TapeAndFloat.comPreliminary notice (notice of claim)
By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · Updated 2026-10-28
A preliminary notice, or notice of claim, is a letter a subcontractor or supplier sends to the owner and/or GC saying it is owed, or may be owed, for work on the property. Many states require some form of notice before a lien can be filed; names and rules vary.
Not legal advice. This is a general explanation for contractors across the U.S. Lien and payment rules differ by state and by contract, and they change. Before you act on a lien, waiver or payment clause, talk to a construction attorney in your state.
Why it matters on a drywall job
- In many states, a lien isn't available if the notice wasn't sent.
- Sending notice is a routine step in many markets, and many GCs treat it that way.
For one state's rules, see the Texas lien guide for subcontractors. It covers Texas only.
Related guides and tools
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¿Prefiere español? Aviso preliminar (aviso de reclamo).