Substantial completion is the most important milestone in construction, and it triggers everything that happens during project closeout. This episode breaks down what substantial completion actually means, how it differs from final completion, and walks through the full closeout process.
We cover the AIA G704 certificate, building commissioning, closeout documents, record drawings, the punch list process, and how to evaluate building performance after the owner moves in. If you're studying for the CE exam, project closeout is the smallest section but it completes the entire CE picture.
📝 Key topics covered:
Substantial completion vs final completion
AIA G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion
Closeout documents and record drawings
Final payment and retainage release
The punch list process
Building commissioning and seasonal testing
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:21) How the CE Exam Is Organized
(5:13) What Is Project Closeout?
(9:30) Substantial Completion and Closeout
(14:56) Commissioning and POE
(22:35) Project Closeout Study Mistakes
(26:33) How to Study Project Closeout
(33:12) Conclusion
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