The lien asserts that the claimant is entitled to an interest in the property for the total value of their work. Since an owner will have difficulty selling or acquiring a loan against a property with a lien attached to it, they will be incentivized to pay the claimant as quickly as possible.

Within twenty (20) days of furnishing materials, labor, or services, the claimant must serve a preliminary lien notice on the owner, original contractor, construction lender, and the individual with whom the claimant has contracted for the purchase of items. A copy of the preliminary notice, as well as a copy of the contract between the claimant and the hiring party (if written), must be attached to the lien form.