Completion & Handover
Completion of the works and handover to the occupier marks the point of transition in to occupancy. The process is effectively one of the fitted-out space being handed over and accepted by the occupier and owner as completed in accordance with the requirements.
Confirming the works as complete and fit for occupation should involve all key stakeholders. In this regards, confirming that sustainability requirements have been met, e.g. features included and commissioned, and construction measures evidenced, will be part of the wider review of completed quality against the scope of works.
Whereas Completion can simplistically be considered as a milestone event, handover is a process.
The handover stage is critical in ensuring that building managers and end users fully understand the sustainability features of the space, and receive training to ensure they are sufficiently equipped to manage and operate the space effectively.
Typical reasons contributing to a poor quality handover
- Insufficient resource allocation.
- Time pressures due to fixed dates for occupancy.
- Contractor moving on to their next project.
It is unfortunately common for handover to be given too little focus – something which is often identified as part of lessons learnt close-out reporting. Time pressures due to fixed dates for occupancy, the contractor moving on to their next project, and insufficient resource allocation by stakeholders can all contribute to a poor quality handover. In turn, this can result in intended Occupier Benefits not being fully realised, and potentially avoidable poor building performance arising and needing to be addressed during the occupancy phase.
To ensure a successful handover process it is recommended that occupiers adopt the following principles: