What is the Contractor's responsibility regarding safety and protection of work at Notice of Substantial Completion?

The correct answer reflects the understanding that upon reaching the Notice of Substantial Completion, the contractor's primary responsibilities shift significantly. At this stage, substantial completion indicates that the project is essentially complete and can be used for its intended purpose, although there may be minor items left to address.

While it's true that the contractor has had responsibilities regarding safety and protection of work throughout the construction process, the issuance of a Notice of Substantial Completion typically implies that the owner or client assumes more responsibility for the project. This transition occurs because the project has reached a stage where it is functional and usable, which often leads to more relaxed oversight from the contractor regarding ongoing safety measures.

However, this doesn't suggest that the contractor is free from all responsibilities. There still may be residual responsibilities related to ensuring that the site is safe for the owner’s use, addressing any issues that remain unfinished, and dealing with any punch-list items that may arise after substantial completion has been granted.

Thus, while there is a shift in responsibility at the Notice of Substantial Completion, stating their responsibility ends there is an interpretation aligned with the expectation that the contractor's role in the proactive management of safety diminishes as the owner begins to assume control. The other options misinterpret the nature of the contractor's