Opinion ID: 901890
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Issue III: Lien Itemization

Text: [¶ 25.] Because we have concluded that Par Golf did not timely file its mechanic's lien with respect to its work before the September 23-24 repair, we need only determine whether Par Golf properly itemized its lien for the repair work, a claim of $1,245. [¶ 26.] SDCL 44-9-16(7) requires [a]n itemized statement of the account upon which the lien is claimed. While this statutory language is construed liberally, the lien claimant must substantially comply with its requirements. Crescent Elec. Supply Co. v. Nerison, 89 S.D. 203, 232 N.W.2d 76 (1975). Substantial compliance is required to protect others with an interest in the property from fraud and imposition. Ringgenberg v. Wilmsmeyer, 253 N.W.2d 197 (S.D.1977). Failure to sufficiently itemize the account renders the lien invalid. R & L Supply, Ltd. v. Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Soc'y, 462 N.W.2d 515, 519 (S.D.1990). The test is whether the itemization provided sufficient detail to notify an ordinarily intelligent and careful person that work was actually accomplished on the property in question. H & R Plumbing & Heating Inc. v. Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp., 406 N.W.2d 151, 153 (S.D.1987); see also Ringgenberg, 253 N.W.2d 197 (S.D.1977). As noted in R & L Supply, a lien statement which list[s] the destination of the materials, quantity of each item, together with a description of the item and its price constitutes sufficient itemization. 462 N.W.2d at 519; see also H & R Plumbing, 406 N.W.2d at 153 (providing that sufficient detail includes a description of the type of work done and materials used by the subcontractor). [¶ 27.] In this case, the circuit court concluded that Par Golf's lien for the repair work was sufficiently itemized: Par Golf itemized the repairs to the irrigation system including a $200.00 mobilization fee, $145.00 for material and 20 hours labor at $45.00 per hour, for a total of $1,245.00. The information is sufficient to notify an ordinary, intelligent and careful person of the details of the claim. Par Golf also included the dates this work was provided. We conclude that Par Golf's itemization was sufficiently detailed to notify an ordinarily intelligent and careful person that work was actually accomplished on the property in question. H & R Plumbing, 406 N.W.2d at 153. [¶ 28.] Defendants, however, argue that if a mechanic's lien is not sufficiently itemized to the full extent of the claim, the lien may not be imposed even for those portions that are sufficiently itemized. Because Defendants have not supported this argument with any authority, we decline to consider this issue. The failure to submit supporting authority constitutes a waiver of the argument. Hart, 2000 SD 53, ¶ 45, 609 N.W.2d at 149. We affirm the award of a mechanic's lien in the amount of $1,245.