What is a Notice of Commencement?
A Notice of Commencement is an official document that marks the beginning of a construction project. It serves to notify all relevant parties, including local authorities, subcontractors, and suppliers, that construction work is about to start on a particular property. This document is crucial for establishing the project's timeline and ensuring that all parties are informed and in compliance with local regulations.
What does a Notice of Commencement include?
A Notice of Commencement includes key project details that identify the property, parties, and start date. It also records information that supports lien rights, compliance, and project transparency.
Here’s what a Notice of Commencement usually covers:
- Property address: Exact location where construction work will take place.
- Project owner: Name and contact details of the owner responsible for the project.
- General contractor: Name and contact information of the main contractor.
- Start date: Planned date when construction work is set to begin.
- Surety bond details: Information about any bonds issued for payment or performance.
- Financing information: Details about lenders or financial arrangements linked to the project.
These inclusions create a clear record for everyone involved and reduce disputes about timing or responsibility. They also support compliance rules that protect project owners, contractors, and suppliers.
Best Practices for Filing a Notice of Commencement
- Accurate Information: Ensure that all information included in the Notice of Commencement is accurate and complete. This includes the property address, project owner, contractor, and start date.
- Timely Filing: File the notice with the appropriate local authorities before the start of construction. This helps avoid any legal issues and ensures compliance with local regulations.
- Notification: Distribute copies of the notice to all relevant parties, including subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. This ensures that everyone is aware of the project’s commencement and their roles.
- Documentation: Keep a copy of the filed notice for your records and ensure that it is easily accessible throughout the duration of the project.
- Legal Compliance: Verify that the notice meets all legal requirements in your jurisdiction, including any specific formatting or information mandates.
Notice of Commencement vs Notice of Completion
A Notice of Commencement starts the official project timeline, while a Notice of Completion signals that construction has finished. Each notice affects lien rights, payment processes, and compliance rules in different ways.
Here’s a quick look at how the two notices compare:
| Item |
Notice of Commencement |
Notice of Completion |
| Property status |
Project begins and work is ready to start |
Construction work has finished |
| Purpose |
Establishes the official start date |
Marks the end of the project timeline |
| Key effect |
Triggers lien rights and deadlines |
Limits or closes lien filing periods |
| Filed by |
Project owner or contractor depending on rules |
Usually the project owner |
| Timing |
Filed before or on the first day of work |
Filed once all contracted work is complete |
| Included details |
Property, parties, contractor, bonds, financing |
Completion date, property details, contractor info |
| Impact on payment |
Supports progress claims and early notices |
Helps verify final payments and closeout steps |
These differences help project owners, contractors, and consultants track obligations across the full timeline. For example, a Commencement notice helps suppliers know when lien deadlines start, while a Completion notice shows when those deadlines end.
When to Use a Notice of Commencement
You use a Notice of Commencement at the very start of a construction project. The timing matters because it sets the official date that triggers compliance steps and lien timelines.
Here are the moments when you file it:
- Before any work begins: Submit it before crews or contractors start onsite.
- On the project’s first day: File it on day one if early filing is not allowed.
- When contracts are executed: Lodge it once the owner and contractor sign the agreement.
- When financing is final: File after lenders approve and confirm project funding.
These moments keep the filing aligned with legal rules in each region. Many jurisdictions require this notice right before work begins so all subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants can track deadlines tied to the start date.
How Mastt Helps with Reporting a Notice of Commencement
Mastt helps you prepare and report a Notice of Commencement with accurate project data, fast document checks, and clear visibility across cost, contracts, and timelines.
Here’s how Mastt’s platform supports this step:
- AI Assistant: Pulls project information like owner, contractor, and start dates on request.
- AI Document Analysis: Reads uploaded files to extract property details, parties, and key dates.
- AI Contract Review: Highlights commencement clauses and confirms the official start date.
- AI Payment Review: Checks early payment steps linked to the commencement date.
- Project Dashboard: Shows the confirmed start date across reporting, costs, schedule, and risks.
- Contracts & Payments module: Provides contract and payment details that support accurate reporting and compliance.
These tools help project owners, consultants, and PMs confirm details faster and prepare commencement documentation with confidence.
