Architects

Architectural Project Closeout Checklist Generator

Generate a comprehensive project closeout checklist tailored to the project type and contract structure. This prompt helps architects and contractors ensure all contractual closeout requirements are fulfilled, from punch list completion to certificate of occupancy and owner training — protecting the project record and enabling warranty coverage.

This prompt generates a contract-specific project closeout checklist organized by responsible party — contractor submittals required before Certificate of Substantial Completion, owner training requirements with minimum hours and documentation, Certificate of Occupancy inspection and agency approval items, LEED or sustainability documentation due dates, financial closeout requirements including lien waiver package, and the architect's own closeout task list through final completion. The checklist is issued to the contractor at least 30 days before anticipated substantial completion; retainage release timing and conditions must be verified against the executed contract and applicable state lien law before use. It is for licensed architects managing project closeout on commercial, institutional, or government construction projects.

Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
AI Role
You are a licensed architect experienced in managing project closeout, Certifica…
Models
Claude
Confidence
Professional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
Certificate of Substantial Completion and Final Completion requirements are contract-specific — verify against the actual executed contract before using this checklist.
Retainage release timing and conditions must follow the contract and applicable state lien law — consult with legal counsel for complex financial closeout situations.
Certificate of Occupancy requirements vary by jurisdiction — confirm with the local building department what is required for final inspection and CO issuance.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If contract type or owner requirements are unclear, generate a comprehensive general checklist and note which items must be confirmed against the actual contract documents and project-specific requirements.
Last updated
2026-05-28Published

The prompt

2,045 characters
project-closeout-checklist.prompt
You are a licensed architect experienced in managing project closeout, Certificate of Substantial Completion, and final project handover for complex commercial and institutional construction projects.

Generate a project closeout checklist for:

Project information:
- Project name: [PROJECT_NAME]
- Project type: [PROJECT_TYPE]
- Contract type: [CONTRACT_TYPE — e.g., AIA A101 stipulated sum, design-build]
- Owner type: [OWNER_TYPE — e.g., institutional, developer, government]
- Estimated substantial completion date: [SC_DATE]

Closeout requirements:
- Certificate of Occupancy required: [YES / NO — Certificate of Occupancy]
- Owner training requirements: [YES / NO / SYSTEMS TO TRAIN]
- Commissioning required: [YES / NO / SCOPE]
- Record drawings required: [YES / NO]
- LEED documentation: [YES / NO — LEED documentation]

Generate a closeout checklist organized by responsible party:

## Contractor Submittals Required for Substantial Completion
All submittals required before the architect can issue Certificate of Substantial Completion, including: all punch list items complete, O&M manuals, warranties, test reports, commissioning reports, record drawings, spare parts and attic stock.

## Owner Training Requirements
Systems requiring owner facility staff training with minimum training hours, who provides, and documentation of training completion.

## Certificate of Occupancy Checklist
Agency approvals, inspections, and documentation required before CO can be issued.

## LEED / Sustainability Documentation (if applicable)
All documentation required for certification submission with due dates.

## Financial Closeout
Final payment application requirements, lien waiver requirements, retainage release conditions.

## Architect's Closeout Tasks
Project record assembly, as-built drawing review, warranty document review, Certificate of Substantial Completion issuance, Certificate of Final Completion issuance.

## Post-Occupancy
Schedule for follow-up site visits, 11-month warranty walkthrough, lessons-learned documentation.
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How to use this prompt

1

1. Customize this checklist against the actual contract documents before using it on a project — requirements vary significantly between AIA, CMAA, and proprietary contracts.

2

2. Issue the checklist to the contractor at least 30 days before the anticipated substantial completion date to allow preparation time.

3

3. Use the architect's closeout tasks section to plan your own team's time for the closeout period — closeout documentation is often underestimated in fee allocation.

Customization tips

Add 'The project is a public building — include all required government agency inspections and approvals as separate line items in the CO checklist' for public sector projects.
For LEED projects, add 'Note the GBCI documentation submission deadline and work backward to establish owner training and commissioning documentation due dates.'
Append 'Include an 11-month warranty walkthrough agenda in the post-occupancy section with a description of the systems to be reviewed.'

Sample output

Mar 2026Professional
PROJECT CLOSEOUT CHECKLIST — Richardson Residence Addition PROJECT: Master Suite, Sunroom, and Covered Patio Addition LOCATION: Texas Ranch Residence DATE: March 23, 2026 STATUS: Closeout Phase — Final Completion SECTION 1 — PHYSICAL COMPLETION [ ] Punch list items: All punch list items issued on [date] have been completed and verified by architect [ ] Final cleaning: All construction debris removed; interior spaces cleaned to move-in condition [ ] Window cleaning: All new glazing (sunroom, master suite) cleaned interior and exterior [ ] Concrete patio: Final sealer application complete; curing period observed before furniture placement [ ] Landscaping restoration: All disturbed lawn and landscaping areas restored per landscape plan SECTION 2 — MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUMBING [ ] HVAC commissioning: New HVAC units for addition tested and balanced; airflow confirmed at each grille [ ] Plumbing: All fixtures operational; no leaks observed at all supply and drain connections [ ] Electrical: All new circuits confirmed operational; GFCI outlets tested [ ] Gas: Gas lines pressure tested; all gas appliances (fireplace, outdoor kitchen grill) operational [ ] Smart home integration: Any smart home devices connected and programmed per owner's system SECTION 3 — DOCUMENTATION [ ] As-built drawings: Contractor has marked up drawings to reflect all field changes; copies provided to owner and archived by architect [ ] Product data and manuals: Owner's manual package assembled for all installed equipment (HVAC units, sunroom glazing, outdoor grill, fireplace) [ ] Warranty documentation: All manufacturer warranties transferred to owner; expiration dates noted [ ] Permit final inspection: Certificate of occupancy or final inspection approval received from building authority [ ] Lien releases: Contractor has provided unconditional lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers SECTION 4 — FINANCIAL CLOSEOUT [ ] Final application for payment submitted and reviewed [ ] All change orders executed and final contract sum confirmed [ ] Contractor's final affidavit of payment executed [ ] Retainage release authorized by owner upon receipt of all above items Owner Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________ Architect Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________

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Professional Disclaimer

This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.