Industrial projects, be it greenfield or brownfield, are challenging activities. Industrial architects & engineers use various terminology when mentioning project completion.
Some of those terms include
- Partial Completion
- Substantial Completion
- Final Completion or Virtual Completion
- Contract completion
Virtual completion is one of the commonly used terms in construction. Virtual completion is the milestone when the project is complete. Subsequently, the client can take over the facility from the contractors. The industrial architects and engineers certify the virtual completion after the completion of the punch list.
Why do industrial Architects and engineers create a punch list?
A punch list is a document that industrial architects and engineers prepare near the project completion. This document, prepared after a physical site visit, enlists items that are not as per the tender or contract specifications. The vendor or contractor must complete them to receive the final payment.
What is the difference between substantial completion and virtual completion?
Substantial completion is when a significant part of the project is complete, and the client or owner can start installing the equipment.
Whereas virtual completion is after the project completion, the client/ owner can take over the facility. The punch list and snag list follow the substantial completion. Once the punch list is taken care of, a virtual completion certificate is issued. Virtual completion is a part of the close-out of the project.
Is Virtual Completion important?
The virtual completion is a milestone after which the date of guarantees, warranties and defect liability starts. Furthermore, virtual completion means the facility is clear for the client to occupy and start production.
Virtual completion could be for the entire project, a building, or an area of the project. Also, this virtual completion of a building or area is based on priority decided early in the project. Moreover, this milestone of virtual completion is an indication for industrial Architects & engineers to prepare a close-out report and the As-Built drawings.
