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A consumer alert for anyone hiring a contractor: get lien waivers. The TODAY’S TMJ4 Call 4 Action Office has gotten several complaints lately from consumers who are getting hit with liens on bills that they thought were paid. Karen Stiles of the TODAY’S TMJ4 Call 4 Action Office has more about this problem and what you can do. Many of us might think that because we paid the contractor when the job was done, everything was settled. However, what we may not know is whether our contractor has actually paid the sub-contractors or suppliers. If the contractor does not pay these bills, the suppliers and sub-contractors may have a right to file a lien on your property. To prevent this from happening, whenever you hire a contractor, and play to pay all or a portion of the bill, insist on being given lien waivers from not only the contractor, but also from the sub-contractors and suppliers. All contractors must supply lien waivers. If they refuse to offer a waiver, do not pay them or you could be on the hook for a bill later. If you didn’t know about an unpaid bill and are now getting notice of a lien being filed, contact your contractor first to bring the situation to their attention and ask again for all lien waivers. If you are unable to reach the contractor, especially if it’s because he has gone out of business, contact the supplier or sub-contractor to get more details about the bill. This may not clear the lien, but you may be able to get enough information to be able to take further action against the primary contractor or the business filing the lien. Before you pay the bill, you might also want to check with an attorney or the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection. There are some very specific rules that contractors and suppliers must follow before they can file a lien against your property, and if one or more of these rules are broken, you may not owe.