Project handover: documents, finishes and building services

Handover is organised against the contract, design documentation and applicable work requirements. A checklist structures the inspection but does not replace specialist testing or assessments. Resolution No. 87 concerns statutory design documentation; it does not establish a universal handover procedure.

01Documents and inspection criteria

• Agree the works, rooms and systems included in the handover.
• Reconcile current drawings with as-built records.
• Check required concealed-work records, test reports and equipment documentation.
• Assemble instructions, conformity documents and warranties within the agreed scope.
• Distinguish payment and quantity records from technical evidence of work quality.

02Architecture and finishes

Check approved samples, setting-out and junction details. Inspect surfaces, joints, interfaces, doors, glazing and ceilings. Acceptance tolerances follow the design, applicable standards and system documentation, rather than one figure for every material.

For access floors, check panel stability, levels, cuts, support and service access. Each recorded defect should identify its location, nature and completion criterion.

03Building services

• Reconcile installed equipment with specifications and approved substitutions.
• Check maintenance access, labelling and as-built diagrams.
• Obtain the required measurement, balancing and test records.
• Verify controls and the agreed backup operating modes.
• Provide the operations team with instructions and fault-response procedures.

Electrical and fire protection testing is undertaken by qualified specialists using agreed procedures and appropriate safety measures.

04Defects and operational handover

Maintain a defect register with photographs, responsible parties and completion dates. Verify closure through reinspection. Record any restrictions preventing safe use of equipment or spaces.

The handover package includes the agreed as-built records, operating instructions and warranty contacts. Where an information model is required, check its scope and consistency with the documents. Statutory approval procedures are considered separately from contractual work acceptance.