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21 January 2016 | Comment | Article by Iwan Jenkins

The three minute guide: what is practical completion?


Practical completion confirms the completion of construction works on a project, although there is no precise legal definition of the phrase.

Generally, it is the point at which a building project is complete, save for minor defects. Some construction practitioners describe this point as when the building project is “capable of beneficial occupation and use”.

The phrase can also refer to the point at which an employer’s agent/architect/contract administrator confirms that the building contractor has achieved “practical completion” under the building contract. As many standard form building contracts do not define practical completion, this is frequently left to the professional judgement of the certifier.

Why is it so important?

Practical completion of a project is of huge commercial and legal importance. The date of practical completion (usually stated in a practical completion certificate) is the date on which the operational period of a project will start.

It also has a number of contractual and legal implications:

  • it ends any right to liquidated damages in respect of a delay to the works;
  • the employer must pay a percentage of any retention monies (usually 50%) to the contractor;
  • the “defects liability period” commences from practical completion;
  • the risk of loss or damage to (and responsibility for) the works usually transfers from the contractor to the employer;
  • the contract administrator may not instruct the contractor to carry out variations after practical completion; and
  • it may trigger other consequences under the contract (such as the “final account” provisions under a JCT contract).

What practical issues do I need to consider?

The requirements for practical completion vary from project to project. Disputes as to whether or when practical completion has been achieved are common but can be avoided by:

  • checking that the building contract is clear on when practical completion has occurred (including where practical completion is deemed to have occurred); and
  • keeping a paper trail documenting acceptance of possession, partial possession or agreement for early access, as appropriate.

Finally, if you are amending a standard form building contract to make the test for achieving practical completion more stringent, you should consider whether this is in the best interests of the employer; a stringent mechanism can sometimes backfire.

Author bio

Iwan Jenkins

Partner

Iwan advises on non-contentious construction matters and has prepared and negotiated documentation on a wide variety of projects. He has advised on building contracts, appointments, development agreements, construction security documentation and all associated documentation.

Iwan has advised public sector clients in social housing, education, local and national government as well as contractors, consultants, sub-contractors, developers and funders in the private sector.

Iwan has a particular interest and expertise in framework agreements and collaborative construction contracts.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

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