact Edelweiss Construction today — where craftsmanship meets trust.