Understanding the legal significance of the completion notification
The completion notification is a legally mandated obligation of the property owner, regulated in the building codes of the federal states. It is not an application, but a unilateral notification that indicates to the building authority that a construction project has been completed in accordance with the granted building permit. Without this notification, a building is legally considered unfinished, even if it is 100% usable. The authority must have the opportunity to conduct a final inspection before usage, which is often set within a period of 1 to 2 weeks after receiving the notification. This formal act is the basis for the later building law acceptance and protects all parties from liability risks. Underestimating this step can have far-reaching consequences.
Avoid serious consequences from missed deadlines
Using a building without a prior completion notification constitutes an administrative offense, which can be penalized with fines of up to €1,000 or more. However, even more serious is that the building authority can issue an immediate cessation of use until all formalities are resolved. This can lead to significant financial losses of several thousand euros per day for commercial properties. Moreover, a building permit can lose its validity, if the completion is not reported within the set period of usually 4 to 5 years. Such a scenario would mean that the entire construction stands suddenly without a permit, which in extreme cases could lead to a demolition order. These risks can be avoided with clean document management.
Efficiently compile all necessary documents
A simple letter is not sufficient for a valid completion notification to the building authority; specific evidence must be attached. The requirements vary depending on the federal state and construction project, but solid preparation is essential. Here are the 5 most common documents you need to have ready:
- The fully completed form from the relevant building authority.
- Certificates of compliance with stability and fire protection regulations.
- Die Construction manager declaration, confirming compliance with the execution.
- Acceptance protocol from the chimney sweep for heating systems.
- Proof of the functionality of technical systems such as heating and electrical.
A digital platform that collects these documents during construction reduces the administrative burden at project completion by more than 50%. This makes the compilation of the complete revision documentation a breeze.
Optimize the submission process digitally
The property owner or their authorized representative is responsible for the timely submission of the completion notification. Traditionally, this was done by mail, leading to delivery times of 2-3 days and uncertainties. Today, more and more municipalities offer digital building portals for faster and more transparent processing. Digital submission often reduces processing time by several days. Valoon supports this process by creating a central digital construction file. All documents, from the deficiency notice to the final protocols, are stored in one place and can be exported as a PDF package for upload with just one click. This ensures that the submission is complete, as an incomplete notification is considered not submitted.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
The completion notification to the building authority is a critical milestone that determines the legally secure completion of your project. With Valoon, you turn this complex obligation into a simple digital process. You benefit from Simplicity by using WhatsApp, Time savings through automated documentation and Legal certainty through comprehensive proof. Ensure that your next project is completed on time and without costly repercussions. Book your free demo now and find out how Valoon can revolutionize your construction processes in just 30 minutes.
More Links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of building regulation law in Germany, which establishes the legal framework for construction.
Das State portal North Rhine-Westphalia provides a contribution to the construction completion notification in North Rhine-Westphalia, an important step after completing a construction project.
Das Service portal Rhineland-Palatinate offers detailed information on construction matters and administrative processes.
Das Tax office NRW informs about the determination of depreciation for homes and properties, relevant for tax aspects of real estate.
Der Builders’ Protection Association e.V. provides important information on construction documents in the context of new buildings.
FAQ
Is the completion notification to the building authority the same as the completion notice according to VOB?
No. The completion notification goes to the building authority and concludes the public building permit procedure. The completion notice according to VOB/B is a notification from the contractor to the client to initiate the acceptance of the construction performance and the final payment.
What deadline applies for the submission of the completion notification?
The notification must be received by the authority before occupancy. A deadline of one to two weeks before the planned move-in is common to give the authority time for a possible inspection.
Can I submit the completion notification digitally?
Yes, more and more municipalities and districts in Germany allow digital submission through special online portals. This significantly speeds up the process.
What happens if I forget documents in the completion notification?
An incomplete completion notification is legally considered not submitted. The authority will request the missing documents, and the deadline for occupancy only starts when all documents are fully present.
Do I also need to make a completion notification for smaller construction projects?
Yes, in principle, a completion notification is required for all construction projects subject to approval. There may be exceptions for projects not requiring a procedure, but this should always be clarified with the responsible building authority.
How does Valoon specifically help with the completion notification?
Valoon structures all communication and documentation during the construction phase. Photos, protocols, and evidence are automatically and legally securely stored in the project chat. In the end, you export the complete digital construction file with just a few clicks and have all the documents for the completion notification ready immediately.
