New construction
How construction progresses, from the site to handover
This is a general overview. Some activities may overlap, and the exact sequence depends on the project. Visible progress on site does not by itself prove that the required documents have been issued.
- 01 Land, planning and designBefore construction begins, clarify the rights over the land, the planning rules and the proposed design.
- 02 Building permitThe permit states what may be built, identifies the developer and lists the approved designs. It does not prove that construction has started or been completed.
- 03 Start of construction and foundationsAfter the opening of the construction site and the determination of the line and level, the work on the permitted construction begins - first on the excavation and the foundations.
- 04 Construction and Act 14Act Form 14 certifies acceptance of the structural frame. It is related to the concept of "rough construction", but the two do not always mean the same thing.
- 05 Finishing works and utility connectionsWork continues on the façades, building systems, common areas and utility connections. Even if the building looks finished, that does not mean it has been authorized for use.
- 06 Preparation for acceptance and Act 15With Act Form 15, the builder hands the construction and its documents to the developer, and its readiness for acceptance is recorded. This is not the final authorization for use.
- 07 CommissioningAccording to the category, the final document is a permit to use or a certificate of commissioning. The colloquial "Act 16" can mean a variety of things.
- 08 Property handover and maintenanceAt handover, the parties record the keys, the property's condition, meter readings and any observations. Maintenance and condominium obligations follow.
Excavation, structural, facade, installation and finishing work may overlap.
Each document concerns a particular property, building, part of the works or event. It must be checked within that specific scope.
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Each stage in detail
Choose the stage you have a question about
For each stage, see what usually happens, which documents are connected to it and what you should check as a buyer.
Land, planning and design
Before construction begins, clarify the rights over the land, the planning rules and the proposed design.
Open this stage Stage 02Building permit
The permit states what may be built, identifies the developer and lists the approved designs. It does not prove that construction has started or been completed.
Open this stage Stage 03Start of construction and foundations
After the opening of the construction site and the determination of the line and level, the work on the permitted construction begins - first on the excavation and the foundations.
Open this stage Stage 04Construction and Act 14
Act Form 14 certifies acceptance of the structural frame. It is related to the concept of "rough construction", but the two do not always mean the same thing.
Open this stage Stage 05Finishing works and utility connections
Work continues on the façades, building systems, common areas and utility connections. Even if the building looks finished, that does not mean it has been authorized for use.
Open this stage Stage 06Preparation for acceptance and Act 15
With Act Form 15, the builder hands the construction and its documents to the developer, and its readiness for acceptance is recorded. This is not the final authorization for use.
Open this stage Stage 07Commissioning
According to the category, the final document is a permit to use or a certificate of commissioning. The colloquial "Act 16" can mean a variety of things.
Open this stage Stage 08Property handover and maintenance
At handover, the parties record the keys, the property's condition, meter readings and any observations. Maintenance and condominium obligations follow.
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