Ready-for-Takeover
Also: Takeover
Quick definition: A contractual milestone introduced in CCDC 2 (2020) that marks when the owner can take over the work, reached once specified conditions — including certified substantial performance and occupancy permission — are met and verified by the consultant.
Explanation
Beginner explanation
Ready-for-Takeover is the date the building is handed over under the CCDC 2 contract. It needs more than "substantially done": the owner must also be allowed to occupy it, and handover items must be in place.
Technical explanation
Under CCDC 2 (2020) GC 12.1, Ready-for-Takeover requires the consultant's certification of substantial performance and evidence of compliance with occupancy requirements; other listed items (such as final cleaning, operation and maintenance documents, as-built drawings, start-up testing, and demonstration and training) can be deferred by agreement or for reasons beyond the contractor's control. The contractor applies in writing listing remaining items; the consultant has 10 days to confirm the date or give reasons. Contract Time now runs to the Ready-for-Takeover date, and indemnity and waiver-of-claims timing reference it.
Practical example
A community centre reaches substantial performance on 2 May, but the occupancy permit is issued on 16 May. Ready-for-Takeover is confirmed for 16 May, with training sessions deferred by agreement to the following week.
Why it matters
Ready-for-Takeover links the contract's completion date to the owner's real ability to use the facility, including handover information — a natural hook for asset-information requirements.
Common confusion
Ready-for-Takeover is a contractual milestone in CCDC 2; Substantial performance is a statutory one under lien legislation. Ready-for-Takeover cannot occur before substantial performance is certified.
Standards and references
- CCDC 2 (2020): 8 Key Changes to the Stipulated Price Contract. McInnes Cooper, 2021.Widely accepted professional interpretation
Supports: GC 12.1 conditions; mandatory and deferrable items; 10-day consultant response; indemnity and waiver timing - CCDC 2 2020 — CCDC 2 – 2020 Stipulated Price Contract. Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC), 2020. Definitions (Ready-for-Takeover, Contract Time).Original VDC Stack.io wording, based on the standard
Supports: Ready-for-Takeover reached when GC 12.1 conditions met and verified; Contract Time runs to Ready-for-Takeover · Status: Definitions and GC numbering reviewed from a copy included in a public tender package; confirm against a licensed copy.
VDC Stack.io writes its own explanations and does not reproduce copyrighted standards text. Consult the cited standard for normative wording.
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VDC Stack.io. (2026). Ready-for-Takeover. In VDC Stack.io Knowledge Dictionary. Retrieved from https://vdcstack.io/dictionary/ready-for-takeover/