"Lien laws" are pretty common throughout the U.S. It is crucial to get releases from subs and suppliers when purchasing a new home or having major construction done. Title insurance will usually protect you in a home purchase but only if the lien has already been filed, just not served.
No, it's not fair that the end user has to pay twice for one thing, but is it fair that the subcontractor or employee or whomever be stuck with the bill because the end user hired a contractor who took the money but didn't pay his people? It is a case of buyer beware -- you hired the contractor, you're responsible for his actions on your job.
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Army/embassy brat - traveled too much to mention
Moved here from SF Bay Area (East Bay)
"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
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