RIBA STAGE 6 – Handover (post-completion)

How we will achieve all your requirements…WEEKS 99 - 100

RIBA Stage 6, which follows the construction phase, encompasses the series of events and contractual obligations necessary to finalise the building contract. This stage includes inspecting the completed structure for defects (also known as snagging), participating in meetings with other contract parties and fulfilling any remaining planning conditions.

If Passive House certification is targeted, we will review the as-built design against Passivhaus Certification criteria using the PHPP software and review the Certification Strategy. We’ll issue evidence to the Passivhaus Certifier who will then conduct their independent review, request any clarifications and, upon compliance: PASSIVHAUS CERTIFICATION AWARDED!

It's common for design modifications to occur during construction due to on-site developments. If needed, we will provide you with a set of updated record drawings for your records, reflecting these changes.

After a full year, we'll ensure all matters are settled before the final certificate is issued, marking the end of the building contract. At this milestone, we should all take pride in our accomplishments! We'll capture and document the completed structure through photographs and consider potential publicity opportunities or award submissions for the project.

Our Practice is committed to developing truly sustainable design solutions. As part of this commitment, we conduct post-completion reviews and evaluations of our projects. This crucial step enables us to continuously learn and ensure that our buildings perform as intended, particularly in terms of energy efficiency.

We view the design of innovative and unique dwellings as an ongoing learning process. The data gathered from these evaluations allows us to continuously refine our approach and grow as a practice, always striving for improvement and excellence in sustainable design.

We value maintaining contact with our clients to understand how they're adapting to their new living space. Additionally, we hope you'll allow us to showcase your home to prospective clients, enabling us to share the journey of your project to inspire future endeavours.

After we finish this stage (RIBA Stage 6), you’ll be well established in your new home!

The key aims are:

  1. Stage 6 starts with the handover of the building to you immediately after Practical Completion is achieved at the end of stage 5.

  2. We will issue you with a useful simple building users guide detailing all the energy saving features of your new home, together with relevant health and safety information, including all the fire safety measures.

  3. We’ll liaise with the Passivhaus Certifier if full certification is targeted.

  4. We will inspect the completed building for any defects after 12 months.

  5. We'll ensure all matters are settled before the final certificate is issued.

  6. We will provide you with a set of updated record drawings for your records.

  7. We will undertake our own post-occupancy evaluation to ensure that all the sustainable criteria have been met.

  8. We will liaise with building control as required to obtain a certificate of completion at the end of all construction works.

  9. RIBA Stage 6 finishes at the end of the Defects Liability Period, which is typically 12 months.

  10. RIBA Stage 7 starts concurrently with RIBA Stage 6 and lasts for the life of the building.

  11. We’ll help you celebrate your first year in your new home!

AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 6 - The building contract will be concluded, and you can look forward to many happy and comfortable years in your new home.