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Two men conversing in a construction site, one wearing a bright yellow safety vest and plaid shirt, the other in a gray suit.
Best Practices

Everything you need to know about the time between completion of the work and delivery

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Two men conversing in a construction site, one wearing a bright yellow safety vest and plaid shirt, the other in a gray suit.

Summary

The period between the completion of construction and the handover of keys is marked by rigorous stages and checks. This phase ensures that the project meets the expectations of all stakeholders . This article explores these essential steps, from completion to acceptance and delivery, highlighting the procedures to follow, the rights and responsibilities of each party, and the possible remedies in case of delays or defects, in order to navigate effectively through the sometimes complex process of construction projects.

Step 1: Completion of the work

Definition of completion of works

The completion of the work represents a pivotal moment in the life of a construction or renovation project: it signifies that the main tasks have been carried out. This stage, often marked by the handover of the keys, initiates a rigorous verification process to ensure that the work conforms to the pre-established plans and standards.

Essential controls and documentation

It is obviously essential to conduct a post-construction site inspection , which allows for documenting the final state of the site. If discrepancies are identified, an amendment to the post-construction site inspection report may be necessary to formally adjust expectations and deliverables.

Legal and financial considerations

The completion phase of the works involves significant legal and financial aspects. It is imperative that all authorizations (such as the building permit) are in place and that the works fulfill their intended purpose. This step is important to avoid disputes related to overbilling or non-compliance.

Furthermore, the final calculation of the amount of work, the conditions of the ten-year guarantee, and any deductions from the security deposit must be specified to ensure the protection of the rights of the landlord and the tenant.

Step 2: Acceptance of the work

Transfer of responsibilities

The transfer of responsibility from the contractor to the client marks a critical moment, solidified by a strict procedural and legal framework. This transition ensures that the work carried out meets expectations and is ready for the final delivery phase, establishing a balance sheet of completion against the initial requirements.

Reception procedure

The handover meeting is a methodically organized step involving the defined roles of the contractor and the client. It is during this meeting that the quality of the completed work is verified, as well as its conformity with the approved plans. A precise inventory allows for the identification of any necessary adjustments, symbolizing the transition to the official acceptance of the project.

Legal and conformity guarantees

The activation of legal guarantees (particularly the ten-year structural warranty) takes place after acceptance of the work. This provides protection against defects and hidden flaws, ensuring that the work fulfills its intended function. In the event of faulty workmanship or non-conformity, the parties have contractual mechanisms at their disposal to contest and resolve disputes, guaranteeing that all tenant repairs are carried out and that the obligations of the lease or rental agreement are met.

Step 3: Site handover

Delivery preparation

The preparation for delivery follows a methodical five-step plan:

  1. Summons of the buyer : this is an official notification to inform the buyer of the scheduled delivery date.

  2. Pre-delivery inspection : a detailed inspection of the property is carried out to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with expectations.

  3. Creation of a list of reservations : a document is drawn up listing any necessary adjustments or finishing work identified during the inspection.

  4. Signing of the delivery report : the official document is signed by the parties confirming the receipt of the goods and the state of the work on the date of delivery.

  5. Handing over the keys : This is the symbolic act that marks the transfer of ownership of the property from the entrepreneur to the buyer.

The delivery process

The day of handover represents the culmination of any construction or renovation project. Stakeholders need to know precisely what to expect and how to prepare for this milestone. Handover includes a final inspection of the property , confirming that all contract conditions have been met and that the dwelling or building site conforms to its intended purpose. The post-handover period is equally important, requiring immediate checks and a follow-up one month after handover to ensure everything is functioning as planned.

Delays and appeals

Delivery delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including unforeseen exceptional events. It is vital for stakeholders to understand the potential causes of these delays and the available legal remedies. Contractual protections are in place to ensure that both parties, the buyer and the seller, can manage these delays fairly, minimizing negative impacts and promoting a satisfactory resolution of issues.

Special considerations after delivery

Post-delivery checks and adjustments

After the delivery of a construction project, a series of checks and adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the delivered property perfectly meets the buyer's expectations and needs. Immediately after delivery, and in the months that follow, it is advisable to carry out thorough inspections to identify any defects that do not directly compromise functionality but could affect the quality or aesthetics of the property. These checks must be rigorously documented to facilitate the management and rectification of these defects in accordance with legal guarantees such as the ten-year structural warranty.

Amendments and follow-up work

The need for post-construction condition report amendments becomes clear when discrepancies are found compared to the initial specifications or expected quality standards. These amendments allow for the official adjustment of the condition report , ensuring that all stakeholders, from landlord to tenant, have a clear and shared understanding of the modifications or tenant repairs to be carried out.The process of monitoring tenant repairs is all the more important to effectively deal with defects discovered after the exit inventory, thereby strengthening the relationship of trust between the landlord and the tenant and ensuring that the property remains "in accordance with its intended purpose".

How to optimize the time between completion of work and delivery?

Adopting advanced technologies in the delivery process of a construction or renovation project offers substantial advantages, helping to optimize management, communication, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle. Using software like Viewpoint for Projects or Viewpoint Field View can simplify your work by providing innovative solutions for:

  1. Improving communication:

  • Enables real-time coordination between all project stakeholders.

  • Facilitates instant updates and information sharing.

  1. Optimize the documentation:

  • Centralizes all project documents, making data easily accessible.

  • Ensures complete traceability, from completion to delivery and beyond.

  1. Facilitating quality control:

  • Allows for precise monitoring of defects and non-conformities.

  • Simplifies the process of receiving work and managing snag lists.

  1. Managing deadlines:

  • Offers planning and deadline tracking tools, reducing the risk of delays.

  • Helps to anticipate and proactively resolve problems that may affect the project schedule.

The integration of these technologies is not limited to improving operational efficiency; it also generates greater customer satisfaction by ensuring deliverables meet expectations, as well as the rapid identification and correction of any deviations.

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