What the Building Logbook contains

Under article 7 of the Spanish Building Act (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación, LOE), the developer is obliged to compile and hand over the Building Logbook (Libro del Edificio) to its end users. The Building Logbook is the key document for owners when it comes to holding parties liable for construction defects in their property. But what does it contain? It contains all the written and graphic documents that record the history of the building, so that its owners are aware of it and can maintain it afterwards; the file and record of its history of technical, legal and administrative incidents; and the data and instructions needed for its proper use, so that maintenance can be carried out along with later repair, refurbishment or renovation works, and to prove that users have met their obligations in order to facilitate, where appropriate, the determination of liability or the granting of public aid.

It must comprise:

• Updated Building Project, with the Execution Project, its amendments, reports, drawings and final cost. All of it stamped (visado) by the professional association and prepared by the Works Director (Architect).
• Handover certificate Certificate signed by the Developer and the Contractor (at least). It includes: the parties involved, the date of the Certificate of Completion, the final cost and the Contractor’s guarantee
• List identifying the parties involved in the construction process. This sets out a detailed list of the parties involved in the construction process in the development, design, management, supervision, supply and execution of the works, with the details needed to locate and identify them
• Instructions for use and maintenance. The instructions must comply with the Technical Building Code (CTE) and other applicable regulations, and include a building maintenance plan scheduling the programmed maintenance operations for the building and its installations
• On-site acceptance control of the products, equipment and systems incorporated into the works. Its purpose is to check that the technical characteristics of the products, equipment and systems supplied meet the requirements of the project
• Certificate of completion. Certificate signed by the site management team (the Works Director and the Site Manager)
• Other documents such as: the subcontracting book, energy performance certificate, authorisations for thermal installations, the homeowners’ association deed and bylaws, licences, installation certificates, insurance policies, list of utility companies, etc.

All these documents are essential for the owner when claiming for the construction defects existing in their building, because through them, as key information, we will know whether we are within the guarantee periods and whether or not we can hold the various parties involved in the construction liable.