Notice of Commencement
The owner's recorded notice that a construction project is starting.
What it means
A notice of commencement is a document the property owner records — and often posts at the job site — before construction starts, identifying the property, the owner, the general contractor, and often the lender and surety. In states that use it, it marks the official start of the project for lien purposes and gives subs and suppliers the information they need to send their own notices. Whether it is required, what it contains, and its effect on lien deadlines vary by state.
Why it matters before you sign
For subs and suppliers, the notice of commencement is the cheat sheet for protecting lien rights — pull it early, because the names and addresses in it are where your notices need to go.
In a contract, it looks like this
Before the first inspection, the owner recorded a notice of commencement listing the GC, the construction lender, and the surety.
This definition is a general, educational explanation — not legal advice. XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice; consider consulting a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements vary by state.
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