Gold Star Construction v. Santa Paula Energy Storage CA2/6

DISCUSSION

A mechanics lien allows a contractor to secure payment for labor and materials it has provided on a project. (§ 8468; Rexroth & Rexroth, Inc. v. General Casualty Co. of America (1966) 242 Cal.App.2d 363, 371.) “[T]he mechanics’ lien laws [are] remedial legislation, to be liberally construed for the protection of laborers and materialmen.” (Connolly Development, Inc. v. Superior Court (1976) 17 Cal.3d 803, 826-827, fn. omitted.) Before recording a mechanics lien, the claimant must give

3 preliminary notice to the owner, direct contractor, and construction lender. (§ 8200, subd. (a).) The notice must include a “general statement of the work provided” (§ 8102, subd. (a)(6)(A)), a “statement or estimate of the claimant’s demand” (§ 8102, subd. (a)(6)(C)), an “estimate of the total price of the work provided and to be provided” (§ 8202, subd. (a)(2)), and the statutory “NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER” (§ 8202, subd. (a)(3)). The preliminary notice must be provided no later than 20 days after the claimant has first furnished work on the project. (§ 8204, subd. (a).) “A claimant with a direct contractual relationship with an owner or reputed owner is required to give preliminary…