BEFORE YOU CAN FILE A WISCONSIN CONSTRUCTION LIEN, YOU MUST DETERMINE WHETHER A PRE-LIEN NOTICE IS REQUIRED. WISCONSIN DOES NOT USE A “NOTICE OF FURNISHING OR PRELIMINARY NOTICE”. INSTEAD, WISCONSIN LAW REQUIRES MOST LIEN CLAIMANTS TO PROVIDE ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER IN ORDER TO PRESERVE LIEN RIGHTS.

What Is a Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice?

A Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice (sometimes called a Notice of Intent to Claim a Lien) is a legal document that serves one primary purpose:

To notify the property owner that you are providing labor, materials, or services to the project and may file a construction lien if you are not paid.

The notice protects lien rights by formally identifying potential lien claimants early in the project.

Who Must Send a Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice?

Most lien claimants must send a pre-lien notice, including:

Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Equipment rental companies
Specialty trade contractors

Who Does NOT Need to Send a Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice?

Laborers
Certain parties working on public projects
Some design professionals (depending on contract structure)

Special Rule for General Contractors in Wisconsin

General contractors are not exempt from notice requirements in Wisconsin. Instead, they must provide a written pre-lien notice to the property owner before beginning work.

This notice may be:

Included directly in the written contract or
Delivered as a separate written notice before work starts

If a general contractor fails to give this notice, lien rights may be limited or completely barred, even if the contractor is unpaid.

Wisconsin Pre-Lien Notice Deadline (Subcontractors & Suppliers)

Subcontractors and suppliers must serve the pre-lien notice within 60 days of first furnishing labor, materials, or services.

If the notice is not sent within this 60-day period, lien rights may be lost.

⭐ How to File a Wisconsin Mechanics/Construction Lien (Step-By-Step)

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