An early notice sent to the property owner and GC at the start of a project that protects your right to file a lien later.
A preliminary notice is a formal document sent by a subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, or material supplier early in a project—typically within 20 to 60 days of first furnishing labor or materials—that preserves the sender's right to file a mechanic's lien or bond claim later if they go unpaid. Requirements vary widely by state: some states require all parties to serve preliminary notices, while others require it only for parties without a direct contract with the owner. Failure to serve a timely preliminary notice can permanently extinguish lien rights in many jurisdictions.
A California electrical subcontractor serves a 20-day preliminary notice on the owner and lender within 20 days of starting work to preserve its mechanic's lien rights.
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