In the construction industry, a completion certificate is of significant importance. It is issued upon the successful completion of a project, certifying that the construction complies with all approved building plans and adheres to safety regulations, including shoring requirements, to ensure structural stability. In this article, we explore the key factors in obtaining a completion certificate, as well as its purpose, importance, and process involved.
What is a Completion Certificate (CC)?
A completion certificate is a credentialed document that can be issued based on the completion of the construction project. It ensures that the process of construction adheres to a set of rules and regulations of the local governing bodies. The relevant authorities may visit the site directly and check that all work has been done under approved building laws and safety standards.
It serves as decisive proof that the construction process has been carried out under the approved building plans and also follows local body laws, regulations, and safety standards. This certificate substantiates that the construction has been completed satisfactorily and the property is ready for inhabitation.
It may have various information, including
- Information about the land
- Features and characteristics of the building plan
- Detailed information about the builder
- Approved building height
- Location of the project
Purpose of Completion Certificate
For several reasons, holding a completion certificate is essential for builders as well as buyers. They are as follows:
- Legal adherence: It is evidence that the building is constructed following the regulations and safety standards of local municipal authorities.
- Quality assurance: It influences the quality of materials used in the construction process to ensure a high standard of the completed project. It can also elevate the reputation of the developer for providing quality projects.
- Deliver to buyers: Without a completion certificate, the developer may not give access to hand over the building to the buyer. This authorised document assures the buyers that the construction process hasabide by the approved building laws and safety standards and is now ready for occupancy for residential purposes.
- Provide access to important services: In many cases, utility connections such as water, drainage, gas, and electricity can be obtained only through this certificate. Without this, you may not easily get the facilities in the local municipal department.
- Easier sale or lease: Selling or leasing a property can be acquired through the completion certificate. It builds trust in the property and property owner.
- Liability protection: It can protect the developer from facing any structural defects or issues that may arise after handing over to the buyers. It can also help to avoid legal disputes even after selling the property to another buyer.
Importance of a Completion Certificate
This certificate allows the buyers or developers to confirm that the construction has been built legally without compromising the regulations and quality standards.
- Acquires all building information: It contains all the information that has been connected to the construction process. It includes the name of the owner, developer, site location, site details, height of the building as approved, and the quality of the building materials.
- Compliance with local codes: It has the information that the construction process follows the construction criteria such as building height, distance from the public road, and distance from other neighbouring buildings.
- Essential for getting an occupancy certificate: A certificate of occupancy will be provided, only if the developer has a certificate of completion.
- Resale value: the resale value of the property is high when compared to one without having a certificate of completion.
- Protection against fraud: It safeguards anyone from buying unauthorised and illegal properties. Constructions that fail to meet safety standards can also be avoided by checking the availability of this certificate.
How to Obtain a Completion Certificate?
Once the construction project is finished, the builder or developer can apply for a completion certificate. After the submission of the application form, the local municipal authorities will visit the construction site directly and inspect whether the construction work follows the local rules and regulations or not.
During the inspection process, the authorities may check various details of the construction, site details, ownership, safety measures like air conditioning, fire safety, distance of the building from the main road, etc. Once the officers confirmed that the building complies with all the rules and regulations as governed by the local municipality. Then you will get the CC within 30 days from the day of the inspection.
Documents Required
Each locality may have unique rules for submitting the CC application process. The essential documents applying for CC are as follows:
- A filled application
- A licensed engineer or builder must certify the completion of the construction process.
- Copy of the approval letter of the building’s plan
- A certificate of income from property taxes and a certificate from the structural safety department may be required, or a letter from the concerned technical staff members may be enough.
- An authorised letter from the fire department is required, if applicable.
- NOC is required for installing a lift.
- A NOC for water supply and sewage systems can be required.
- An affidavit of applying for the provisional completion certificate can be included.
- Any other documents required as per local regulations.
What is a Provisional Completion Certificate?
A provisional completion certificate is a temporary certificate issued by the local governing municipal bodies. It acknowledges the completion of specific stages of the project or developed portions. Unlike a complete CC, a provisional completion certificate focuses mainly on the completion of the distinct construction stages.
It serves as evidence that the partially finished portions must adhere to the building’s plan and comply with regulations. The builders must manage the ongoing projects, ensuring compliance with the finished parts of the construction process.
Completion Certificate vs Occupancy Certificate
The below table may provide a succinct comparison between the completion certificate and occupancy certificate as follows:
| S.no | Occupancy Certificate | Completion Certificate |
| 1 | It ensures the safety of residency or use. | Confirms the construction process must adhere to local approved building laws and regulations. |
| 2 | It can be issued before inhabitation. | It can be issued after the completion of the construction process. |
| 3 | It mainly focuses on the safety of the inhabitants. | Strictly concerned with legal requirements. |
| 4 | It is mandatory for occupational purposes. | It is essential for the completion of the project. |
| 5 | It needs inspection processes and legal reports. | Building codes and approved building plans must be converged. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the importance of completion certificates in the construction industry is essential for buyers and developers. With this information, you can proceed with the process of obtaining your completion certificate. By applying these processes, you can easily get through your completion certificate process.