Construction Handover Water Hygiene: Questions Before Occupation

New and refurbished buildings can develop water hygiene problems if systems are filled, altered, or left stagnant before occupation.

Before handover, request commissioning records, chlorination certificates, flushing evidence, schematic drawings, asset schedules, and any sampling results.

Clarify who owns monitoring between practical completion and full occupation because responsibility can become blurred during defects and phased moves.

Arrange a risk assessment or review once the building is operating as intended, particularly if occupancy is gradual or tenants fit out their own areas.

Capture defects early, including poor temperatures, dead legs, inaccessible assets, missing labels, and incomplete records.