Construction & Handover Support
Pack 4 of 4 · RIBA Stages 5–6
Good drawings only become a good building if the design is carried through on site. Our Construction & Handover support keeps you in control while the builder works, answers the contractor’s queries and makes sure the finished building is handed over properly, with the level of involvement agreed with you.
- Keep control on site with an architect who knows the design
- Get clear answers to the contractor’s queries
- Receive your building properly with inspection and handover documents
Book your free initial consultation
What Construction & Handover support includes
- Building contract and programme support: help you work with your builder under the contract and follow the programme
- Site visits: visits during construction to check the works follow the design
- Contractor queries: we answer questions and clarify drawings and details
- Changes on site: we help you understand the options and their impact before decisions are made
- Quality checks: works and materials checked against the drawings and specification
- Practical completion inspection: a walk-through with you and a list of defects to be put right
- Handover information: help collecting completion certificates, warranties and maintenance information
- Principal Designer services under CDM 2015, where required
The level of involvement is agreed with you
Some clients want occasional site visits, others want an architect closely involved until handover. We agree the scope with you at the start, so fees and expectations are clear.
How it works
- Before work starts: we review the contract, the programme and the information the builder needs.
- During construction: we visit site as agreed, answer the contractor’s queries and check that the works follow the design.
- If something changes: we help you understand the options before you decide.
- Practical completion: we inspect the finished building with you and list any defects for the builder to correct.
- Handover: we help you gather the completion documents, so you receive a building that is ready to use and maintain.
This support follows our Technical & Construction Pack. To see how every stage fits together, read RIBA Stages Explained: How We Work. Where required, we also provide Principal Designer services.
