From compliance to performance: bridging normative standards, user experience and digital inspection in building handover

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the alignment between building inspection and handover practices and the methodological requirements established by IBAPE-MG 004:2016, examine user experience during handover and propose a digitally supported, performance-oriented inspection framework. An exploratory-descriptive mixed-method approach combined a narrative review of five Brazilian case studies with empirical evidence from 26 residential units. Documented inspection practices were compared against nine methodological requirements of IBAPE-MG 004:2016, while user perceptions of communication, documentation, satisfaction and defect identification were assessed through questionnaires. The two evidence streams were subsequently integrated through data triangulation. The documented case studies fulfilled between 4/9 and 6/9 of the assessed methodological requirements, with recurring gaps in document verification, graphical defect localization, photographic traceability and formal reporting. The residential survey indicated generally positive satisfaction while identifying shortcomings in communication, documentation delivery and defect management. Together, these findings indicate opportunities to strengthen inspection as a structured diagnostic and performance-management process. The comparative analysis was limited to five documented case studies, while the empirical component involved a single residential development. Broader multi-site studies are therefore required to validate the findings and proposed framework. The proposed framework supports standardized documentation, digital data collection, defect traceability, user feedback and life cycle-oriented building performance management. The study integrates normative assessment, documented inspection practices and user-based evidence within a single analytical framework, linking identified methodological gaps to a digitally supported approach to building handover and life cycle performance management.