Perception Construction Management, Inc. v. Bell

HORTON, Justice.

Stephen and Marilee Bell (the Bells) hired contractor Perception Construction Management, Inc. (PCM) to build a log home. The parties’ relationship deteriorated, and the Bells terminated the contract before construction was complete. The Bells refused to pay final invoices, and PCM filed suit to enforce a lien for the amounts claimed to be due. The Bells filed several counterclaims, including construction defect and breach of contract.

*252PCM moved for an expedited trial on the claim of lien, and the district court bifurcated the claims. At the expedited trial, the Bells attempted…