Practical Completion Certificate Example
Example document for Practical Completion Certificate. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Practical Completion Certificate
Example Document
Last updated 7/29/2026
PRACTICAL COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
Project Details
Project Name: Riverside Office Fitout Phase 2 Project Address: 123 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Contract Reference: HIA NSW Commercial 2023 Ref #4599-AB
Parties
Principal (Owner/Client): Name: Sydney Harbour Investments Pty Ltd ABN/ACN: 12 345 678 901 Address: Level 10, 100 King Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Builder: Name: Apex Construct Services ABN/ACN: 98 765 432 109 Licence Number: NSW 1234567C Address: 2 Parramatta Road, Auburn, NSW 2144
Certificate Details
Date of Certificate: 15 October 2023
- DECLARATION OF PRACTICAL COMPLETION
I, Sarah Jenkins, acting as the Superintendent for the Principal, hereby certify that the building works described in the Contract at the Project Address have reached Practical Completion on the 15th day of October, 2023 (the "Date of Practical Completion").
- BASIS OF CERTIFICATION
This certificate is issued based on an inspection of the works carried out by the Builder. The works are certified as practically complete on the basis that:
a) The works have been executed in accordance with the Contract Documents, except for minor omissions and defects that do not prevent the works from being used for their intended purpose.
b) The works are reasonably fit for occupation or use.
c) All statutory inspections and approvals required for the occupation of the premises have been obtained.
d) The fire safety systems have been commissioned and certified.
- DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD
The Defects Liability Period commenced on the Date of Practical Completion stated in Clause 1 above and will continue for a period of 12 months, expiring on 15 October 2024. During this period, the Builder is obligated to rectify any defects in the works in accordance with the terms of the Contract.
- POSSESSION AND HANDOVER
Subject to the issuance of this certificate, possession of the Site is formally handed over to the Principal effective from the Date of Practical Completion. From this date, the Principal assumes responsibility for the site security and insurance.
- OUTSTANDING ITEMS (PUNCH LIST)
The following items have been identified as minor defects or omissions. The Builder agrees to rectify these items within the timeframe specified by the Contract, without interfering with the Principal's use of the premises:
| Description of Item / Location | Action Required | Timeframe for Rectification |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch on glass door, Meeting Room 1 | Polish or replace glass panel | Within 7 days |
| Missing exit sign above rear fire door | Install new sign | Within 2 days |
| Paint touch-up required on skirting board, Reception area | Touch up paint to match colour | Within 14 days |
- PAYMENT TRIGGER
This certificate constitutes a formal instruction/valuation for the Principal to pay the Builder the sum of $45,000.00 being the payment due upon Practical Completion (less any previously paid amounts or retention monies held).
- RELEASE OF RETENTION
Upon receipt of the payment specified in Clause 6, 50% of the retention monies shall be released to the Builder. The remaining balance shall be held until the issue of the Final Certificate.
- SIGNATORIES
Signed for and on behalf of the Principal:
Sarah Jenkins Superintendent Date: 15 October 2023
Signed for and on behalf of the Builder (Accepting the Certificate):
Mark Thompson Project Manager Date: 16 October 2023
Notes
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Dates: Ensure the date of the certificate matches the Date of Practical Completion to avoid disputes about when liquidated damages stop accruing. In this example, the builder signed the following day, which usually indicates receipt and acceptance of the certificate.
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Statutory Approvals: The example specifically notes that fire safety systems are commissioned. In commercial projects (especially in NSW), this is critical for obtaining an Occupation Certificate.
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Outstanding Items: The items listed are minor (cosmetic) or quick fixes (safety sign). If the builder had not completed the fire safety commissioning, practical completion could not be validly claimed.
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Payment: The amount ($45,000) includes a calculation for the milestone minus retention. The specific split of retention release (50%) is a common contract term but varies.
About this Example
Part of the Practical Completion Certificate document collection
Document Type
Practical Completion Certificate
Formal certificate confirming building works are complete and ready for handover.