When is the Certificate of Substantial Completion prepared?

The Certificate of Substantial Completion is prepared at the end of the construction process. This document signifies that a project has reached a stage where it is sufficiently complete for the owner to occupy or utilize it for its intended purpose, even if some minor work may still be pending.

At this point, the contractor typically provides a list of any remaining tasks or defects that need to be addressed, often referred to as "punch list" items. The issuance of this certificate indicates a significant milestone in the project, as it allows for the release of certain contractual obligations and often marks the beginning of warranty periods for the work completed.

In contrast to the end stage, preparing this certificate is not relevant at the beginning or during the construction process, as it simply cannot reflect the state of the project before it has reached substantial completion. It also is not related to the final inspection, which typically occurs as a distinct process to verify compliance with building codes and project specifications before the completion of all work and the final acceptance of the project.