Omissions

Omissions are minor incomplete items (and, separately, a deduction-style variation that removes scope from the contract) that do not stop the owner occupying the building. Because they do not prevent occupation, they do not hold up practical completion, but they go on the defects or finishing list to be closed out during the defects liability period.

The word carries two related meanings on a building job:

• Minor incomplete work at completion: small items not yet finished, a missing door stop, an un-caulked join, a light fitting on backorder. These are “omissions” in the sense of “not yet done.” The test for practical completion is whether the owner can reasonably occupy and use the building, so minor omissions do not bar it; they are listed and finished off.
• A deduction variation: where scope is taken out of the contract (the owner decides not to have the pergola, or to supply their own appliances), that is an omission to the contract sum, the opposite of an addition. It reduces the contract price by the agreed amount.

For a builder the practical points are to keep the two straight and on the record. At handover, list genuine minor omissions on the practical-completion / defects list with a date to complete, rather than letting them stall the whole completion (and the final payment). And when scope is removed, document it as a deduction variation with a price, not a handshake, because an undocumented omission is just as much a source of final-account disputes as an undocumented addition. Distinguish omissions (minor, on the list) from genuine defects, which may warrant a notice to rectify.

Also known as: Omitted work, deduction (variation), incomplete items.

Category: Contracts / Completion.

Related

• Practical completion notice
• Defects liability period

See also

• Notice to rectify
• Variation

References

• Practical completion notice (Chalkline) (verified 2026-06-01)

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Last updated: 2026-06-01. Verified: 2026-06-01. Quarterly review for currency.