How a Construction Expert Examination Is Carried Out: Stages, Requirements and Documents

What a construction expert examination (technical supervision) involves

A construction expert examination covers the entire construction process, from preparation of the documentation to acceptance of the completed facility. It includes:

• Assessing whether the work performed complies with the design documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Checking the quality of the materials, structures and equipment used.
• Monitoring compliance with construction methods and work schedules.
• Identifying and eliminating defects and violations during construction.
• Preparing expert reports and recommendations for remedying deficiencies.

When a construction expert examination is carried out

A construction expert examination is carried out in the following cases:

• When new facilities are built, to ensure the quality of the work and its compliance with the design documentation.
• During reconstruction, redevelopment or major repairs of buildings.
• After accidents, flooding, fire or other damage, to assess the damage and determine the restoration work required.
• In court proceedings and pre-trial dispute resolution, to establish the actual condition of the property and identify the causes of defects.

Regulation of construction expert examinations

Construction expert examinations and technical supervision are strictly regulated by law. The key provision is Article 53 of the Urban Planning Code of the Russian Federation, which requires checks to confirm that construction work complies with the design, technical standards and permits.

Control must be carried out by:

• the developer or the technical client itself,
• or expert organisations engaged by them.

If construction is carried out under a contract, control is mandatory at every stage, from the foundations to the handover of the facility.

Important: designer's supervision is an additional check by the designer. It is not mandatory and is carried out only at the developer's request.

The control procedure and its financing are set out in Russian Government Resolution No. 468. This document describes exactly how to organise control, how many specialists are needed and which costs are justified.

Key point: without construction control it is impossible to guarantee the quality, legality and safety of any facility.

Stages of a construction expert examination

1. Preparation and planning

At this stage, the necessary documents are collected and analysed, including the design documentation, cost estimates, contracts and permits. The specialists set the goals and objectives of the examination and determine its methods and scope.

2. Examination during construction

The experts visit the site to carry out a visual and instrumental survey. They check the quality of building materials, installation work, building services and structures. Particular attention is paid to compliance with regulatory requirements and the design documentation.

3. Summary and reporting

Based on the results, an expert report is prepared with conclusions on the condition of the facility, the deficiencies identified, recommendations for remedying them and an estimate of the cost of the necessary repairs. The report can be used in court or for planning further construction work.

What documents are needed for construction control?

The following documents are required for a construction expert examination:

• Design documentation, including drawings, cost estimates and technical specifications.
• Contracts with contractors and subcontractors.
• Certificates of completed work, as-built documentation and designer's supervision logs.
• Certificates for the materials and equipment used.
• Permits and licences issued by public authorities.

Who is entitled to carry out a construction expert examination?

Only independent specialists and organisations that hold the relevant licences, certificates and self-regulatory organisation (SRO) approvals, and are also listed in the national register of construction specialists, are entitled to carry out construction expert examinations.

Cost and timing

The cost of a construction expert examination depends on the scope and complexity of the work, the type of facility, the need for laboratory testing and other factors. It takes from 5 to 30 working days, depending on the scale and specific features of the facility.

What does the final report include?

The final report contains:

• A description of the technical condition of the facility and its structural elements.
• The defects, violations and nonconformities with regulatory requirements identified.
• An assessment of whether the actual condition of the facility matches the cost estimate documentation.
• Recommendations for remedying deficiencies and improving the safety of the facility.
• Appendices, including photographs, drawings and calculations.

Answers to common questions

Who commissions a construction expert examination?

A construction expert examination can be commissioned by the developer, an investor, the owner of the property or public authorities to check the quality and compliance of construction work.

Is the report suitable for submission to state construction supervision?

Yes, a construction expert examination report is an official document and can be used when presenting the facility to state supervisory authorities.

What should you do if nonconformities are found?

If nonconformities are identified, the deficiencies must be remedied in line with the expert's recommendations, followed by a re-inspection to confirm that the work complies with regulatory and internal requirements.

Which supervision is more effective: internal or external?

External technical supervision by independent experts provides a more objective assessment of the quality and compliance of construction work than internal control by the contractor.