Typically, we work as a subcontractor on construction projects in California. Our work is usually completed at the beginning of the job. This means we may have months go by after our work before the full job is completed. All the while, there may be some money owed to us waiting until the end of the job. Especially retainage. We often are moved onto other projects pretty quickly and this money can start to pile up. It's hard to keep track. While mechanics lien rights could be useful to us, we don't know when notices of completion are filed, and therefore, when our lien rights window opens/closes. What are some best practices for us here? And can sending preliminary notice help?