PlanoveraFree Practical Completion Certificate Template
A Certificate of Practical Completion is issued when the works (or a defined section) are complete enough for their intended use, subject only to minor outstanding items. It matters beyond paperwork: its date starts the defects liability period, triggers partial release of retention, and shifts risk and insurance responsibility toward the employer. Below is a worked example, followed by what needs to be confirmed before issuing one.
Sample — Certificate of Practical Completion
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project details | |
| Project | Riverside Avenue Upgrade — Package 2 |
| Contract No. | RAU-PKG2-2026 |
| Contractor | ABC Construction Ltd |
| Employer | City Roads Authority |
| Certification | |
| Date of practical completion | 2026-08-15 |
| Outstanding minor items (snag list) | Attached — 6 items, to be completed within 14 days |
| Defects liability period | 12 months from the above date |
| Retention released on this certificate | 50% of retention held |
| Status | Practically complete |
What to confirm before issuing the certificate
- 1Confirm the works (or the relevant section) are complete enough for their intended use, with only minor outstanding items ('snags') remaining.
- 2Carry out a joint inspection with the contractor and record any outstanding minor defects or items as a snag list, with a date for completion.
- 3Confirm the contractor has provided the handover items due at this stage — as-built drawings, O&M manuals, test certificates, warranties.
- 4State the date of practical completion — this is what starts the defects liability period, not the certificate's issue date.
- 5Record the defects liability (or maintenance) period length per the contract, and the date it ends.
- 6State any retention released on issue of this certificate, per the contract terms — often a partial release, with the balance held until the defects liability period ends.
- 7The Engineer or certifier signs and issues the certificate to both the Employer and the Contractor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a practical completion certificate?
- A certificate confirming the works (or a section) are complete enough for their intended use, subject only to minor outstanding items. It is a key contractual milestone, not just a record.
- What's the difference between practical completion and final completion?
- Practical completion starts the defects liability period and usually releases part of the retention. Final completion happens after that period ends, once outstanding defects are remedied, and settles the final account.
- Does practical completion release all retention?
- Usually not — most contracts release only a portion (often half) of retention at practical completion, holding the rest until the defects liability period ends and final completion is certified.
- What happens if there's a snag list at practical completion?
- Minor outstanding items don't prevent practical completion as long as they don't stop the works being used for their intended purpose. They're recorded as a snag list with a completion deadline, tracked separately from the certificate itself.
- Who issues the certificate of practical completion?
- Under FIDIC-style contracts, the Engineer issues it, typically after a joint inspection with the contractor and a review of outstanding items and handover documentation.
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