Construction Law FAQs – Long Island, NY
Construction projects on Long Island—whether in Nassau or Suffolk County—require careful compliance with New York’s lien laws, licensing rules, and payment protections. At Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we represent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners throughout Long Island in construction-related disputes and claims.
📍 Long Island Construction Law FAQs
Q: What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien on Long Island?
A: For private jobs, you must file a lien within 8 months of last furnishing labor or materials (only 4 months for single-family dwellings). For public improvement projects, you have 30 days after project completion and acceptance to file.
📌 Note: Filing deadlines are strictly enforced across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and missing them can bar your recovery.
Q: What happens if my lien is bonded? Can I still collect payment?
A: Yes. If an owner or contractor files a lien discharge bond, your lien converts to a claim against the bond. You still need to file a foreclosure action within 1 year—but now you’re pursuing recovery from the surety, not the property.
Q: Can I file a lien if I never had a written contract?
A: Yes. In New York, oral contracts can support a mechanic’s lien—but you must still prove the value of your labor or materials. To avoid disputes, we recommend memorializing all agreements in writing, especially on larger Long Island projects.
Q: What if the general contractor misuses payments meant for my work?
A: That may be a violation of Article 3-A of the NY Lien Law, which treats construction funds as trust funds. If the GC diverts trust funds to unrelated debts or overhead, they may be personally liable. We prosecute and defend these claims regularly on Long Island.
Q: Do I need a license to enforce a construction contract or lien?
A: Yes. If you perform home improvement work on Long Island, you must be properly licensed:
- Nassau County: License from the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs
- Suffolk County: License from the Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs
An unlicensed contractor may not be able to enforce contracts or file valid liens in court.
Q: Which court handles construction cases on Long Island?
A: Construction disputes, lien foreclosures, and trust fund claims are usually handled in the Supreme Courts located in:
- Nassau County (Mineola)
- Suffolk County (Central Islip or Riverhead)
We regularly litigate in both counties and are familiar with local court procedures.
🔗 Related Services:
📞 Need a Construction Lawyer for a Long Island Project?
If you’re dealing with payment issues, liens, contract disputes, or trust fund claims anywhere on Long Island, Kushnick Pallaci PLLC is here to help. We serve contractors and owners across both Nassau and Suffolk.
Call us today at (631) 752-7100 or visit www.nyconstructionlaw.com.