A preliminary notice is an early alert filed on the SCR to tell owners, lenders, and general contractors that you’re providing labor or materials on a project.

• Creates visibility and transparency for all parties.
• Preserves your right to later record a mechanics’ lien if unpaid.
• Reduces payment disputes by documenting who’s on the job.

Without this notice, a subcontractor or supplier usually cannot later file a valid mechanics’ lien even if payment is never made.

Under Utah Code §§ 38-1a-501 through 38-1a-506, the following typically must file:

• Subcontractors providing labor or materials without a direct contract with the owner.
• Suppliers furnishing materials to subcontractors or other suppliers.
• General contractors in some cases, to identify their own involvement on the SCR.

If you supply through another company (like a distributor), file your own notice to protect your lien rights.

The State Construction Registry (SCR) is Utah’s official database for preliminary notices.

• Preliminary notice: file within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials.
• Mechanics’ lien: record within 90 days after final completion or your last work.

If you miss the 20-day window, you can still file, but protection starts on the filing date only. Earlier work/materials aren’t covered.

General contractors should:

• Monitor SCR for new filings and updates.
• Confirm subs and suppliers file notices.
• Keep organized records for payment releases and lien waivers.

Property owners should:

• Expect electronic or mailed copies of preliminary notices.
• Verify accuracy of each notice against project records.
• Understand that notices don’t mean you owe money directly, but they warn of potential liens if subs go unpaid.

• Mechanics’ lien claims can be invalid under Utah Code § 38-1a-501 for noncompliance.
• Disputes shift to basic contract claims with weaker leverage.
• Courts strictly enforce timing and content rules; “good faith” errors rarely excuse late or incorrect filings.

File early and double-check details in SCR to avoid losing payment protection.

Courts treat lien disputes as statutory claims. Judges verify SCR records to confirm timely filing and proper notice. Late or missing notices almost always lead to dismissal of lien claims. Many disputes are avoided by accurate, on-time SCR filings and open communication among all parties.