On a construction project, they could be. For example, the foundation sub-contractor may have done his work months ago and have moved on to other work. The critical pathway of the project requires the foundation be built before any other work can be built on it. Similarly grading of the grounds has to be done before the foundation can be built. . . etc. These contractors would most likely be paid early on in the flow of the project. . . same for rough in plumbing such as the water supply and sewer lines, etc, as well as running power into the site.
Yes, of course. But I was replying to a poster talking about painting and landscaping being the last things done on a project. Even then, on a large project I’d expect the painting and landscaping was paid in stages as different areas were completed. The most recent bills would likely be for work done just before completion which was in June, though. Those seem a bit recent to garner new liens due to late payment.