The end of the works closes the site. Using the building takes one more step: checks, certificates and paperwork that attest to its safety and compliance. They are completed in a few weeks when they have been prepared during the works.
Testing means checking, in writing
Testing is a formal check: a qualified professional verifies that what has been built matches the design and the regulations, and certifies it. The document keeps its value over time: it is needed for the certificate of occupancy (agibilità), for insurance, for a future sale or lease.
The checks, one by one
- Structures: structural testing is entrusted to a professional with no part in the design, works supervision or construction. For minor works it is replaced by the works supervisor's declaration of proper execution.
- Building systems: each installer issues the declaration of conformity for its own system, after tests and commissioning.
- Fire prevention: for activities subject to Fire Service inspections, the SCIA antincendio (fire-safety notice) is filed before the activity starts.
- Energy: the APE (energy performance certificate) records the consumption of the finished building.
The certificate of occupancy
The certificate of occupancy attests that the building meets the conditions of safety, hygiene, healthiness and energy saving. In Italy it is obtained with the Segnalazione Certificata di Agibilità (certified occupancy notice), filed with the building office of the municipality within 15 days of the end of the finishing works.
The notice comes with a sworn statement from a qualified professional and gathers the earlier documents: structural testing certificate, declarations of conformity of the building systems, land registry filing details. From the date of filing the building can be used.
Land registry and the documents that remain
A new or altered building must be declared to the land registry within 30 days of becoming usable. Together with the paperwork, the client keeps the documents needed to run the building: the as-built drawings, updated to what has been built, the building file, and the operation and maintenance manuals of the building systems.
It is prepared from day one
Material certificates, tests, records, contractors' declarations: the documents for the certificate of occupancy are produced during the works. Collecting them phase by phase avoids the final scramble, when the building is ready and a signature is missing.
At ARCHIlabs, works supervision, testing and end-of-works paperwork are in-house skills. We also carry out testing as a third party, on works designed by others.
Plain-language summary: requirements and timings vary with the type of work and with the municipality.