Construction Milestones
What’s Happening Behind the Fence?
Upcoming & Past Milestones
Click each event to learn more about the milestone (what it means and entails) and to see past milestone photos.
Substantial Completion
Construction Corner - What does Substantial Completion mean?
Substantial Completion in construction is a key milestone indicating that a project is sufficiently finished such that the building or structure is usable for its intended purpose, even if some minor work remains. At this stage:
Occupancy: The building is safe and ready for occupancy or use, although some final touches or punch list items might still need to be completed.
Inspection: A substantial completion inspection is often conducted to ensure that the project meets the contractual requirements and building codes.
Contractor's Responsibilities: The contractor’s responsibilities for the major aspects of the project are largely fulfilled, but they may still need to address minor issues or complete remaining work.
Reaching substantial completion is significant because it typically triggers a range of contractual and financial provisions, such as the start of the warranty period, final payments, and the transition from construction to operational status.
Final Completion
Construction Corner - What does Final Completion mean?
Final Completion in construction is the stage when a project is fully finished and all contractual obligations have been met. At this point:
Final Inspection: A thorough inspection is usually conducted to ensure that all aspects of the project meet the required standards and specifications.
Punch List Items: Any remaining minor issues or punch list items identified during the substantial completion phase have been addressed and resolved.
Documentation: All necessary documentation, such as as-built drawings, operation manuals, warranties, and maintenance instructions, has been provided.
Final Payment: The final payment is typically made to the contractor, and any retention funds held back during the project are released.
Final completion signifies that the project is entirely ready for its intended use, and all aspects of the work have been completed to the satisfaction of the client and in accordance with the contract.
Conditioned Air Operational
Construction Corner - What does Conditional Air Operational mean?
In construction, the "Conditioned Air Operational" milestone indicates that the building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are up and running and able to control the interior environment effectively. This means:
Heating and Cooling Systems: The HVAC systems can maintain appropriate temperatures.
Ventilation: The system is properly circulating air and ensuring adequate ventilation throughout the building.
Air Quality: The system is functioning to filter and condition the air, providing a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Reaching this milestone is important because it ensures that the building can be maintained at a controlled temperature and air quality level, which is crucial for both ongoing construction work and for the eventual occupants. It also allows for the testing and adjustment of HVAC systems to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively.
Building Energized (Powered and Operational)
Construction Corner: What does Building Energized mean?
The building energized milestone in construction refers to the point at which the building's electrical systems are powered and operational. This typically includes:
Main Electrical Service: The connection to the power grid or a primary power source is established.
Electrical Distribution: Circuit breakers, panels, and wiring are set up and functioning.
Lighting and Power: Electrical systems, including lighting fixtures and power outlets, are operational.
Reaching the energized milestone means that electrical systems are ready to support construction activities and testing, and often, this is when the building's HVAC systems are also turned on for the first time. It’s a significant step because it allows for the testing of systems and can facilitate further construction and finishing work.
Building Envelope Dry-in Complete
Construction Corner: What does Envelope Dry-in mean?
The envelope dry-in milestone in construction refers to the point at which a building's exterior envelope is completed and weather-tight. This milestone means that the structure is protected from the elements, and construction can continue safely inside without being affected by rain, wind, or other weather conditions.
Key components typically included in reaching the envelope dry-in stage are:
Roofing: Installation of the roof structure and covering.
Windows and Doors: All windows and doors are installed and sealed.
Exterior Walls: The building's exterior walls are completed and weather-resistant.
Reaching this milestone is crucial because it allows interior work, such as electrical, plumbing, and finishing, to proceed without interruptions due to weather-related issues. It also marks a significant progress point in the construction schedule.
Topping Out Celebration
And just like that, the last piece of structural steel is in place. Today was the "topping off" at the #DrPhillipsNursingPavilion! Celebrating our craft, trade partner’s and construction crew for helping us build the College of Nursing for the future.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
UCF Breaks Ground on Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion That Will Help Address Critical Shortage, Strengthen Patient Care. With the turning of ceremonial dirt, University of Central Florida students, donors and administrators celebrated breaking ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion – a state-of-the-art building that will strengthen patient care by enabling UCF to graduate 150 more highly qualified, compassionate nurses each year.
Made possible by support from the State of Florida and many generous donors deeply invested in the future of nursing, the community and the state, the groundbreaking ceremony marked a major milestone demonstrating the potential that can be unleashed with the power of philanthropy when many key stakeholders join together to tackle one of the community’s greatest challenges.
“A building is space where you’re able to do what you need to do. For the UCF College of Nursing, it will be a venue where great thinkers live, future nurses learn, and innovators and scholars work together to solve our world’s most pressing healthcare problems,” said Dean Mary Lou Sole. “In this building, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, UCF will unleash potential that will have an immeasurable impact for generations to come.”
Source: https://nursing.ucf.edu/news/ucf-breaks-ground-on-dr-phillips-nursing-pavilion-that-will-help-address-critical-shortage-strengthen-patient-care/
