When is the best time to talk to a client about liens and stop payment notices?

When is the best time to talk to a client about liens and stop payment notices?

• A. before the job starts
• B. during the job
• C. after completion
• D. after a payment dispute

Answer: (A)

Talking about liens and stop payment notices before the job starts sets clear expectations about how payments will be handled and what protections you have to get paid. When you bring this up at the outset, you explain to the client that there are legal tools—like liens and notices—that protect both sides: they help ensure you’re paid, and they outline what notices will be sent if payments are delayed. This early discussion helps prevent misunderstandings, establishes the payment terms in the contract, and shows professionalism and transparency.

If you wait to address these topics during the job or after it’s finished, the conversation can feel reactive or punitive, and you risk missing deadlines or creating tension. Discussing it upfront makes it easier to manage expectations, coordinate any required notices on time, and handle potential payment issues in a structured way rather than as a crisis.

In short, bringing up liens and stop payment notices at the start of the project is the best practice because it clarifies rights and procedures from day one and reduces the chance of disputes later.