The long-awaited day has finally come! You stand before your freshly completed building, ready to settle in. And so, the construction journey draws to a close. Or does it? –Well, it’s not that simple!
Pre construction Construction and Post Construction
n many ways, this scene might seem like the perfect end to your structure, but it’s actually merely the beginning. Construction doesn’t end when it’s completed! After construction, comes post construction. No, not pre construction but post construction. There’s a difference between pre and post construction. The post construction phase follows the construction process, it comes after the construction phase. Pre construction and post construction are as important as the construction phase itself. Without it, the building is just not occupiable. We’ll see why in this blog post.
In our last blog post, we explained the preconstruction phase in detail, today let’s discuss the post construction phase.
What is Post Construction Phase?
This phase, referred to as the post construction phase, involves tying up loose ends and preparing the space for its intended occupants. While it lacks strict standardization and represents a flexible definition for diverse processes, it almost always includes…
Without further definition, it might seem just like its name indicates. The post construction phase marks the final stage of a thorough series of processes aimed at delivering the completed building to its owner. During this critical phase, meticulous scrutiny, comprehensive component inspections, and system fine-tuning take place to ensure the owner’s satisfaction and the successful conclusion of the project.
Post construction: What you need to know
When do we finish using the word construction and begin saying post construction?
As your construction project concludes, your contractor should guide you toward the upcoming post construction phase. Yes, the post construction phase starts even before the construction work reaches its final stages, a couple of months before construction is completed.
Every construction company will have its own way of handing over the construction project. The one thing they should all have in common, however, during the closeout process is that they don’t leave their clients hanging. That’s why post construction stage must be handled with delicacy.
Post Construction Stage: What to expect
Post construction phase activities
For a successful post-construction process, consider the following post construction activities:
Final Inspections
Prior to the final inspections, all items on the punch list should be completed. What’s a punch list? A punch list is a document that defines all contract specified items that need immediate attention before completion of payment to the contractor. It is basically the list of minor items that need correction or adjustment. These are typically small issues identified during the final inspection and must be addressed promptly.
Final inspections are a critical part of the post construction phase. They comprehensively assess the building’s systems, structures, and finishes to ensure that everything meets the approved specifications and safety standards. This process typically involves various professionals, including architects, engineers, and building inspectors. Any deficiencies or issues discovered during these inspections must be addressed and rectified before the building is handed over to the owner.
Adjustments, Enhancements
In the post construction stage, it’s essential for the construction team to be prepared for alterations and enhancements. Their capability should extend to fine-tuning any components that aren’t functioning as expected and making upgrades to improve efficiency based on your specific requirements.
Post construction stage allows for continual adjustment, optimization, and modification of the building system to meet specific needs or requirements of the customer. Its objective is to maintain building performance throughout the useful life of the facility.
Paperwork
With the machinery now silent, the final floorboard firmly in place, and the workers exchanging congratulatory gestures, the construction phase concludes. Although the building may seem ready for occupancy, in theory, it has not yet attained official readiness. There is still a significant amount of paperwork that must be completed before moving in and settling.
Post-construction paperwork involves the completion of various documents and records essential for the legal and administrative aspects of the project. This may include finalizing permits, certificates of occupancy, warranties, blueprints, and maintenance manuals. Accurate and organized paperwork ensures that all necessary documentation is in place, which is crucial for future maintenance, insurance, and compliance purposes.
After construction documents vary from country to country so make sure you check with your local municipality or lawyer.
Consideration for Post Construction Cleaning
Cleaning the construction site thoroughly is vital before handing over the building to the owner. Post construction cleaning goes beyond standard cleaning and involves removing debris, dust, and any construction-related residues. This step ensures a clean and safe environment for the building’s occupants and sets a positive impression on the owner’s initial experience with the property.
Handoff & Turnover
The handover and turnover phase represents a pivotal moment in the construction project’s lifecycle. It is the juncture where the construction team formally transfers control, responsibility, and ownership of the built project to the client or owner. This process involves more than just the physical handover of keys; it encompasses the comprehensive delivery of essential documentation and information.
Training & Follow-ups
This is not the time for the contractor to wipe his hands clean and disappear. Effective training is integral to the post construction phase, ensuring that the building owner and their staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain the property efficiently. This training serves as an empowering bridge between the completed construction project and the owner’s ability to take full control of their investment. By imparting in-depth insights into the intricacies of the building’s systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and security systems, the owner gains the confidence to manage day-to-day operations and address minor issues promptly.
Clear communication between the construction team and the owner is crucial during this phase. Any outstanding issues or concerns are typically addressed during this phase to ensure that the owner takes possession of a fully functional and compliant property, setting the stage for a successful occupancy period. The after construction phase should be as painless as possible and only serve to protect the client.
Final Review
Before concluding the post construction process, a final review or walkthrough is conducted. This review involves the building owner, project manager, and relevant contractors to ensure that all work has been completed to satisfaction and that any outstanding issues have been resolved. It’s an opportunity for the owner to ask questions, clarify expectations, and confirm that the project aligns with their vision.
A post-occupancy evaluation should be considered to gather feedback from the owner/occupants to identify areas for improvement and ensure the building meets its intended functionality. Having the ability to operate all aspects of the newly constructed building will ensure the owner’s comfort.
Challenges & Best Practices
Perhaps it is because of its significance that the post construction phase can present a number of challenges. That’s why it’s crucial to work with current best practices.
- Establishing a post construction checklist
- Maintaining open and clear communication
- Addressing issues in a timely manner
- Documenting everything
- Sharing lessons learned
Following these guidelines, you can ensure that all the post construction activities are completed on time and to the required specifications. You will manage to keep all parties informed, involved, and working toward a collective goal. You will also ensure that minor issues won’t develop into major problems and avoid legal disputes.
And the result? Successful completion, satisfied clients, improved capabilities of all project stakeholders, and intact reputation.
Conclusion
Post construction phase isn’t just the finish line; it’s the ultimate quality checkpoint. It’s where we dot the i’s and cross the t’s to ensure our clients are satisfied and delighted.
After construction phase helps evaluate the project’s performance, fulfill all legal and financial obligations, and unearth opportunities that lie ahead. It’s the phase where we don our detective hats and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Haven’t considered post construction services yet? Now is the time.