Consumer Law, Warranties release of liens

[sajmac]

I'm a general contractor looking to do a repair job to a house that had a fire.The damage was somewhat extensive,involving the kitchen and two baths above.While the homeowner was dealing with his insurance company,and his own public adjuster,he asked for an estimate.I provide an estimate and clearly stated that it was a preliminary estimate and that the numbers I provided were going to change as they made decisions about things like finishes,tile selection,etc.I made allowances for plumbing fixtures,etc. and spelled out what I did not include.He is expecting settlement with his insurance co. and wants to proceed with the repairs,but says his bank wants me to sign a waiver of liens.I have no signed contract at this point and want to sit down with them and hammer out a more detailed and complete contract.It makes me a little leary that they are asking for the waiver of liens right off the bat.Since I'm the general contractor,hiring my own electrician,plumber,etc.,do they fall under any waiver I might sign,and should I consider signing?If I were to sign a release and end up getting stiffed,what are my legal recourses?

 

[dee_dub]

his bank wants me to sign a waiver of liens

Does he say why his bank wants that?

Since I'm the general contractor,hiring my own electrician,plumber,etc.,do they fall under any waiver I might sign

What you sign doesn't bind them. But what you sign may make you liable for any claim they bring against the owner. It all depends on the terms of the waiver.

should I consider signing?

Sure, consider it. But don't, unless you have other guarantees of getting paid.

If I were to sign a release and end up getting stiffed,what are my legal recourses?

You could still sue in court. You just wouldn't be able to file a lien as security.