A mechanic's lien is a claim created by statute to secure priority of payment for labor performed or materials furnished in the making of improvements on real property. A mechanic's lien covers the land as well as improvements on the land. Mechanics' liens are purely statutory in origin, and a mechanic's lien may not exist unless it is expressly created by the terms of a statute.
Statutes frequently require the potential lienholder to give notice of a claim of lien. Local statutes must be consulted to determine applicable requirements with respect to particular types of lien notices.
