There is no standard definition of practical completion. Generally, it is the point at which a building project is complete, except for minor defects that can be put right without undue interference or disturbance to an occupier. Some construction practitioners describe this point as when the building project is "capable of beneficial occupation and use".

This phrase can also refer to the point at which an architect or a contract administrator confirms that the building contractor has achieved "practical completion" under the building contract. Many standard form building contracts do not define practical completion, leaving this to the professional judgement of the architect or the contract administrator.

Often, any minor defects are dealt with by the architect or contract administrator issuing a snagging list, although a standard form construction contract does not routinely refer to such a list.