Practical completion: definition and example
A contractual milestone for sufficiently complete work, often shortened to PC; its meaning and financial effects depend on your subcontract.
By Jack Butler-Kettle · Updated
Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job.
What it means in practice
Practical completion is a milestone assessed under the applicable contract. It is not necessarily the absence of every minor defect, nor the day a subcontractor leaves site. Its significance for possession, retention, defects and delay damages depends on the terms and the required certification or agreement.
Preserve evidence of completion and outstanding items. Final account dispute prevention can help keep completion records aligned with the closing account.
Worked example
The facts
A flooring package is available for use, but two minor items remain on a snagging list.
What happens
The subcontractor checks the completion criteria and who must confirm the milestone.
It records the outstanding items and agreed arrangements for addressing them.
What this shows
The milestone is evaluated under the subcontract rather than inferred solely from leaving site or the existence of a snag.