Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
7.3 Dealing with defects at the handover stage of a project
Before outlining the snagging and defects procedures at the practical completion
stage of a project, an understanding of contract procedures is necessary. The rela-
tionship between the practical completion and final completion stages of a contract
is illustrated diagrammatically. This indicates the defects snagging list prior to prac-
tical completion and the final defects schedule at the end of the defects liability
period.
The defects situation at practical completion is not clearly defined in the contract.
Practical completion is normally understood to be “when the works are complete for
all practical purposes”. Any outstanding items of work are considered as being only
of a minor nature and would not clearly affect the proper functioning of the
building.
Minor items of work may then be completed in the first few days after the handing
over of the building to the client.
Commencement
date
Completion date
handover
End of defects
period
Contract duration
40 weeks
Defects liability period
12 months
Practical
certificate
issued
50% retention
released
Completion
certificate
issued
balance of
retention
released
Final defects
snagging list
prior to
handover
Completion
of final
defects
schedule
Contractual relationships
At the handover stage, a certificate of practical completion will be issued by the
architect. This will indicate the date of practical completion, and the quantity
surveyor will release one half of the retention fund at the next payment stage. The
defects liability period will then commence at the practical completion date.
An example defects inspection sheet is illustrated, which includes snagging items,
incomplete work and defects to be identified during the inspection stages.
Good relationships are essential between the main contractor, clerk of works
and the various subcontractors in order that defects identified are speedily
dealt with.
