Poor site preparation can lead to long-term costs after construction. The right documentation helps facility managers understand drainage, access, stabilization, and maintenance responsibilities before accepting a new property.
What Happened
A recent article by Eric Kurfehs, published on July 14, 2026, highlights the often-overlooked importance of site preparation documentation for facility managers. As newly constructed properties are handed over, they may appear complete, but lingering site-related issues can become the responsibility of facility managers. These issues include improper drainage, inadequate access for services, and insufficient stabilization measures, which can escalate into costly problems if not addressed early. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive documentation covering grading, drainage, subgrade and compaction, stabilization, and access routes to ensure facility teams are prepared to manage these challenges effectively.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals and government contractors, the takeaways are clear: thorough site prep documentation is not merely a formality but a critical component of project handover. It influences long-term operational costs and facility maintenance. Contractors should prioritize providing detailed records of final grading, drainage plans, and compaction testing to facility teams. This ensures that facility managers can maintain the property efficiently and avoid unforeseen expenses related to water damage, soil instability, or access issues. Moreover, understanding which areas require ongoing inspection or maintenance allows facility teams to allocate resources effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
What US Operators Should Watch
Operators should be vigilant about the turnover package contents, ensuring they include comprehensive site preparation documentation. Key areas to focus on are the as-built drawings, drainage and erosion control measures, subgrade and compaction details, and access route specifications. Additionally, facility managers should advocate for receiving these documents well before project completion to address potential issues proactively. By doing so, they can mitigate risks associated with poor site preparation and secure a smoother transition from construction to operational management.
Source: https://facilityexecutive.com/a-guide-to-site-prep-documentation-for-facility-teams. Read the original story ->
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