Construction Phase
The Western Michigan University Planning, Space Management and Capital Projects staff monitors and manages the project during the Construction Phase. Typically there is a contract with a construction manager or a construction contractor who manages the project, schedules the work and hires and schedules the sub-contractors.
The project's architecture/engineering firm or other professional service contractor continues to prepare and document all design issues, changes and specifications, then verifies that the construction documents are being followed.
Throughout the construction phase, situations arise that require changes or refinements to the drawing or specifications. These changes are documented as "bulletins," "submittals," "change orders" or "shop drawings" and are added to the construction documents.
Periodic reviews occur during the construction phase. In-house reviews check the accuracy and quality of work and test the equipment. Building and equipment commissioning is an on-going process that tests whether the the building systems are programmed and working as designed. Other reviews are conducted by official entities such as the State Fire Marshal.
Occupancy of a building can occur only when the project is complete enough for the fire marshal to issue a certificate of occupancy.
At the time of final or substantial completion a variety of documents are produced or obtained that complete the construction documents. These include "as-builts," "record drawings," "markups" or "closeouts" maintenance and operation manuals, permits, warranties and other documents necessary to occupancy and maintain the facility.
Definitions
Substantial completion: the stage of the construction project at which the work is complete enough to allow occupancy or operation of the facility even though some work remains to be done.