N.C.G.S. § 44A-11.1
North Carolina's Notice of Commencement is unique: instead of recording at the county courthouse, the owner designates a state-approved lien agent through LiensNC for any improvement costing $30,000 or more (with limited owner-occupied exceptions). Subcontractors and suppliers then serve notices on the lien agent — not the owner — to preserve lien rights.
The owner of the real property (or the owner's authorized agent) appoints the lien agent and is responsible for posting the lien agent's information.
No later than the time the owner first contracts with anyone to furnish labor or materials. In practice, the appointment is typically made at or before building-permit issuance.
Designated electronically with a state-approved lien agent through the LiensNC online directory (https://www.liensnc.com). North Carolina does not use county courthouse recording for the NOC; the lien agent designation is the official notice.
Required for any improvement to real property where the cost of the undertaking is $30,000 or more — except for improvements to a one-or-two family dwelling that is or will be occupied as a residence by the owner.
The lien agent's contact information must be posted at the jobsite, included on the building permit (or attached to it), and provided in writing to anyone who requests it.
Reference: N.C.G.S. § 44A-11.1
A Notice of Intent to Lien is the final written demand for payment served before recording a Claim of Lien under N.C.G.S. § 44A-11.1. 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.
When the cost of the improvement is $30,000 or more and the property is not a one-or-two family dwelling occupied as a residence by the owner.
Electronically through the LiensNC online directory at https://www.liensnc.com. North Carolina does not use the Clerk of Superior Court for NOC filing — the lien agent designation is the statutory notice.
In North Carolina they're effectively the same thing. The 'Notice of Commencement' under § 44A-11.1 is the appointment of a lien agent through LiensNC, not a courthouse recording. Subcontractors and suppliers serve a Notice to Lien Agent within 15 days of first furnishing to preserve lien rights.
This page is general information about North Carolina's Notice of Commencement statute and is not legal advice. Statutes, recording fees, and local procedures change. Verify current requirements with the appropriate North Carolina recording office or a licensed North Carolina construction attorney before filing.