When it comes to construction, it’s natural to think about procurement, design, and the building phase. But what often gets overlooked is what comes after construction ends.
While the actual building may be there, there are still finishing touches to be done and related work to be completed, like building waste removal and having an ongoing maintenance schedule set up, such as automatic door maintenance, lift maintenance or fire alarm installation.
You’ll also need to think about practical elements like surfacing for external areas like car parks, pavements, and access roads. Bringing in experienced asphalt contractors at this stage ensures the site is safe, accessible, and truly finished.
Before a commercial property can be sold or leased, it must pass a final inspection and safety walkthrough. The architect, developer, and project manager will check systems like electrical wiring, plumbing, and drainage. Then, local authorities will conduct an inspection as well before issuing a certificate of completion.
If you’re a first-time contractor, building owner, freeholder, or leaseholder unsure about what happens after the construction phase, this blog will walk you through exactly what to expect.
1. Final Inspections
Depending on the type of commercial property you’re building, the construction timeline can range from a few months to several years. Over such a long period, keeping up with every detail, including changing legislation, can be challenging.
Once the building phase is complete, the project manager, developer, and architect will do a thorough check to ensure everything is functioning as it should. For example, checking if doors and windows are closing properly, if the alarms are working, and if the building meets current environmental regulations and fire safety standards.
Any minor issues should be addressed before the final inspection by local authorities. It’s also a good idea to conduct a walk-through with the owner to make sure everything is in order. This helps avoid future disputes with owners or leaseholders and ensures a smoother handover process.
2. Handover of the Commercial Build to the Freeholder
At this stage, the general contractor and lead architect will hand over all the necessary documentation to the owner. This usually includes final design drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranties for equipment like electrical systems and alarms, and the building control completion certificate.
As a freeholder, you need to keep this documentation safe, as it is required for safety, operational and legal compliance.
3. Interior Setup
If this wasn’t part of your original design-build contract, as a freeholder, you will need to start with interior design and setup. If you’ve already sold or leased some portions, then individual businesses can customise their interiors or space. However, if it’s a more generic commercial build, then you can work with an interior design firm and create a neutral and generic layout that goes with your company’s ethos.
For a dedicated commercial build, with only one business residing in the property, you can customise the design based on your company’s colours or the service industry (the design of an IT office will differ from a hospital or manufacturing facility).
4. Utility Connection
What is a building without electricity or gas lines? To run a commercial building, you need more than just electricity lines. You need to set up an internet connection, a water connection, a security system and a heating and cooling system.
To reduce the carbon footprint of your commercial build, you can choose to install solar panels. Fire alarms must also be tested and calibrated before the building is functional. Security systems such as alarms, smart door locks, CCTV cameras and others must be installed and checked. All these utilities contribute to the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of your commercial building.
5. Building Insurance
Just like home insurance for residential properties, you have insurance for commercial properties, such as building insurance and content insurance. As a business owner or building owner, you must have a comprehensive insurance policy for any untoward situations.
Some building owners can also take out public liability insurance if the space is regularly used by the public, such as a bank or a store. This insurance will protect you from financial liabilities if a member of the public meets with an accident, such as a slip and fall on your premises. Always shop around for the best insurance rates, one that is affordable yet offers you the best coverage and has good customer service.
6. Health and Safety Certification
A commercial building is inhabited by hundreds of employees and members of the public. As a property owner or freeholder, before opening the doors to the people, appoint a Responsible Person who will ensure your building complies with the government’s health and safety regulations.
Make sure you’ve completed the fire risk assessments and that evacuation plans are in place, along with a personal evacuation plan (PEEP). Local authorities can penalise you, send an enforcement notice, and, in some cases, take legal action if they find you lacking in this regard.
What’s Next for Property Owners?
The contractor’s work ends when the building is turned over to the owner. Now, the upkeep of your property is in your hands. To increase the longevity of your property and ensure compliance with health and safety laws, regular maintenance and upgrades are necessary.
You can either hire an internal maintenance team or outsource it to a reputable third-party service provider. They will be responsible for undertaking regular inspections, maintenance and repairs. This will help you avoid emergencies and costly repairs and stay legally compliant.
Property rules are constantly changing, and a professional property management provider can guide you through them.
Final Words
The longest phase of a building starts after construction is over. The occupancy stage can last anywhere from a few decades to centuries; however, it depends on how the property is maintained to safeguard against the onslaught of time and environmental degradation.
Do you have commercial property? What rules did you follow after the construction phase was over?
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