ABSTRACT
Project handover involves the transfer of overall responsibility for the works from the construction team to the client’s user organisation(s). The handover strategy should be developed by the architect/employer's agent (A/EA) in conjunction with the client to suit the client's financial, operational and other requirements. As the detailed design develops, the handover strategy should develop into a detailed handover plan. This should cover project completion, timetable for handover and lead-in activities, responsibilities during the process, and others. It is generally accepted good practice to try to keep the ‘snag’ list to a minimum by encouraging the contractor to take action to remedy faults well in advance of the final handover or occupation date, whichever is earlier. The Clerk of Works needs to collect, as agreed with the building project manager and M&E project engineer, documentation for the A/EA to collate into the manual and to ensure that all M&E manufacturers’/contractors' operating and maintenance instructions, literature and test certificates are provided.
