A contractor fails to pay subcontractors on a project in South Carolina. Under the mechanics lien law, within how many days must the subcontractor file a lien after the last day of work?
Correct Answer
C) 120 days
Under South Carolina mechanics lien law, subcontractors must file their lien within 120 days after the last day they performed work on the project.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under South Carolina's mechanics lien statute (SC Code § 29-5-90), subcontractors must file their lien within 120 days after the last day they performed work or furnished materials on the project. This 120-day window applies to subcontractors and suppliers, not just prime contractors.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 60 days
60 days is the lien filing deadline under Louisiana's Private Works Act, not South Carolina's mechanics lien law. Confusing these two state deadlines is a common exam error.
Option B: 180 days
180 days is not the SC subcontractor lien deadline. This longer timeframe appears in other contexts (such as certain bond claim deadlines or other states' statutes) and is a distractor here.
Option D: 90 days
90 days is not the SC mechanics lien deadline for subcontractors. Some states use 90 days, but South Carolina gives subcontractors the longer 120-day window from their last day of work.
Memory Technique
SC Mechanics Lien for Subcontractors = 120 days = 4 months. Think: 'South Carolina gives you a season (4 months / 120 days) to file your lien.' Four months after your last day of work is the cutoff.
More South Carolina Questions
What is the maximum contract value a Tier 1 residential contractor can undertake in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, a contractor discovers a material defect in their work 6 months after project completion. The owner demands immediate correction. What is the contractor's legal obligation?
A contractor has 15 employees and annual payroll of $780,000. The workers compensation rate is $4.25 per $100 of payroll. What is the annual premium?
According to SC building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a residential floor joist with a 16-foot span under live load?
A subcontractor completes $25,000 of electrical work but is not paid by the general contractor. The general contractor was paid by the owner. What is the subcontractor's lien priority against the property?
A contractor receives a stop work order from the building official. Work continues for 3 additional days before stopping. What penalty applies per South Carolina building codes?
Under South Carolina workers compensation law, which of the following employees would be exempt from coverage requirements?
Under South Carolina contractor licensing law, how many hours of continuing education are required annually for license renewal?
A Class B contractor wants to bid on a $750,000 commercial project. What must the contractor do to be eligible?
A contractor's license expires on June 30th. They submit renewal application and fees on July 15th. What additional penalty must they pay?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A contractor completes a $150,000 residential project. The homeowner discovers defects and wants to file a complaint. What is the statute of limitations for construction defect claims in South Carolina?
Next Question
A contractor discovers that their SC license expired 45 days ago. What penalty applies for late renewal?