In construction management, what usually triggers progress payments?

Progress payments in construction management are commonly triggered by the certification of project phase completion. This process typically involves a systematic evaluation of the work completed at various stages of the project. When a construction manager or an authorized representative reviews the work against the agreed-upon contract specifications and confirms that a particular phase or milestone has been achieved, they provide certification that allows for payment to be made to the contractor.

This approach serves multiple purposes. It ensures that contractors are compensated for their work as they progress through the project, maintaining cash flow and incentivizing timely completion. Linking payments to certification also maintains accountability, as it ensures that funds are released only after verifying that the work meets quality and completion standards as outlined in the contract.

While final inspections, severance of contractor relationships, and submission of project proposals play important roles in the overall project management process, they do not directly initiate progress payments in the same way that certification of project phase completion does.