{"id":68113,"date":"2023-10-03T14:00:58","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T19:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?p=68113"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:31:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:31:07","slug":"post-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/blog\/post-construction","title":{"rendered":"Post-Construction Phase: How to Close a Construction Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Projects don\u2019t end with the final deliverable. There’s paperwork to sign off on, teams to be released and more administrative loose ends to tie up. This is doubly true with construction projects in what\u2019s called post-construction.<\/p>\n

What is post-construction? We\u2019ll answer that first and then explain what activities occur during post-construction and the various types of documentation that are used. Finally, we\u2019ll show how using project management software can help with post-construction.<\/p>\n

What Is Post-Construction?<\/h2>\n

Post-construction is the last phase of a construction project<\/a>. It spans the time between the end of the physical construction and when the project is turned over to the project owner. During this time, the job site is cleaned up, equipment is returned and the labor force is released from this project and usually reassigned to another project.<\/p>\n

There are other activities that occur during the post-construction period, which we\u2019ll get to in greater detail soon. But suffice to say, it\u2019s a period when everything is handed off to the client or project owner, from the actual construction to documentation. The owner\u2019s team will also be instructed and trained on how to operate all the systems and equipment in their newly constructed project.<\/p>\n

Project management software will help make this process more efficient. ProjectManager<\/a> is award-winning software with features that facilitate the turnover of the construction project to the project owner. For example, one construction document that we\u2019ll define shortly is the punch list. Our task list can collect all the tasks on a punch list to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Files can be attached to those files, such as photos if needed, and progress can be tracked in real time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n

\"ProjectManager's<\/a>
ProjectManager has features, such as task lists, to facilitate the post-construction phase. Learn more<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Post Construction Activities<\/h2>\n

As noted, post-construction is made up of all the activities that are necessary to hand over the construction project<\/a> to the project owner. There are many such activities that are needed to have a successful post-construction phase. Here are some of the most important.<\/p>\n

Final Inspections<\/h3>\n

The final inspection is done after the completion of the punch list<\/a> (defined below in the post-construction documents section). The construction team, including the general contractor and the architect, make sure that all the specifications of the contract have been met and that the structure is functioning properly. If everything is deemed okay, then the architect will sign a certificate of substantial completion. Next, if the structure complies with all local permits and regulations, the local government will issue a certificate of occupancy, which means that the building is ready for occupancy.<\/p>\n

Walkthrough<\/h3>\n

The walkthrough is the term used to describe when the general contractor<\/a>, architect and construction team inspect the structure during the final inspection. They literally walk through the job site and inspect all aspects of the structure to ensure it meets the quality standards as well as any contractual obligations.<\/p>\n

Handoff & Turnover<\/h3>\n

While not a specific moment in time, the handoff and turnover is a process. It\u2019s a period that allows for all the activities necessary to deliver the finished structure to the project owner. This extended phase allows the project owner to be fully aware and comfortable with the operation of all aspects of the newly constructed structure. The general contractor is present during this process to offer support to the client, such as staying in communication<\/a> with the project owner and handing over blueprints and operation manuals to ensure that the project owner understands the intricacies of the structure.<\/p>\n

The general contractor will provide any required training. Also during this phase, the general contractor and client will plan for expansion or the building of other necessary structures. A continuity plan is important to make sure all structures are operational and align with the original building design.<\/p>\n

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Punch List Template<\/h3>\n

\n\tUse this free Punch List Template for Excel to manage your projects better.<\/p>\n\t\t