After months of construction, acceptance may seem like a mere formality: a report is signed and the building goes into operation. In reality, it is one of the most important stages for the owner. From this moment on, the building becomes the owner’s responsibility, and any defect not reported may become harder to have fixed at the contractor’s expense.

The acceptance procedure for buildings is governed by regulations that may change. The information below is for guidance only; check the current requirements with the competent authorities and the site supervisor.

Interim Acceptance: Concealed Work

Acceptance does not take place only at the end. During construction, work that is about to be covered – rebar before concrete placement, foundations before backfilling, waterproofing, structural anchorage – is inspected and recorded in concealed work reports. Without these documents, the quality of elements that are no longer visible can no longer be proven at final acceptance.

The presence of the site supervisor or the owner’s technical representative at these inspections is essential.

Acceptance upon Completion of Works

When the contractor announces completion, an acceptance committee is convened, with the participation of the owner, the contractor, the designer, and other parties required by regulations. The committee reviews the documentation and inspects the facility on site, and decides either to grant acceptance, grant acceptance with exceptions, or postpone it until the deficiencies are corrected.

Documents Reviewed

  • the construction design and all changes approved along the way;
  • concealed work reports and phase inspection reports;
  • quality certificates and declarations of conformity for materials;
  • test reports – for example, concrete strength, weld inspection, and measurements of the electrical installation and grounding system;
  • technical documentation for the equipment and suppliers’ warranty certificates;
  • updated as-built drawings.

What the Owner Inspects on Site

Structural Steel

Plumbness of the columns, condition of bolted and welded connections, integrity of the corrosion protection, and presence of all bracing specified in the design.

Roofing and Walls

Watertightness at the joints, condition of the panels (no dents or scratches), proper fastening, and proper functioning of gutters and downspouts. Ideally, the roof should also be inspected after a rain.

Floors

Flatness, absence of significant cracks, and joints executed according to the design.

Building Systems and Equipment

Operation of the lighting, ventilation, heating, gates and sectional doors, and alarm systems. Functional tests are carried out in the owner’s presence.

The Punch List

It is normal for minor issues to come up at acceptance. They are entered in a punch list with clear completion deadlines. Practical advice: be specific – “scratch on wall panel, grid line B, between 3 and 4” is much more useful than “unsatisfactory finishes.”

The Warranty Period

After acceptance, the warranty period for the works begins, as set by the contract and applicable law. During this period, the contractor is obligated to repair defects caused by workmanship or by materials it supplied. Equipment usually carries separate warranties provided by the manufacturers.

The contract often provides for a retainage – a percentage of the contract value held by the owner and released after the period expires, or replaced with a bank guarantee.

What the Warranty Does Not Cover

Damage caused by improper use, overloading the structure beyond the design loads, unauthorized modifications, or lack of maintenance. That is why you should keep the operating instructions and the maintenance log.

Final Acceptance

When the warranty period expires, final acceptance is held in accordance with regulations, confirming that the facility has performed properly and that the contractor’s obligations have been fulfilled.

Colass hands over every facility with a complete construction file and provides service during the warranty period.

Planning a building and want a handover with no surprises? Contact us at +373 78 30 40 40 or visit us at 8 Uzinelor St., Chișinău.