The ultimate goal of a construction project is to successfully complete the project by meeting and hopefully exceeding the Owner’s initial expectations. For a company to achieve this, however, is not as simple as you may think. It takes commitment and considerable resources. Since resources such as time, energy, and money are so valuable now a days, it is critical that all resources are used and used with their full potential.
There are some simple guidelines and documents that contractors use to help the Owners get the most bang for their buck. A complete and comprehensive project folder is essential to reaching this goal. When reviewing these documents and guidelines, it’s easier to get a better understanding of the complexity of a construction project and what documents and actions are needed to close-out a project.
For an Owner, it is important to gather and understand all the documentation that will be needed for the project. Closing out a project begins even before the Owner selects a Design Professional and may end long after the substantial completion. Prior to signing a contract for the construction project the Owner should meet with their Design Professional and have them identify which items in a Contractor’s checklist are applicable to the upcoming project. This will give the owner a better understanding of what steps are needed to complete the project and what documentation they can expect to receive from their Design Professional and Contractor. During this process, the Owner should ask their Design Professional to provide the plans and specifications, and then compare the requirements of this checklist with those plans and specifications. This final review will familiarize the Owner with the project documents. Familiarity with these documents reduces the likelihood of forgetting required items from the project. The benefits of the Owner being able to understand the processes, documentation, and actions, will only help the project...