Driveway Letter of Completion: Formal Project Closeout

What a Driveway Letter of Completion Really Is—and Why It Matters

A Driveway Letter of Completion is the formal document that signals your driveway project is officially done. It’s more than a polite “thank you” from your contractor; it’s the legal handshake that transfers final responsibility back to you, the homeowner. Without it, warranty periods can stay fuzzy, final payments can get disputed, and local building departments may refuse to close your permit.

Think of the letter as your project’s report card. It lists what was built, what standards were met, and what happens next if something goes wrong. Savvy homeowners use it to protect their investment, speed up permit closure, and keep warranty claims hassle-free.

7 Essential Elements Every Driveway Letter of Completion Must Include

1. Project & Property Details

Include the exact street address, lot number, and tax parcel ID. Mistakes here can invalidate the entire document.

2. Scope of Work Completed

Brief but specific: “Remove 1,200 sq ft of cracked concrete, install 4-in. compacted aggregate base, place 5-in. reinforced concrete driveway with broom finish and 2% slope to street.” Vague language like “install new driveway” invites arguments later.

3. Referenced Plans & Permits

List permit numbers, plan dates, and any change-order references. If the city questions slope or setback, you’ll know exactly which drawing to pull.

4. Inspection & Testing Results

Include slump, PSI break results, and compaction percentages. Many cities require these numbers before they’ll sign off.

5. Warranty Terms

State length (e.g., 5-year limited), what’s covered (spalling > ½ in. depth, cracks > ¼ in. wide), and exclusions (salt damage, heavy truck loads). Clear terms prevent “he said, she said” later.

6. Final Financial Statement

Show contract price, approved change orders, amount paid to date, and remaining balance. Both parties sign only when the numbers match.

7. Signatures & Dates

Require two signatures from the contractor (owner & project manager) plus your own. Date everything; warranty clocks usually start ticking that day.

Pre-Sign Checklist: 5 Steps to Verify Before You Pick Up the Pen

Walk the Surface at High Noon

Shadows reveal low spots and birdbaths. Mark them with painter’s tape; the crew can top-coat or grind while they’re still on site.

Measure the Control Joints

Grab a tape. Panels should be square and under 144 sq ft for 4-in. slabs. Oversized panels crack sooner; make the contractor saw additional joints before you sign.

Test the Slope with a Garden Hose

Water must run toward the street or swale, not the garage. A 2% grade (¼ in. per foot) is standard. Ponding deeper than 3/8 in. needs fixing.

Photograph Everything

Take date-stamped shots of expansion joints, curb cuts, and any decorative stamping. Photos become evidence if patterns fade or edges chip.

Collect Lien Waivers & Receipts

Ask for final unconditional lien waivers from the prime contractor and every major supplier. No waivers, no signature—simple as that.

How the Letter Unlocks Permit Closure & COO

Most municipalities treat a Driveway Letter of Completion as supporting proof that the work matches the approved plan. Once the letter is signed, you or your contractor can schedule the final “driveway apron” inspection. After the inspector signs off, the building department marks the permit “Closed,” which is often required before a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) or refinance appraisal can proceed.

Pro tip: Scan the signed letter and email it to the permit tech the same day. Many cities close permits online within 24 hours if paperwork is clean.

Warranty Triggers: What Starts (and Stops) Your Coverage Clock

• Starts: Date on the signed Driveway Letter of Completion.
• Stops: End of stated term OR when you breach conditions (e.g., allow 10-ton dumpster on drive, apply de-icing salts before 12-month cure period).
• Extends: Some contractors give an extra year if you seal the surface within the first 90 days—keep the receipt.

Red Flags: When to Delay or Refuse Signing

Missing or Incomplete Permit Number

You’ll inherit open-permit fines. Insist the contractor add the correct number or re-issue the letter.

“Full & Final” Language without Warranty

Some letters sneak in legal wording that waives your future claims. Cross it out or ask for an addendum.

No Mention of Testing Results

If the city required a 4,000 PSI break test and it’s not listed, the inspector may fail the final anyway—deal with it now.

DIY Template: A Simple Driveway Letter of Completion You Can Adapt

Copy-paste into Word, fill brackets, and attach as Exhibit A to your contract.

1. Header: “Driveway Letter of Completion – [Street Address] – [Date]”
2. Parties: “[Homeowner Name] (‘Owner’) and [Contractor LLC] (‘Contractor’).”
3. Work Summary: “Contractor has completed all driveway improvements described in Contract dated [__] and Change Orders #[__].”
4. Permit & Inspection: “Permit #[__] passed final inspection on [date].”
5. Warranty: “Contractor warrants materials and workmanship for [5] years against defects not caused by Owner negligence.”
6. Final Payment: “Owner will pay remaining balance of $[__] upon execution of this letter.”
7. Signatures & Notices: Leave three blank lines for printed name, signature, and date for each party.

Keeping Digital Copies: Cloud Tips for Instant Access

Save the signed letter as a PDF named “123-Main-St-Driveway-Completion-2024.pdf” and upload to three places: your email, your Google Drive, and your home-insurance digital file. When you sell the house, buyers and title companies will ask for it—having it ready speeds closing and builds trust.

Frequently Asked Questions