Construction nightmare?

I do not practice in Connecticut, but here in New Jersey, yes, the subcontractors would be able to file a lien against your property for the amount due from the general contractor. Due to the fact that this would be a lien on a residential project, the subcontractor would have to go through an extensive process in order to file a lien (a Notice of Unpaid Balance would need to be filed and arbitration would have to take place). This process can be expensive, so many people do not go through the hassle of filing liens when the project is considered residential. It usually depends on the amount owed to the subcontractor. I'm sure Connecticut also has a similar Construction Lien Law, but I don't know that the law is restricted in residential settings like it is in New Jersey. I n New Jersey, you would, of course, have an action against the general contractor, if a subcontractor successfully placed a lien on your home, and you paid the general contractor for that subcontractor's work.

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Generally, subcontractors who have not been paid on a project can place a mechanics lien against the property. However, many jurisdictions have restrictions on placing liens against residential real estate. In addition, many jurisdictions provide certain defenses, unique to residential real estate owners, which may be used to defeat a subcontractor mechanics lien. You need to check with a knowledgeable attorney who is licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction to ascertain the specific laws and defenses applicable to your unique situation. You may also wish to explore whether there is some way that you can work this out with your contractor because, in addition to the risk of liens, if you fire your contractor, you will end up paying replacement contractors more money to complete the job than is left in your budget. You will then be faced with the prospect of either absorbing the additional costs or suing the contractor to recover the additional costs you incurred.

Good luck.