What is a Notice to Owner?
A Notice to Owner is the paper that is sent to the owner by a lienor who is not dealing directly with the owner. It tells the owner that the sender is looking to the owner to be sure that the sender is paid before the owner pays the contractor. This also gives the owner warnings and the opportunity to see that the sender is paid in order that he not be later surprised with a lien from someone the owner never knew existed. Actual notice by the owner of the non-privity lienor working on the job is no substitute for the written document.

Generally, the Notice to Owner must be served not later than 45 days from the first labor, services, or materials at the job site. The 45 days begin to run from the beginning of the manufacture of specially fabricated materials not readily useable elsewhere.