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Contracts & Legal

Certificate of Substantial Completion

In Plain English

An official document certifying that the project is essentially done and ready for its intended use.

Definition

A certificate of substantial completion is a document issued by the architect or owner certifying that the project has reached substantial completion and is sufficiently complete for its intended use. It establishes the date from which warranty periods begin and triggers the release of a portion of retainage. The certificate identifies remaining items for the punch list.

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