Few items in a project schedule are as
important as the date of substantial
completion, which is often the trigger
date for liquidated damages, reduction
in retainage, warranties, and other factors.
Most construction contracts follow
the definition of substantial
completion given in AIA A201 as that
stage of progress when the work or
designed portion thereof is sufficiently
complete in accordance with the contract
documents so that the owner can
occupy the building or put the work to
its intended use.
Whether the walk-through to determine
substantial completion is made by
a third party — typically an architect or
engineer — or by the builder and the
owner together, the potential for problems
is the same. Generally, disputes
center around