Building Handover Summary
Modern buildings require modern hand-offs. Traditional turnover methods—loose video files and physical binders—often lead to information loss and increased support calls. Chicago Commercial Photography provides a turnkey digital ecosystem that integrates professional training videos with searchable O&M documentation.
1. Professional Video Production
We will capture comprehensive, high-definition training sessions for all major building systems, including:
- MEP Systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
- Life Safety & Fire Protection
- Building Envelope & Roofing
- Specialized Equipment / Owner-Required Training
2. The Searchable Integration
The "Digital Library" We don’t just deliver raw files. We build a custom, menu-driven interface that hosts:
- Indexed Video Chapters: Jump to specific equipment training instantly.
- Document Pinning: We link your specific PDF Manuals, Warranties, and Schematics directly to the corresponding video segments.
- Global Search: A "Google-style" search bar that allows facility managers to find any equipment manual or training clip in seconds.
3. Secure Web-Based Hosting
The library is hosted in a secure, password-protected online portal.
- Anywhere Access: Login via desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Remote Collaboration: Grant secure access to outside technicians or remote engineers to assist with troubleshooting, saving time and travel costs.
- Server Option: (Optional) Can also be deployed directly to your client’s internal network server.
Why are video-based Handovers more effective than traditional paper manuals?
Traditional O&M manuals are often bulky, difficult to navigate, and easily lost. Video turnovers provide a visual, step-by-step demonstration of building systems in action. This ensures that maintenance staff—both current and future—see exactly how to operate equipment, which reduces the learning curve and prevents costly user errors.
How do turnover videos help in reducing contractor liability?
By documenting the exact state of equipment and the proper operating procedures at the time of handover, you create a visual "source of truth." This protects contractors from liability claims resulting from improper maintenance or unauthorized modifications performed by the building staff after the turnover is complete.
What is the expected Return on Investment (ROI) for building turnover videos?
The ROI is realized through significantly lower training costs, reduced equipment downtime, and fewer emergency service calls. By having a permanent training resource, building owners save thousands of dollars over the life of the building that would otherwise be spent on repeated on-site training or repairs caused by operational mistakes.
Who is responsible for hosting and managing the turnover video files?
To ensure maximum security and long-term accessibility, the client retains full ownership and control of all video assets. Commercial buildings are built to last a century, and we believe our clients should have direct possession of their training data. By hosting these videos on your own internal intranet or preferred cloud storage, you eliminate dependency on third-party platforms and ensure these vital resources remain available for the entire lifecycle of the building.
Can these videos be integrated into our existing CMMS or building management software?
Yes. Because the videos are delivered in standard, high-quality digital formats and hosted by you, they can be easily linked or embedded into your Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This allows your team to access specific training videos directly from the work orders or equipment profiles they are currently managing.
What specific building systems are typically covered in a turnover video?
We provide comprehensive coverage of all critical infrastructure, including HVAC systems, electrical switchgear, plumbing and fire suppression, building automation systems (BAS), and security protocols. Our goal is to capture any system that requires specialized knowledge to operate or maintain.
How does this service benefit the General Contractor during the closeout phase?
It streamlines the closeout process by providing a professional, polished deliverable that adds immense value to the owner. It reduces the time GCs and subcontractors spend on repetitive "in-person" training sessions and ensures that the training provided is consistent, high-quality, and permanently documented.
What happens if our building staff changes over time?
This is one of the primary benefits of the video solution. When a lead engineer or maintenance manager leaves, their institutional knowledge often goes with them. Video turnovers act as a permanent knowledge transfer tool, allowing new hires to get up to speed quickly without needing to rely on "passed down" information that may be incomplete or inaccurate.