Stage 6 – Handover and Close Out signals the final part of the construction stage. It is the final flurry of activity before the building enters its “In Use” stage. A reminder that you can catch up on the previous posts here.
Most projects will observe a handover called “Practical Completion“. This stage can be defined as the building being “capable of beneficial occupation and use“. This typically means there might be minor defects or “making good” that shall be completed after PC, but generally without undue disturbance to the occupants.
There is some debate as to what would typically be included and completed to enable PC. Normally the requirements will be defined in the contract, but here is a brief list of some of the MEP duties/items that could be included:
- Update As-Built/Project Information Models in response to changes during construction.
- Review building performance against energy targets.
- COBie information for BIM Level 2 “Information Exchange”.
- Incorporate relevant information from the Information Model into the Asset Information Model.
- On-site training and/or transfer of information with regard to building services to the FM teams.
- Seasonal commissioning from practical completion including environmental testing and monitoring.
- Organise lessons learned workshop with the design team, main contractor, and specialist contractors
Having a successful handover is critical to project success. All of the work to date has driven the project to this final stage. A poor handover can lead to numerous potential issues.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
― Thomas A. Edison
Failing to conduct a structured and meaningful orientation or on-site training can mean systems are not operated correctly. This can lead to poor performance and potential system failures. Handover of incorrect or partially completed log book or “O&M” can also lead to incorrect operation or maintenance of equipment.
Asset Management – what’s that?
Asset Management is vital to ensuring MEP equipment and systems are maintained. It forms part of a continuous Planned Preventative Maintenance Strategy. We have all the information required at Stage 4 to develop a comprehensive register. All the proposed MEP items that will be installed during the construction stage have been defined.
This information can be captured as COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) data within the model. Alternatively dedicated Asset Register spreadsheet could be used.
We have been working with FM Teams carrying out pre-occupation Asset Surveys to collect data and Tag MEP Assets to enable a comprehensive, accurate PPM Strategy to be developed and implemented.
However, this could have been completed during stage 4 off-site, tags assigned, and issued as part of Stage 6 – Handover and close out stage.
The next step is Stage 7 – In Use, the beginning of the building’s Life Cycle. Stick with us to find out the potential benefits of harnessing the project design information to assist with the successful operation and use of the building.
Do you have a project coming up?
Why not get in touch with our team today to discuss? We offer free and confidential advice and are happy to support projects of all sizes.