What is the primary principle behind a construction lien?

The primary principle behind a construction lien is rooted in the concept of unjust enrichment. This principle ensures that parties involved in construction projects, such as contractors or suppliers who provide labor or materials, are compensated for their work. If these parties are not paid, they might have a right to file a lien against the property where the work was performed. This mechanism serves to protect the laborers and suppliers and prevent property owners from being enriched at the expense of those who contributed to the construction. The lien essentially puts a claim on the property until the owed amounts are settled, thereby reinforcing the idea that no one should benefit from services and materials without providing fair compensation.

Other concepts, like interest accumulation or property transfer, do not directly relate to the fundamental goal of ensuring fair compensation in construction transactions. Statutory requirements certainly govern how construction liens are filed and enforced, but they are more about the process than the underlying principle motivating the lien itself.