Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 293
ONLINE VERSION
Stage 6 > Handover and Close Out
6.1
Core Objectives
The project team’s scope of services during this stage will be
dictated by the appointment documents, which should be
aligned with the procurement strategy and Handover Strategy.
Tasks carried out as part of the procurement strategy might
include the inspection of defects as they are rectified or the
production of certification in relation to the Building Contract.
Tasks in relation to the Handover Strategy can be wide-ranging,
and may include:
• attending Feedback workshops
• considering how any lessons learned might be applied on
future projects
• undertaking an initial Post-occupancy Evaluation that
considers whether the desired Project Outcomes have been
achieved, and/or
• undertaking tasks in relation to commissioning or ensuring the
successful operation and management of the building.
Activities in Stage 6 to be undertaken by the architect as contract
administrator are annotated ‘CA’ in the margin.
After Practical Completion / defects liability period
At Practical Completion the client takes possession of the
building, half of any retention money is released and the
contractor’s liability for liquidated damages ends. There is
generally a 12-month defects liability period (DLP) which
commences at the date of Practical Completion and during
which time the contractor must rectify any defects arising if
instructed to do so. At the end of the DLP, the contractor must
make good any remaining defects within a reasonable period
of time. Upon completion of the making good of defects, all
retention money must be released, and when all outstanding
contractual issues have been resolved, the final certificate can be
issued. This marks the conclusion of the Building Contract.
DLP activities are generally for the architect as contract
administrator.
281
6
