In this article, we will explore in detail the acceptance of work procedure, the responsibilities of each party involved and the consequences of poor pre-acceptance operations. If you are about to take delivery of a building project, or if you are simply interested in this subject, this article will provide you with all the information you need to successfully complete this crucial stage.
Acceptance of the work is a compulsory and important stage in the construction process. It can be defined as the act by which the client acknowledges that the work has been completed and that the structure conforms to the stipulations of the construction contract.
It can also be seen as the act by which the owner takes possession of the building after a final visit accompanied by the Health and Safety Coordinator and the contractor.
It also marks the start of the legal guarantees. Firstly, the Completion Guarantee, which covers defects discovered within twelve months of acceptance of the building. Then there is the biennial guarantee, which covers equipment that can be separated from the building and that fails within two years of acceptance. Finally, the ten-year guarantee, which covers damage affecting the solidity of the structure or rendering it unfit for its intended use for ten years from acceptance.
The purpose of provisional acceptance is to enable the project owner to check that the work has been carried out in accordance with the plans and specifications set out in the contract, and that the structure is ready for use in optimum safety conditions. This stage is also an opportunity for the client to point out any defects or irregularities, which will then be corrected by the contractor before final acceptance.
Final acceptance is the final stage in any construction or renovation project. It marks the end of the work and the delivery of the building to the owner. This stage takes place after provisional acceptance, once all defects have been removed and the work is deemed to comply with the contract specifications.
Judicial acceptance is a specific procedure that is used in the event of a conflict between the project owner and the contractor, where the latter has failed to comply with the terms of the contract or has been at fault in carrying out the work. This procedure is initiated by the judge in charge of the case, who appoints an expert to carry out a technical assessment of the work.
Preparation is an important stage in any construction or renovation project. It ensures that the work is ready for acceptance and that all the conditions are in place to guarantee the quality and safety of the acceptance of the work.
This stage involves a number of measures that must be rigorously implemented. First of all, it is important to check that the work complies with the plans, the contract specifications and the standards and regulations in place.
The acceptance of work visit is the second key stage after preparing for the acceptance. It is used to check that the work complies with the plans and specifications in the contract, as well as the standards and regulations in force.
It is during this visit that any defects that need to be corrected before final acceptance of the work are identified. This stage is therefore crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the work. It’s against this backdrop that our Beyond InSite digital solution is proving extremely useful for pre-acceptance operations and acceptance of work visits.
Thanks to its MyCheck module, it makes it easier to manage worksite visits by centralising information, photos and defects on the application. This means that everyone involved on the worksite can access information in real time, collaborate remotely and easily correct any defects they may have about the worksite visit. This solution also saves time by avoiding additional costs (time, costs and administration) on the worksite and by simplifying the management of defects.
Drawing up a final report is the final stage before closing and the warranties come into play. It is the official document certifying that the work has been satisfactorily handed over and that it complies with the plans, contract specifications and standards in force.
Drawing up the acceptance of the work report is a crucial stage, as it formalises the contractual commitments and guarantees. It must be drawn up with rigour and precision to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
Acceptance of work is then finalised, but if defects are found during the visit, there is an additional stage: the lifting of defects.
Beyond InSite, our digital construction management solution, helps to draw up the acceptance of work report. It centralises all the information relating to the handover of the building, making it easier to draw up the official acceptance report and check that it is correct.
It is an important stage in the construction process. It means that the client (the person who commissioned the project) has identified the elements that do not conform to the specifications agreed in the construction contract. These are known as “defects”.
By using Beyond InSite’s MyCheck module, owners and contractors can work together more efficiently and transparently to ensure that defects are corrected quickly and that the work is delivered in accordance with the specifications agreed in the construction contract. Once completed, this stage enables the final payments to be released.
This final stage marks the end of the acceptance process. It takes place after all the defects identified, by the client during the acceptance of work visit, have been resolved.
The end of the acceptance process also marks the start of the legal guarantees for the client. These guarantees include
If acceptance of work is neglected, there may be construction defects, which may lead to additional costs:
In addition, if the work is not completed on time, this may result in financial penalties.
If acceptance of work is neglected, this can lead to legal issues for the contractor. For example, if an accident occurs due to a construction defect, this could lead to legal claims.
If acceptance of work is neglected, this can damage the reputation of the company in charge of the works. Clients may lose trust in their ability to manage construction projects and this may result in a loss of future contracts.
If the works are not handed over, the construction company may be subject to financial penalties or penalty payments as stipulated in the contract. Failure to meet delivery deadlines or contractual obligations may result in financial penalties for the construction company.
It may also be ordered to make reparation for damage caused by negligence in the worksite delivery such as construction defects.
The construction company may also be subject to criminal prosecution if it is found guilty of offences such as endangering others or negligent safety. Penalties can include financial penalties, imprisonment and confiscation of property.
