What are liens, and how do they relate to construction projects?

Liens are legal claims placed against a property when a contractor or subcontractor has not been paid for work performed or materials supplied in a construction project. This mechanism provides a way for these parties to secure their right to payment by attaching a claim directly to the property they worked on. If the debt remains unpaid, the lien can lead to a forced sale of the property in order to settle the outstanding balance. In construction projects, this is a critical aspect of ensuring that all parties involved—contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers—receive their rightful payment, thereby promoting fairness and accountability within the construction industry.

The other options refer to different aspects of construction: contracts between subcontractors, blueprints for design and project approval, and insurance policies that protect against risks. While all of these are important in the overall construction process, they do not directly relate to the concept of liens or the claim for unpaid work or materials.