Preliminary Notice
The early notice subs and suppliers send to protect lien rights.
What it means
A preliminary notice is a notice sent near the start of a subcontractor's or supplier's work informing the owner — and often the GC and construction lender — that the sender is furnishing labor or materials to the project. In many states, sending it on time is a prerequisite to filing a mechanics lien later. It goes by different names from state to state: it is the West Coast cousin of the Notice to Owner used elsewhere, and the deadlines and required recipients vary by state.
Why it matters before you sign
The preliminary notice is cheap insurance sent while everyone is still friendly — many companies send one on every job automatically, because missing the window can forfeit lien rights months before any payment problem appears.
In a contract, it looks like this
The plumbing supplier sent a preliminary notice within days of first furnishing materials, preserving its lien rights on the project.
Related terms
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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