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📅 Notice Deadline Calculator

Calculate deadlines for preliminary notices, notices of intent to lien, and other construction notices.

Types of Construction Notices

Notice TypePurposeDeadline
Preliminary NoticePreserve lien rights20-60 days from first furnish
Notice of Intent to LienFinal warning before lien10-30 days before lien
Notice of CompletionOwner files to shorten deadlinesWithin 10-30 days of completion
Notice of Non-PaymentSubcontractor notice to GCVaries by state
Stop NoticePublic works payment claim20-90 days from last work

State-by-State Preliminary Notice Deadlines

StateDeadlineStarts From
California20 daysFirst furnishing
Texas15 daysFirst furnishing
Florida45 daysFirst furnishing
New YorkNo requirementN/A
Illinois60 daysFirst furnishing
Arizona20 daysFirst furnishing
Nevada31 daysFirst furnishing
Washington60 daysFirst furnishing
Oregon8 daysFirst furnishing
ColoradoNo requirementN/A

How to Calculate Notice Deadlines

Step 1: Identify Notice Type

  • Preliminary Notice
  • Notice of Intent to Lien
  • Notice of Completion
  • Stop Notice
  • Other

Step 2: Determine Start Date

  • First Furnishing: First day you provided labor, materials, or equipment
  • Last Work: Last day you provided labor, materials, or equipment
  • Completion: Date project was substantially complete

Step 3: Calculate Deadline

  • Start Date: _______________
  • Notice Period: _____ days
  • Deadline: Start Date + Notice Period = _______________

Interactive Calculator

Select your state, enter your dates, and get all your notice deadlines instantly.

First day you furnished labor, materials, or equipment
Last day you performed work or delivered materials
Date project was substantially complete (if known)

Critical Deadlines by State

California

  • Preliminary Notice: 20 days from first furnish
  • Notice of Completion: Owner files within 10 days
  • Mechanics Lien: 90 days from completion (or 60/30 days if NOC filed)
  • Stop Notice: 90 days from last work

Texas

  • Preliminary Notice: 15 days from first furnish (2nd+ month)
  • Notice of Intent to Lien: 10 days before lien
  • Mechanics Lien: 15th day of 4th month after last work

Florida

  • Notice to Owner: 45 days from first furnish
  • Notice of Intent to Lien: 45 days before lien
  • Mechanics Lien: 90 days from last work

Common Mistakes

  1. Missing Preliminary Notice - Lose lien rights entirely
  2. Counting Days Wrong - Use calendar days, not business days
  3. Wrong Start Date - Must be from first furnishing, not invoice date
  4. Not Serving Properly - Must follow state requirements exactly
Deadlines Are Strict

Missing a notice deadline can completely eliminate your lien rights. When in doubt, send the notice early.

Best Practices

  1. Send Early - Don't wait until the deadline
  2. Track First Furnishing - Document the exact date
  3. Use Certified Mail - Proof of service matters
  4. Keep Records - Save all notices and proof of service
  5. Check State Requirements - Each state is different