What certificate of occupancy means
A certificate of occupancy is the document a building department issues when a new building or major change passes final inspection and can be lived in or used.
Also called CO, occupancy permit.
Where it matters on a general contracting job
On new builds and conversions, the CO is often tied to the final payment and the owner's loan. Put it on the schedule and in the payment terms.
Work it out
- Licensing: General contractor license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free general contracting resources