Odd though it may be, a mechanics lien has little to do with auto mechanics. Instead, it involves builders. Contractors and subcontractors, materials suppliers and equipment suppliers -- these are the folks who use mechanics liens.A mechanics lien enables workers to collect debts owed for work or materials they've contributed to a project. By making a legal claim on the real estate of an owner, the lien ensures that workers don't leave a project empty-handed if the owner refuses payment. Consequently, it's important that both laborers and owners understand the ins and outs of these liens.Whether a reader is a general contractor, a carpenter, a lumber supplier or simply a diehard fan of home improvement projects, Everybody's Guide to Mechanics' Liens is the place to go for strategies and answers.The book does not cover public property owners and publicly-funded projects.