ABSTRACT
As the physical construction of a project nears completion, contractors will transition into a close-out phase. The jobsite team should develop a project close-out plan to manage the numerous activities involved in closing out the job. Efficient close-out and turnover procedures minimize the contractor's interference with the project owner's move-in and start-up activities. The development of as-built drawings is a substantial and important close-out process. Commissioning basically involves testing and re-testing most, if not all, the systems and components to ensure the project meets the owner's requirements. There are two certificates of completion needed for contract close-out. The certificate of substantial completion is usually issued by the architect on commercial projects and the civil engineer on heavy-civil public projects. The certificate of occupancy (C of O) is issued by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over the project site, which is likely the city, county, state, or federal government.
