"Substantial completion" of a construction project generally means:
Explanation
Substantial completion is the point where the work is complete enough for the owner to occupy or use the project for its intended purpose, even with minor punch-list items still open. Clearing every punch-list item is final completion, which comes later. Recording a notice of completion is an owner's filing that starts the lien and stop-payment clocks; it does not measure how finished the work is. And no payment percentage defines the term - 90% paid usually just means retention is still being held.
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