Associate Attorney at Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Ohio Construction Lawyer
Nic Oehler is an Ohio attorney focused on construction law and disputes. He represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners in matters involving construction contracts, payment disputes, mechanic’s liens, and bond claims.

Nic works with clients to deliver practical, business-oriented legal solutions that protect payment rights, manage risk, and resolve disputes efficiently.

He currently practices as an associate at Bailey Cavalieri LLC and serves clients throughout the state.
Office Location:
10 West Broad Street
Suite 2100
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact Nic
Ohio Construction Law

Protecting your rights
at every stage of the project

Practical legal counsel for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and homeowners across Ohio — from contract execution through final resolution.

Transactional services

Prevention
01

Contract drafting & review

Residential and commercial contracts structured to reduce risk and protect payment rights from day one.

02

Mechanic's lien compliance

Notice of Furnishing preparation, lien strategy, and full compliance with Ohio's statutory framework.

03

HCSSA compliance

Home improvement contracts aligned with the Ohio Home Construction Service Suppliers Act.

04

CSPA risk prevention

Contract language and policies to minimize exposure under Ohio consumer protection law.

05

Change orders & documentation

Systematic documentation practices that strengthen enforceability and reduce project disputes.

06

Delay & payment planning

Proactive legal planning for anticipated delays, disruptions, and payment protection strategies.

Construction litigation

Resolution
01

Lien enforcement & defense

Foreclosure actions, lien defense, and payment recovery through Ohio's courts.

02

Breach of contract

Representation in non-payment disputes, scope disagreements, and project abandonment claims.

03

Construction delay disputes

Claims involving schedule delays, project disruptions, and contested change orders.

04

Defective construction claims

Litigation involving workmanship failures, material defects, and building code violations.

05

HCSSA & CSPA claims

Defense and prosecution of statutory consumer and home construction disputes.

06

Contractor & homeowner representation

Full advocacy for both residential and commercial construction clients across all venues.

All content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

What Should I Do If a Contractor Puts a Lien on My House?

What Should I Do If a Contractor Puts a Lien on My House?

If a contractor files a mechanic's lien against your property, do not ignore it. A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against real estate that may arise when a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier alleges that it has not been paid for work or materials furnished to improve the property. Ohio mechanic's liens are governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1311.

The first step is to obtain and review a copy of the lien. Determine who filed it, the amount being claimed, the work allegedly performed, and when the lien was recorded. A lien claimant must comply with Ohio's statutory requirements, including applicable notice obligations and filing deadlines. See Ohio Revised Code § 1311.06.

You should also gather relevant documents relating to the project, including contracts, change orders, invoices, proof of payment, photographs, emails, text messages, and other project records. These materials may help determine whether the lien is valid and whether the amount claimed is accurate.

A mechanic's lien does not automatically mean the contractor will prevail. Liens may be challenged if statutory requirements were not satisfied or if there are disputes regarding the work performed, the amount owed, or the contractor's compliance with the parties' agreement. Depending on the facts, homeowners may also have claims relating to defective workmanship, breach of contract, or violations of Ohio's Home Construction Service Suppliers Act (HCSSA) or the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA).

Because a mechanic's lien can affect your ability to sell or refinance your property and may ultimately lead to a lien foreclosure action, homeowners should promptly evaluate their rights and options when a lien is filed.