
You often hear of people claiming to give 110% effort. Whether someone can truly give more than a 100% effort is a philosophical question that is outside the scope of this blog. Arizona mechanics’ lien laws are, however, something in my wheelhouse. And, as many of you may know, 120% has historically been an important figure with respect to mechanics’ liens. This is because Arizona has long provided, and currently provides, claimants with lien rights of up to 120% of the estimated price stated in their preliminary twenty-day notices. Practically speaking, this means that those looking to preserve their lien rights need not provide additional preliminary notices unless and until the price for the labor and material furnished exceeds 120% of the amount in their original notice. But with the passing of SB 1304 earlier this year, this threshold for providing additional preliminary notices was increased to 130% of estimated total costs, and this increase applies to all projects where lienable activities are “first commenced to be furnished from and after December 31, 2019.” As a result, the effects of this change are right around the corner.