The certificate of substantial completion triggers the release of which of the following?

The certificate of substantial completion is a crucial document in the construction process that indicates a project has reached a significant level of completion, where it can be occupied or used for its intended purpose. This certificate typically triggers the release of retainage, which is the portion of the contract price withheld until the project is finished and all obligations are fulfilled. Retainage is retained to ensure that the contractor or subcontractors have an incentive to complete any remaining work satisfactorily and address any outstanding issues.

When the certificate is issued, it signifies that the project is sufficiently complete and that the owner can begin to utilize the space. At this point, the owner can release the retainage to the contractor as a sign of trust that the work performed meets the contractual obligations, while also leaving some financial security in place until final completion and acceptance of the project's final details.

This process ensures that both parties are satisfied with the state of the project before all funds are disbursed, creating a balance between the contractor getting paid for work performed and the owner receiving a completed project.