O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.5
Georgia's Notice of Commencement is optional but strategically powerful. When recorded, it forces subcontractors and material suppliers to send a Notice to Contractor within 30 days to preserve their lien rights — giving owners and general contractors much earlier visibility into who's working on a project.
The property owner or the contractor (with the owner's authorization) typically files the Notice of Commencement.
Within 15 days after the contractor physically begins work on the project. Best practice is to record before work starts.
With the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the property is located.
Optional. Available for any private construction project; commonly used on commercial and larger residential projects.
A copy must be posted at the jobsite and provided to subcontractors and material suppliers who request it in writing.
Reference: O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.5
A Notice of Intent to Lien is the final written demand for payment served before recording a Claim of Lien under O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.5. It puts the owner, contractor, and lender on notice that they have a short window — usually 10 days — to pay the unpaid balance or a lien will be recorded. Most owners pay once they receive a properly served NOI, and serving one documents a good-faith effort to resolve the debt before filing.
No — under O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.5 it's optional. But it's strongly recommended, because filing it shifts a notice burden onto subcontractors and suppliers and gives the owner an early warning system for lien claims.
With the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the construction project is located.
Within 15 days of the contractor physically commencing work. Filing earlier (before work starts) is the safest approach.
This page is general information about Georgia's Notice of Commencement statute and is not legal advice. Statutes, recording fees, and local procedures change. Verify current requirements with the appropriate Georgia recording office or a licensed Georgia construction attorney before filing.