The industry has six weeks to respond to a consultation on as-built and handover information requirements.
The consultation follows the publication of draft guidance on as-built and handover information requirements. The guidance has been developed by the Construction Leadership Council and BIM in Asset Management.
The guidance “promotes a common understanding between those who specify the information needed to operate and manage buildings and those responsible for producing and handing over that information, so that building information remains accurate, trustworthy and useful throughout the building’s operational life”, according to the introduction.
The document is intended to:
- give a clear, practical definition of requirements relating to as-built information/the handover pack;
- set out the minimum content that should be provided at the end of any project;
- describe how the level of detail and accuracy should be decided, so that it matches the risks and the needs of different types of clients and building operators; and
- help clients specify what they should require in contracts, and help designers, contractors and project teams plan how to deliver it.
The guidance applies to:
- all building work subject to the building regulations (from small domestic projects to large complex buildings);
- both new build and work on existing buildings; and
- all procurement routes.
It is not only for clients, but also designers, contractors, specialist suppliers and information managers.
Guidance bedded in reality
The guidance is intended as such (rather than being a formal standard or a contractual document).
“Treating building information as a planned project output, rather than an activity undertaken at project completion, is very likely to improve the quality, consistency and long-term value of the information delivered,” the document states.
The guidance notes the reality that “past experience shows that the terms ‘as-built’, ’O&M manuals’ and ‘handover’ information are often interpreted in different ways by members of a project team, and that the information being delivered is frequently incomplete, out of date, and/or untrustworthy”.
The deadline for responses to the consultation is noon on 16 October.
Anthony Taylor, chair of the group that drafted the document, said: “This is a significant contribution to getting the right information to the right person at the right time – effectively setting out expectations across the built environment to deliver accurate and trustworthy information to those who operate the buildings at the end of each and every project.
“We believe this will also support the accuracy needed for collation of accessible and accurate electronic information. The work will continue to determine ‘how’ can information of the appropriate quality and content be collated, and by whom?”
He added: “If anyone wishes to offer their expertise and insight to phase two of this work, please notify us via the consultation process and ensure you provide a contact email for us to respond.”
