Turnover & closeout
Commissioning (Cx)
Also called: Cx
Commissioning is the structured process of confirming that building systems — HVAC, controls, fire protection, standby power, plumbing — are installed correctly and perform to the owner's project requirements, not just that the equipment is present and powered. It runs from checking each device against its installation criteria through functional performance testing of the system as a whole. On most projects a commissioning agent leads it and issues a report of what was tested and what passed.
Why it matters
Equipment that is installed is not the same as equipment that works together as designed. Commissioning is where sequence-of-operation problems, unbalanced air, controls fighting each other, and standby power that will not transfer under load get caught — before the owner finds them the hard way after move-in.
How it shows up on site
It layers on top of the trade inspections: pre-functional checklists confirm each unit was installed and started up correctly, then functional performance tests drive the system through its modes to prove the sequences respond. Failures become commissioning issues that get corrected and retested.
The record — pre-functional checklists, functional test scripts marked pass or fail, and the corrections that closed the failures — is a core part of what the owner receives at turnover.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put commissioning (cx) to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Functional performance testA scripted test that drives a system through its operating modes to prove it responds the way the sequence of operations requires.
- Turnover packageThe set of documents and records handed to the owner or operator so they can run and maintain the completed building.
- Closeout packageThe compiled record proving the work was completed, inspected, and accepted, assembled to close out the contract.
- Substantial completionThe milestone where the work is usable for its intended purpose, even with minor punch items still open.
- Certificate of occupancy (CO)The document the building department issues confirming a completed building is code-compliant and legal to occupy.
- Temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO)A time-limited AHJ approval to occupy a building, or part of it, while specific remaining items are finished.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.