Here's what the design team needs to know about what they do and how to close out the Revit model during Construction Administration. We'll also explore how the Revit model becomes a digital instruction manual for the construction administration phase and how no-code workflow tools can help you get that work done faster.

First, what is the Construction Administration Phase?

The Construction Administration phase is the final phase of the Architectural Design Process.

After the construction documents have received permitting approval and the actual construction of the project begins, the project enters the Construction Administration phase. The goal is to ensure that the project is built according to the intent or project requirements outlined in the contract documents.

The architect will visit the construction site, provide extra information, and review payment applications from the contractor as the work continues. Once construction is complete and all required inspections are performed, the owner is provided a Certificate of Occupancy. This certificate allows the project owner or their tenants to occupy and utilize the building.

→ Learn more about the Construction Administration Phase

Typical Deliverables for the Construction Administration Phase

Every project is different. The deliverables and scope of involvement of an architect will be determined by contractual documents which were negotiated far before the project began.

However, most owners and architects do not wish to reinvent the wheel each time they design and build a new project. Most project contracts will outline the majority, if not all, of the following deliverables to be provided during Project Handover:

• Requests for Information (RFIs) and Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASIs)

• Proposal Requests (PRs) and Change Orders

• As-Built Set of Construction Drawings 

• All Product/Equipment Warranties and Maintenance Manuals

• Certificate of Occupancy 

• Architect’s Field Reports (AIA G711, or similar)

• Application and Certificate for Payment (AIA G702 and G703, or similar)

• Final Punch List

• Certificate of Substantial Completion (AIA G704, or similar)

• Revit Model

Working in Revit during the Construction Administration phase

The design team does not monitor every step of the building process. However, they regularly visit the site to observe progress and provide updates on project completion to the owner.

In addition, the design team issues supplemental drawings throughout the process to address questions that arise. These may come from the owner, or on the contractor's side through a project manager or other project team members. The architect is typically responsible for documenting all changes made to the design in the field.

Typically, these modifications are made in response to a Request for Information (RFI) by the contractor. They may also be produced in order to issue Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASIs) which are all tracked and organized within the Revit model. This allows the design team to have a complete record of the scope and sequencing of all design modifications made during the process of construction.

Using a No-Code Workflow Tool with Revit

To design a building is one thing. But to get it built safely and successfully is an entirely different story. However, an architect’s role throughout the Construction Administration phase goes beyond design. Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring the design of the building is realized when work is complete.

In the final phase of the architectural design process, it is important to have deliverables organized and easy to access. A flexible database tool connected to Revit is the only solution that makes this possible.

Here are a few specific workflows that are made more efficient:

• Markups linked to Revit: Use a mobile-friendly flexible database with markup tools to document site visits, create field reports, and punch lists. Connect these finding back to the Revit model so the contractor can see exactly what needs to be done.

• RFIs connected to Revit: Create and store RFIs that are linked directly to their context in the Revit model. This makes it easy for the design team and general contractor to know exactly which element is referenced.

• Owner’s Manual linked to Revit: Link instruction manuals and videos to their element within the Revit model. Create reminders for building owners to follow up on maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to close out a Revit model?

Closing out a Revit model means updating the model to reflect all changes made during construction (RFIs, ASIs, change orders, field decisions) so it represents as-built conditions. The closed-out model becomes part of the owner’s handover deliverables and supports facility operations and future renovations.

Who is responsible for updating the Revit model during CA?

The design team, typically the architect, is responsible for tracking and incorporating modifications into the Revit model during Construction Administration. Each design discipline (structural, MEP) maintains its portion of the federated model.

What is the difference between as-built and as-designed drawings?

As-designed drawings show the original construction documents issued for permitting and bidding. As-built drawings reflect the actual conditions of the completed building, incorporating changes from RFIs, ASIs, change orders, and field decisions. As-builts become the owner’s reference document for operations and future renovations.

Are owners typically given the Revit model at handover?

It depends on the contract. Some owners request the native Revit file, others request a viewer-compatible export, and others rely on PDF as-built drawings only. BIM execution plans established at project kickoff usually define the deliverable format.

How are RFIs and ASIs tracked in the Revit model?

Design teams typically maintain a record of RFI and ASI numbers, dates, and the specific model elements affected. Some firms use revision clouds and revision tags within Revit views; others maintain a separate RFI/ASI log linked to the model.

What documents are typically delivered alongside the Revit model?

Typical handover deliverables include the as-built construction drawings, project manual and specifications, RFI and ASI log, change order documentation, equipment warranties, maintenance manuals, the final punch list, and Certificate of Substantial Completion (AIA G704 or similar).

Further Resources

• The Architect’s Guide to Construction Administration. The companion guide covering CA scope, RFIs, submittals, and field decisions.

• The Complete Guide to RFIs in Construction Administration. Detailed guidance on managing the RFIs that drive most CA model updates.

• How to Create a More Effective RFI Process. Process design for the RFI workflow.

• Everything to Know About Construction Punch Lists. Punch list resolution before substantial completion.

• The Architect’s Guide to Project Handoff. Where the closed-out model is delivered to the owner.

• FF&E in Construction Administration. FF&E coordination during CA, including model updates for FF&E placement.

• Construction Administration Workflow Template in Layer. For tracking site observations, RFIs, submittals, and model changes during CA.

• RFI Workflow Template in Layer. For RFI intake, response, and tracking linked to the Revit model.