70 - Friday, November 17, 1989 - North Shore News REAL ESTATE CONTRACTING, SUBCONTRACTING Don't postpone, claiming a lien CONSTRUCTION PRO- JECTS, whether big or small, are like a pyramid, with the owner of the land at the top. He may handle the project himself, or he may hire a general contractor. The gen- eral contractor then hires several sub-contractors to handle the various jobs: the plumbing, drywalling, and so on. Then those sub-contrac- tors in turn hire workers and also make agreements with suppliers of materials. With this kind of structure, there’s always danger that, some- where along the line, some- body may not get paid. The Builders’ Lien Act of- fers help to those who have contributed supplies or labor to a construction project and not received payment. The builders’ lien is actu- ally a claim for payment for work or matetais. It takes the form of a charge regis- tered against the owner’s in- terest in the land on which the property is situated. Of course, the claim will eventually have to be proven in court (unless the dispute can be settled by agreement), but the big advantage of the lien is that, even before it’s proven, it affects the owner's interest in his land. Because it's a registered charge, it can interfere with the owner’s ability to sell the land or obtain advances on a mortgage. This alone may encourage him or her to pay off the lien without going to court. if the dispute does get to court and the claim is proven, the owner must pay up. Otherwise the property can be sold and the proceeds used to pay the claim. Sometimes there is a genu- ine dispute over how much, if any, the owner owes the claimant. There may be the same kind of dispute be- tween a contractor and his sub-contractor or a contrac- tor and a materials supplier. The owner won't want his property tied up during a long court battle, but he won’t want to pay out the claim, either. So the act allows the owner to get rid of the charge on his property by paying into court enough money to pay off all the liens — if and when they are proven. This money is then held in court as security for the claims. If they aren't proven, then the owner gets his money back. Not everyone is entitled to file a builders’ lien. A worker on a project can file a claim of lien, as can any- one who supplied or rented materials for improving land and delivered them to the job site. A contractor or someone who made arrangements with the land owner to work on a project can file a lien and, finally, any sub-con- tractor involved with the job is entitled to file. If you fit into any of these categories, act quickly. If you wait too long, you will lose your right to file a claim. You can either file a lien yourself, or you can have a lawyer do it for you. (This article is provided by the Law Society of B.C. These tips are for general in- formation only. If you have a specific legal problem you should consult a lawyer.) DUNDARAVE CONTEMPORARY @ 2037 Inglewood Ave. — Great family home offering 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, loads of quality g with hot water heat, 3 gas f/p's, tile, fully enclosed front garden. Home is located close to rec cen- f tre, schools and transportation. | $269,000 | BRITISH PROPERTIES RANCHER GREAT LOCATION 1636 Grand Bivd. Beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home ona 52'x140’ lot. Gorgeous kitchen, opening onto sundeck. Main fevel has oak floors, lower level offers | fireplaced family room. This is a real gem. The greatest bargain in today's market. A three bedroom rancher with approx. 10,000 sq.ft. of private f property. Owners have purchased So bring offers. The house has 3 bedrooms, A three-piece bath and a three-piece ensuite. For viewing cail MIKE McAULEY 925-2911, pgr. 645-9780 2557 KINGS AVE. COUNTRY'STYLE LIVING THE HEART OF WEST VANCOUVER... Located in the prime area of Lower Dundarave on a Jasge private lot (64x135). This cosy, but spacious one-of-a-kind home offers great living space, high ceilings, 2 full bathrooms & partly developed basement (also with some ocean # view). Oodles of potential, lots of cedar, decks j & great swimming pool and hot tub. Steps to Jj everything. OFFERED AT $435,000 OPEN SUN. 2-4 PM The finest location in central West Vancouver. A truly elegant seniors f oriented 1 BR suite complete with in suite laundry, superb kitchen E with all appliances including microwave. Beautiful level landscaped f § setting, close to shopping, seniors’ activity centre, library and transpor- § station. #11-2130 Marine Dr. HEATHER WILLIAMS 921-6063, 925-2911 $$$ DUPL . INVESTM B Excellent multi-family revenue property genes § Lots of character, well maintained and stable ter & 263-265 E. 5th St., N. Van. $519,900.