Which entity determines Substantial and Final Completion?

Which entity determines Substantial and Final Completion?

• A. Owner
• B. Building Official
• C. A/E (Architect/Engineer)
• D. Contractor

Answer: (C)

The architect/engineer is the one who certifies when the work has reached Substantial Completion and Final Completion. These milestones are defined in the contract documents, and it’s the design professional’s job to review the work against those documents, determine whether the project is sufficiently complete for its intended use, and issue formal certificates (often a Certificate of Substantial Completion and a Certificate of Final Completion). This certification from the architect/engineer completes the transfer of certain responsibilities (like risk and warranty start) and marks the point at which punch lists are addressed and the project is officially deemed finished. The Building Official issues occupancy permits and ensures code compliance, but they do not certify contract completion. The owner and contractor perform their roles, but the authority to certify completion typically rests with the design professional designated in the contract.

The architect/engineer is the one who certifies when the work has reached Substantial Completion and Final Completion. These milestones are defined in the contract documents, and it’s the design professional’s job to review the work against those documents, determine whether the project is sufficiently complete for its intended use, and issue formal certificates (often a Certificate of Substantial Completion and a Certificate of Final Completion). This certification from the architect/engineer completes the transfer of certain responsibilities (like risk and warranty start) and marks the point at which punch lists are addressed and the project is officially deemed finished.

The Building Official issues occupancy permits and ensures code compliance, but they do not certify contract completion. The owner and contractor perform their roles, but the authority to certify completion typically rests with the design professional designated in the contract.