You’ve made it through the punch list. The carpet’s in, the lights are on, and the owner’s already asking when they can move in. But there’s one thing standing between you and final payment: the Test and Balance (TAB) report. And it’s late.
Too busy to read the whole thing? Here’s what matters:
- Avoiding TAB delays can save you from liquidated damages of $5,000 to $25,000 per day—protecting your margins, your schedule, and your reputation.
- Most TAB firms don’t have the tech or team to meet end-of-project surges.
- Pre-construction coordination avoids major headaches at the finish line.
- Palmetto can deliver reports in as fast as 24 hours with AirOne and the largest certified team in the industry.
- Late TAB = late CO = late pay. It’s that simple
Welcome to the frustrating, expensive reality of project delays caused by slow TAB reporting. For mechanical contractors, GCs, and project managers working on deadline-driven builds—especially in healthcare, pharma, higher ed, or commercial office space—this is more than an inconvenience. It’s a six-figure headache.
Where These Delays Hurt the Most
Delays in owner acceptance and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) don’t just stall out a project. They can:
- Freeze final inspections
- Delay your payment schedule
- Trigger liquidated damages clauses
- Jeopardize tenant agreements
- Tarnish your rep with the owner or GC
- Extend demobilization timelines
- Compromise compliance with AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction)
A Day Late, $25,000 Short
Let’s say you’re working on a new outpatient surgical center. The owner needs the building operational to start bringing in revenue. Every day past your contracted turnover date could mean thousands in lost income—and that often trickles back down to you. If your TAB provider needs two weeks to deliver the final report, you’re looking at more than just frustration. You’re looking at:
- $10K–$30K/day in owner revenue loss
- Delayed CO and lease commencements
- 10% project retainage tied up
- Compounded pressure on punch list resolution and systems commissioning
Here’s Why It Happens
1. TAB Reports Take Too Long
Most providers still build reports manually. The techs handwrite measurements, then someone back at the office inputs them into Excel. Best case? You’ll get it in a week. Worst case? You’re chasing them two Fridays later. That timeline doesn’t work when AHJ or commissioning agent is already on-site.
2. Not Enough Manpower
Small firms can’t flex up. When project timelines compress (and they always do), you’re competing with other projects for the same limited crew. Revenue-generating spaces—like ORs, cleanrooms, or BSL labs—can’t afford additional delays from staffing shortfalls.
3. Coordination Breakdown
If your TAB partner isn’t involved until final testing, you’re already behind. Without early design and install reviews, costly mistakes go unnoticed until the end—leading to rework, delays, and failed inspections. Your TAB partner has to act like part of the build team, not just a test-and-go vendor.
Ready to avoid the punch-list purgatory? Let’s talk about how you can wrap jobs faster and with fewer surprises.
What You Can Do Differently
Start Smart
Push for pre-construction TAB reviews. These catch design spec mismatches early—before anyone orders the wrong VAV box or undersized air handler. Reviewing control sequences and mechanical schedules ahead of time eliminates a host of rework headaches.
Ask How They Report
Does your provider use cloud-based tools that push data from the field to the report in real time? If not, you’ll be waiting. Tools like Palmetto’s AirOne platform streamlines reporting by collecting and organizing design criteria, test data, final airflows, and system setpoints—all in real time—giving you complete, real-time visibility into system performance and compliance.
Check Certifications and Staffing
Look for TAB providers with a large bench of certified technicians, national reach, and industry accreditation. The more team members who are certified—including both field technicians and report reviewers—the more flexibility you have to scale up when deadlines tighten.
Ask What Happens After the Report
Some firms become non-responsive once the report is sent. But what if the AHJ requests clarifications? What if the facility engineer needs walkthroughs? You need a provider who stays available post-submission.
Your Closeout Doesn’t Need to Be Chaos
Contractors working in fast-paced, high-spec environments can’t afford a reporting delay. If you’re tired of asking, “Where’s our report?”—we should talk. Palmetto delivers clarity, speed, and precision when it matters most.
Let’s make your next closeout smooth, not stressful. Contact Palmetto today.