Changes to North Carolina’s Mechanics’ Lien Statute
By Brian P. Evans & Samuel T. Reaves, K&L Gates, Charlotte
Significant changes in North Carolina’s mechanics’ lien statute take effect on Monday, April 1, 2013. These changes impose new duties on property owners regarding the designation of a private lien agent for almost every real estate construction project. An owner’s failure to comply may result in the inability to obtain grading and building permits and also in mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens being given added priority or validity, so it is important that parties involved in North Carolina real estate construction projects become familiar with the new procedures under the statute.