Certification and Handover Process
The worst handovers are frantic document hunts. This guide outlines how to build a compliant evidence pack progressively, ensuring a smooth certification process.
1. Typical Evidence Items
- Trade certificates: electrical, plumbing, glazing, waterproofing (where applicable), termite management documentation.
- Test reports: pressure tests, commissioning results, fire system commissioning, waterproofing inspections.
- Product compliance: data sheets and certificates for key compliance items (fire, energy, BAL).
- As-builts and O&M manuals: what was installed, how to maintain it, and who warrants it.
2. Builder Best Practice
- Photograph concealed works and store them by area/date.
- Use checklists tied to NCC items and inspection stages.
- Close defects before the final inspection—finals should confirm, not discover.
3. Structure the Evidence Pack (So It’s Searchable)
Good handover packs are organised by discipline and area, not by “random email threads”. A simple structure:
- Approvals: permits, approved plans, conditions register.
- Inspections: stage inspection sign-offs and rectification evidence.
- Services: electrical, plumbing, fire, commissioning reports, test sheets.
- Product compliance: critical items (fire stopping, waterproofing, insulation, glazing, BAL materials).
- As-builts + O&M: “what was installed” plus maintenance requirements.
- Warranties: warranties and contacts for defects and maintenance.
4. Commissioning Is Part of Certification
For services-heavy projects, commissioning is often the critical path. Treat commissioning as a sequence with prerequisites: power on, controls installed, test plans agreed, and witness requirements booked.
Practical takeaway: a calm handover is usually the result of disciplined weekly document capture, not a heroic effort in the last two weeks.