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Wisconsin Private Time Frames


Step 1: Notice
  • Prime Contractor: Include in contract or within 10 days of first furnishing.
  • Others: Serve owner (two copies, one for lender) and prime, the Subcontractor Identification Notice within 60 days of first furnishing. See Speed Bumps for exceptions.

Step 2a: Intention/Step 2b: Lien
  • Notify the owner 30 days prior to filing a lien claim.
  • File lien claim within 6 months of last furnishing material, labor or services.

Step 3: Foreclosure
  • Within 2 years of filing claim of lien.

Wisconsin Private Bond Claim Time Frames


Step 1: Notice
  • Contracts over $5,000 notify the prime contractor within 60 days of first furnishing material, labor or services.

Step 2: Suit Against Bond
  • Within 1 year of the completion of the entire project.

Wisconsin Private Lien on Unpaid Funds Time Frames
(On bonded private projects a lien cannot be filed.  Statute does allow for lien on unpaid funds when a payment bond has been furnished.)

 

Step 1: Lien on Funds Notice 1
  • Notify the owner and construction lender before payment is made to the prime contractor or subcontractor.

Step 2: Lien on Funds Notice 2
  • Notify the prime contractor and subcontractor within 7 days after service of the notice to the owner and lender.

Step 3: Suit
  • The prime contractor or subcontractor who disputes the claim must do so by providing written notice to the owner and lien claimant within 30 days of service of the lien claimant’s notice. If the Claim is disputed, the lien claimant must commence an action within the earlier of 3 months from the time the lien claimant’s initial notice was served.
  • If total claims exceed the unpaid balance, and if prime contractor or subcontractor did not dispute them, the owner determines entitlement. File suit within 20 days after the owner mails the notice of entitlement or or 6 months after completion of the work of improvement which ever is earlier.