Electrical Estimating Methods, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 23 Project Closeout

The final step in the construction project lifecycle is the project closeout. While one does not normally think of estimating as having any relevancy to project closeout, it does. Planning for closeout starts in the bidding phase by correctly estimating the cost of various parts of project closeout.

The information and documentation needed for closeout is collected from the very early stages beginning even before the execution of the work. The physical construction work is clearly the largest phase of the construction process however it is not the only phase. There is administrative and contractual paperwork that plays a large part in the transferring of the project from the construction team to the owner's team. Project closeout is not a complicated process, but it can consume time and money.

THE CLOSEOUT PROCESS

The project closeout process begins in the preconstruction phase of the project. It is initiated with a closeout meeting that lays out the contractual requirements with the subcontractors, vendors, and all participants in the process. While it may seem premature, it is quite the opposite. This early introduction to the project closeout process allows the team to develop a system for collecting the necessary documents and information during the execution rather at the very end of the project.

A helpful start to the project closeout process is a careful study of Section 01 70 00, Execution and Closeout Requirements, in Division 1—General ...