What is a builders lien?

A builders lien is a special right of recovery provided by the Builders Lien Act to persons who provided labour or supplied materials to a construction project in British Columbia. The term “construction project” is used broadly because it is not only labour and material provided for new developments that qualify for builders liens, but liens may be claimed when any land is worked on or building is erected, altered, repaired, or added to. Therefore, contractors or material suppliers who have contributed to any improvement in British Columbia may be able to file (in the Land Title Office) claims of builders liens for recovery of at least part payment for the value they added to the improvement.

 

According to the Builders Lien Act, if a person with a valid lien claim is not paid voluntarily, the land on which the improvement occurred may be sold to provide the payment due according to the legislation.