What document restricts the contractor's liability after conditions of completion are met?

The Certificate of Substantial Completion is a key document in construction contracts that signifies the completion of a project, or a designated portion of it, to the point where it can be used for its intended purpose. Once this certificate is issued, it indicates that the contractor has fulfilled the major contractual obligations, and it often triggers a transfer of responsibility for the project to the owner.

Importantly, this certificate typically includes provisions that limit the contractor’s liability for conditions that arise after substantial completion. After the conditions specified in the project are met and the certificate is executed, the contractor's responsibilities shift significantly, and they are generally relieved from liability for certain defects or issues that may arise thereafter, barring any blatant negligence or failure to adhere to specified codes.

The other options do not provide the same framework regarding contractor liability. A Stop Work Notice merely advises parties that a work stoppage is necessary without addressing liability concerns. A Stop Work Order is a formal directive to halt all construction activities, typically due to legal or safety issues, and does not pertain to the completion status of a project. A Change Directive allows for changes in the work without requiring consent from the contractor, but it does not relate to limiting liability once conditions of completion are met. Therefore, the