Final Completion Cost Calculator

Final completion requires closing out punch list and certifications. This calculator sizes the push.

Punch-list cost

Certification/commissioning

Closeout admin

Daily carry

Days to final

Total final completion cost

$142,500

Direct cost

$61,500

Carry during final

$81,000

How the math works

Total = direct (punch + cert + admin) + carry during completion push.

Set tight weekly targets for punch-list closure. Every 30 days of lingering punch = 1-2% of hard cost in carry. Dedicated superintendent assigned to closeout accelerates final completion.

How to Use

Enter substantial completion date.
Enter punch-list cost.
Enter certification/commissioning fees.
Enter closeout admin.
Enter daily carry.
Enter days to final.
Read total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substantial vs final?

Substantial: beneficial use possible. Final: every punch-list item complete, every certificate obtained. Gap typically 30-60 days; can stretch months.

Punch list size?

Usually 1-3% of contract. More if oversight weak. Punch list shrinks fastest with superintendent + owner + architect walkthroughs weekly.

Certification costs?

Commissioning: $5-25k. Energy compliance: $3-15k. LEED: $20-100k+. Add to completion budget; often overlooked.

Who owns this risk — sponsor or lender?

Construction risks are typically shared: hard-cost overrun owned by sponsor (via completion guaranty), soft-cost and delay risks shared per contract, force-majeure excused but bears owner carry cost. Document risk ownership in the loan agreement and GC contract before closing. Disputes get expensive when roles are unclear. Institutional deals spell out every allocation in writing.