Notice of Commencement (Commercial Property)

A Notice of Commencement announces that work is about to begin on a physical improvement to a building and provides interested parties with information needed to follow the construction lien procedures properly. 

The property owner or lessee is required to complete and record the notice of commencement in the office of the register of deeds for the county in which the property is located PRIOR to the commencement of any physical improvement. A copy of the notice of commencement should also be posted in a conspicuous place at the job site. 

Subcontractors, suppliers or laborers can request a copy of the notice of commencement; a written request should be sent to the owner, lessee or designee by certified mail. Upon request, the owner, lessee or designee must provide the notice of commencement along with a blank notice of furnishing to the requesting party within 10 days. 

NOTE: The notice of commencement is required to be recorded in the office of the register of deeds for commercial construction projects ONLY. The language on the notice of commencement for commercial construction differs from that for residential construction. 

§        A notice of commencement for commercial projects must be recorded at the office of the register of deeds prior to the beginning of the project. 

§        A notice of commencement should be posted at the work site. 

Blank Forms (pdf): 

Notice of Commencement (Commercial)