Towards the end of construction, the university's project
staff assemble a "punch list", or a list of items
that need to be corrected or completed. Once the
work is complete enough to allow satisfactory operation
of the building, the project becomes Substantially
Complete. This may occur even if some work remains.
Substantial Completion starts the legal and physical transition
to university control of the facility. Warranty
periods commence, and the statute of limitations
on legal liabilities starts. The university
assumes building liability and provides security
and maintenance services. University faculty and
staff start training on the building systems and
technology.
Every construction project has a "start-up" or"break-in" period,
which begins after the project is Substantially
Complete. Building systems and equipment are monitored,
problems and warranty situations identified, and
repairs and modifications continue. The project
is officially closed only after all "punch list"
items are addressed.
Some problems that are identified during the break-in period
may not be part of the original scope of work.
These are assigned to a separate project
and funding source. The new project will have its
own budget and schedule, and often does not start
until the original project is closed.
Planning to move the users/building occupants into the
completed building takes place during the Construction Phase,
if not earlier. The sequence of moves is set in advance
and all room contents and movable equipment are boxed and
labeled. The move can proceed after the Certificate of Occupancy
is issued by the State Fire Marshall.
Many building systems need a period of continuous operation before
their performance can be assessed accurately. An
operations review after six months or a year of
use may significantly affect maintenance and custodial
schedules and practices. Both satisfactory and
poorly performing systmes are documented for future
reference.
At various times a post-occupancy interview or questionnaire may
be given to the building users to record their
opinions and experiences with the building. This
information may be used to make further modifications
to the building, or may provide information useful
for future projects. The review may also identify
practices or activities that can have a negative
impact on the facility over time. If so, the building
users may need re-training, or the building systems
re-designed to accommodate previously unknown needs.
