Who provides them?
For projects covered by the current dutyholder arrangements, the completion information identifies the client, principal designer and principal contractor where those roles apply. The statements reflect each person's own role; one signature from the builder should not be assumed to cover every required declaration. [1]
Domestic-client arrangements need particular care because specified duties are carried out by the contractor or principal contractor, or by the principal designer under the required written agreement. Identify the correct dutyholders at the start, rather than trying to allocate the roles after the project is finished. [3] [4]
What the statements are for
The completion process requires confirmation about the work and about fulfilment of the relevant duties. Use the current form or requested wording supplied by the building control body. A free-text email saying that the owner is happy with the extension may not supply the required statutory information. [2] [1]
The declarations should be supported by the project record. Ask each dutyholder what information it needs to make its statement and identify any unresolved design changes or construction issues before requesting signatures.
Keep the evidence separate but coordinated
Electrical certificates, commissioning records, structural information and inspection records answer specific technical questions. A dutyholder declaration does not replace those documents, and collecting those documents does not necessarily remove the need for the declarations. [1] [5]
Likewise, the council or approver still needs to complete its own assessment. The declaration is not a self-issued completion certificate for the whole building project. [6] [7]
What if the team changed?
Keep the dates and details of changes to the client, principal designer or principal contractor. Salford's guidance explains the notification of changes and the completion information required. Make sure the final record describes who actually performed the roles, rather than carrying forward obsolete names from the original application. [8]
If a former consultant or contractor is unavailable, explain the position to building control and obtain advice on the information needed. Do not ask a replacement to sign a statement that inaccurately describes work or responsibilities it did not undertake.
When should this be organised?
Start assembling the completion record during construction. For the ordinary council route, the completion notice has a specified deadline after completion, and Salford identifies a five-day period. Ask the appointed body how its notice and declaration forms should be submitted. [8]
A practical handover checklist should therefore include the final inspection, outstanding technical documents and each required declaration. Leaving the signatures until a future sale makes the evidence harder to assemble and does not improve the underlying compliance position. [6] [9]