Quality & Defects

As-built drawings are the final set of drawings that show a project as it was actually constructed, including every change from the design drawings. In Australia they are often called work as executed (WAE) drawings, and they are handed to the owner for operation, maintenance and future works.

A defect list is a schedule of incomplete or faulty work that the contractor must fix, usually prepared during inspections before practical completion and again during the defects liability period. Each item records the location, the problem, the responsible trade and when it was closed out.

A defects liability period (DLP) is a set period after practical completion, commonly 12 months, during which the contractor must return to fix defects in the works when directed. The principal usually keeps part of the contractor's security until the period ends and outstanding defects are rectified.

A dilapidation report is a dated record, with photos and written notes, of the condition of neighbouring buildings, roads and public assets before construction starts. It is used to prove whether any cracking or damage found later existed before the works or was caused by them.

Document control is the process of managing a construction project's drawings, specifications and records so that everyone works from the current approved version. It covers numbering, revision tracking, issuing with transmittals, approvals, storage and removing superseded documents.

IFC drawings (issued for construction) are the design drawings formally released by the design team as approved for building. They replace earlier tender or preliminary issues, and they are the set the contractor and subcontractors build from on site.

An ITP, or inspection and test plan, is a quality document that lists every inspection and test required for a work activity, when it happens, who does it, the acceptance criteria and the records needed. It also marks the hold points and witness points where the client or engineer must be involved.

An NCR, or non-conformance report, is a formal record that work, materials or a process on a construction project does not meet the specified requirements. It describes the problem, how it will be dealt with, who approves the fix, and what will stop it happening again.

An O&M manual, or operation and maintenance manual, is the handover document that tells a building owner how to operate, maintain and repair everything installed in the building. It compiles equipment data, maintenance schedules, warranties, certificates, test results and as-built drawings from every trade.

An occupation certificate is the NSW approval that allows a new building, or a changed part of one, to be occupied and used. It is issued by the principal certifier under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 once the building is suitable for occupation and fire safety requirements are met.

Practical completion is the stage when the works are complete except for minor defects and omissions that do not stop the building being used for its intended purpose, and any tests and documents the contract requires have been completed. The superintendent certifies the date, which triggers handover and several contract milestones.

Shop drawings are detailed drawings prepared by a subcontractor, fabricator or supplier showing exactly how a component will be made and installed, such as structural steel, precast panels, joinery or ductwork. They translate the design drawings into buildable detail and are submitted for review before fabrication.