
The Contractor may still complete minor items and fix defects after Practical Completion, as long as the Employer isn’t inconvenienced.
Practical Completion is important because if it’s not achieved by the Due Completion Date, the Employer can impose penalties on the Contractor.
Although the Employer may occupy and use the Works, the Contractor still has possession of the Works. This means the Contractor is still responsible for loss or damage to the Works, unless the loss or damage is caused by the Employer.
How to obtain a Certificate of Practical Completion:
- When the Contractor believes the Works are practically complete, he must contact the Engineer to request the Certificate.
- The Engineer must answer in 14 days and if he feels the Works aren’t yet practically complete, he must give the Contractor a list of the work which must be done to make the Works complete.
- Once the Contractor has properly completed the work on the Engineer’s list, the Engineer should issue the Certificate of Practical Completion.