When is a project late according to standard definitions?

When is a project late according to standard definitions?

• A. Final completion date
• B. Substantial completion date
• C. Both final and substantial completion
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

Lateness is determined by whether the project has reached substantial completion. This milestone indicates the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to use the facility for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain (often handled on a punch list). If the contract date for reaching substantial completion passes without achieving that status, the project is considered late. Final completion comes later, after all work and minor items are finished and the project is formally closed; it does not define lateness in the usual sense. So the project being late is tied to the substantial completion date.

Lateness is determined by whether the project has reached substantial completion. This milestone indicates the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to use the facility for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain (often handled on a punch list). If the contract date for reaching substantial completion passes without achieving that status, the project is considered late. Final completion comes later, after all work and minor items are finished and the project is formally closed; it does not define lateness in the usual sense. So the project being late is tied to the substantial completion date.