Commissioning During Construction: Ensuring Quality
Commissioning During Construction: Ensuring Quality and Performance Before Handover
In any modern building project, the path from design to occupancy is filled with critical checkpoints. One of the most important is commissioning during construction—a process that verifies and documents that all building systems are installed and function according to the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and design intent.
Rather than waiting until the end, commissioning begins during construction, identifying issues early, reducing costly rework, and ensuring a smooth transition into the occupancy phase.
Why Commissioning During Construction is Critical
Many building performance issues can be traced back to errors or oversights that occurred during installation. By integrating commissioning during construction, teams can:
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Detect defects before they affect other systems
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Verify compliance with building codes and safety standards
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Prevent delays during final handover
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Optimize system performance from day one
This proactive approach saves both time and money, while protecting long-term operational efficiency.
Key Stages of Commissioning During Construction
1. Commissioning Planning
A commissioning plan is prepared early in the project, outlining testing procedures, documentation requirements, and roles.
2. Installation Verification
Commissioning agents inspect mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire safety systems to confirm proper installation. This may include:
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Checking HVAC duct sealing and insulation
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Ensuring electrical panels are labeled and grounded
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Verifying plumbing pressure and drainage flow
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Inspecting fire suppression piping and sprinkler layouts
3. Pre-Functional Testing
Before powering up systems, components are checked for correct wiring, calibration, and safety compliance.
4. Functional Performance Testing
Systems are run under real or simulated loads to confirm they operate as intended. For example:
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HVAC maintains set temperature ranges
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Lighting responds to occupancy sensors
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Pumps and valves operate without leaks or pressure drops
Systems Typically Covered
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HVAC Systems – Air handling units, chillers, boilers, ventilation fans
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Electrical Systems – Power distribution, emergency backup, lighting controls
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Plumbing Systems – Water supply, drainage, waste management
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Fire Protection Systems – Alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems
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Building Automation Systems – Centralized control and monitoring
Benefits of Commissioning During Construction
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Early Problem Detection – Issues found in construction are easier and cheaper to fix than after occupancy.
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Improved Energy Efficiency – Systems are calibrated for optimal performance.
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Regulatory Compliance – Meets BIS, NBC, and other Indian standards.
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Smooth Handover – Minimizes last-minute surprises.
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Better Owner Satisfaction – Occupants enjoy reliable, high-performing systems from day one.
Documentation and Communication
Commissioning during construction produces essential records, including:
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Inspection checklists
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Test results
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As-built drawings
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O&M manuals
These are handed over to the facility management team to ensure continuity in operation.
Technology’s Role in Construction Phase Commissioning
With modern tools, commissioning has become more accurate and efficient:
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BIM Integration – Allows clash detection and system verification before installation
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IoT Sensors – Enable live monitoring of performance parameters
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Mobile Inspection Apps – Speed up data collection and reporting
Conclusion
Commissioning during construction is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring quality, safety, and performance before the project reaches the handover stage. By addressing issues early, the process reduces risk, boosts efficiency, and ensures long-term value for the building owner.
Need expert commissioning services from start to finish?
Contact AMS India for end-to-end commissioning and quality assurance solutions.
For technical guidelines, refer to the Bureau of Indian Standards.
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