Code of Practice for Project Management for Construction and Development, 5th Edition

7 Completion, handover and operation

Stage checklist

Key processes:	Planning and scheduling handover
	Handover procedures
	Operational commissioning
	Client occupation
Key objective:	‘How do we use the building?’
Key deliverables:	Handover documentation
	Health and safety file
Key resources:	Client team
Project manager
Design team
CDM coordinator
Constructor team
Commissioning team
Occupation and maintenance team

Stage process and outcomes

This stage consists of the formal transfer of the completed facilities from the project team to the client, this may be a single event or phased over a period of time. It involves ensuring the client has the knowledge and capability to operate the new facilities. This stage also includes the occupation and use of the facilities by the client organisation.

Outcomes:

• handover strategy and procedures
• final inspections, physical handover and demobilisation
• Practical Completion Certificate
• schedule of any outstanding works or exclusions
• record of facilities as built
• end user/client familiarisation and training
• transfer of building insurances from contractor to client (if applicable)
• completion of contractors final account
• dispute resolution (if necessary)
• defects liability management

Planning and scheduling handover

The overall objective is to schedule the required activities to achieve a coordinated and satisfactory completion of all work phases within the cost plan. This has to be meshed with the logistical planning of the client’s occupation ...