Who establishes the Substantial Completion date?

• A. Owner
• B. Contractor
• C. Architect/Engineer
• D. Surety

Answer: (C)

Substantial completion is the point in time when the work is considered sufficiently complete for the owner to occupy or use it for its intended purpose under the contract. The Architect/Engineer, acting as the contract administrator, certifies this milestone. After a final inspection with the contractor and owner, the Architect/Engineer issues a certificate of substantial completion, and the date on that certificate becomes the Substantial Completion date. The owner, contractor, or surety do not unilaterally establish this date—the certification authority rests with the Architect/Engineer based on the contract documents. This certification also typically triggers certain warranty periods and shifts certain responsibilities, such as punch-list completion and insurance considerations, as outlined in the contract.