Practical completion of HIA contracts

Definition of practical completion 

‘Practical completion’ of a project means that building works have reached the stage where the builder certifies that they have been completed in accordance with the contract, except for minor omissions and, where applicable, that the builder has done all that he/she is required to do under the contract to enable a certificate of occupancy to be obtained.

If you are unsure whether any omissions and defects are ‘minor’ or may prevent works from being used for their usual purpose you should contact your HIA workplace advisor for guidance. 

What happens once you reach practical completion? 

When you believe the building works have reached the practical completion stage, you must: 

• give the owner a written notice of practical completion and the final progress claim, and 
• arrange to meet the owner on-site to inspect the works within five days of giving the notice. 
• When you meet the owner on site to inspect the works, the owner must either:
  pay the final progress payment, or
• give you written notice stating what he/she believes needs to be completed or rectified before practical completion is reached. 

NOTE: If within five days the client has not issued you with such a notice, then practical completion is deemed to have been reached and the owner must pay the final progress payment. 

If your client pays the final progress claim, the date of practical completion is that stated in your notice of practical completion. 

If your client gives you a list of items to be completed or rectified for the works to reach practical completion you can either: 

• complete/rectify those items that the owner has identified as needing to be done and issue another notice of practical completion 
  OR
• give the owner a written notice denying that the items are defective or incomplete and referring the matter to dispute resolution.
  The owner must pay the final progress payment within five days of receiving the notice. 

 Handing over the keys 

On payment of the final claim you should give your client possession together with all keys, certificates and warranties. 

NOTE : The owner must not take possession of the building works without your consent until all outstanding money owed to you is paid. 

What if your client does not pay the final progress claim or give you a notice? 

If this happens: 

• the amount of your final progress claim is treated as debt owing to you 
• the date of practical completion is the date stated in your notice of practical completion 
• the client is deemed to acknowledge that practical completion has been reached.