Ensuring Quality Control in Construction Projects
Construction projects are complex endeavors that can require considerable investments of time, money and resources to see to completion. As so much is ainvested in them it can be extremely frustrating when work on the project has been completed incorrectly or not up to the proper standards required by the project. This can lead to reworks that cost more time, money and resources especially if they aren’t caught in time. That is where quality control comes in and in today’s blog, we will be looking at how quality control is ensured in construction projects.
What is Construction Quality Control?
Construction Quality Control is a management system designed to maintain the specific standards and specifications of a construction project. These requirements ensure that a given construction project stands the test of time, follows building codes and meets the expectations of the client who commissioned the project. To meet these requirements quality control is necessary at all steps of the project, from the planning phase through to completion of the project.
Clear Requirements
One of the ways that quality control can be assured is by setting clear quality standards and specifications that are expected to be met during the course of the project. Clear requirements ensure that all members of the project team are on the same page and are working towards the right goals. These standards and specifications should extend to all aspects of the project, from making sure that all construction materials have been properly tested to ensuring that all plans and drawings are up to snuff. The applicable codes, standards and contractual obligations should also be clearly stated to all applicable team members on the project.
Set Roles
It is also important that the specific roles and responsibilities of those responsible for quality control so that everyone understands their role in the project. These include designating a lead quality control manager who manages the quality control for the project and the quality control inspectors that report to him. This ensures that there is proper accountability for quality control on a project.
Good Documentation
Good Documentation of Quality Control Efforts is important as it ensures that all quality control team members on a project are aware of each others inspections and when they have been performed. Using electronic assistance to ensure that all records are searchable, location tagged and defensible is another way to ensure that quality control standards are being met throughout the project. Another excellent method of ensuring quality control is establishing a comprehensive quality control checklist which assists in streamlining processes, catching quality mistakes, enhancing communication and enhancing safety on the project.
Communication and Scheduling
Lastly one of the most effective ways of maintaining quality control is ensuring that there is a clear schedule to be followed and that there is effective communication between team members to ensure that all work is being completed at the correct stage of the project. For example, you will want to ensure that any framing quality control is performed before drywall is put up, covering up possible problems before they are caught. This example also involves smooth communication between the drywall team, the framing team and the quality control team so everyone knows what everyone else is doing.
We hope we have been able to show you the various ways that quality control is ensured on construction projects.
Turner Bros Contractors Ltd. has been providing steel-stud framing, drywall, and acoustic ceiling services for residential and commercial applications in the Vancouver area since 1932. The company is family-run with four generations of the family represented in the business.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your residential or commercial project, please call us at (604) 532-1991 or email us at info@turnerbros.ca.
