Busting Myths About First Time Quality in Construction

🔊 Discover the Truth Behind First Time Quality Myths

In the construction industry, outdated myths about quality have allowed the status quo to persist for far too long.

Despite advances in technology and best practices, some continue to cling to the belief that errors and rework are inevitable parts of the process.

It's now time to set the record straight, tear down these misconceptions, and ignite a revolution in how we approach construction quality.

Here’s how we’ll bust these myths and drive excellence.

Myth: Deficiencies Are Unavoidable

The belief that errors are just part of the job has been around forever. With the complexity of construction projects, involving multiple trades, tight timelines, and evolving designs, many assume that some level of error is simply inevitable. Rework, they say, is just the cost of doing business.

The Reality:

This mindset is outdated. The truth is, almost every deficiency has been seen before, could have been easily avoided (in hindsight), and never should have occurred in the first place.

Rework is a direct result of preventable missteps.

By thinking ahead, focusing on foresight, anticipating possible errors and preventing them, construction companies can eliminate the notion that errors are inevitable. Put into action, deficiencies occur less and less often, and eventually are the rare exception.

Myth: Quality Issues Don’t Cost Anything

Some people believe that quality problems won’t hurt the bottom line, assuming that subcontractors will handle repairs or that rework is already factored into the budget. This couldn’t be more misguided.

The Reality:

Deficiencies are costly—and often far more so than they appear at first glance.

When a project falls behind schedule because of quality issues, it sets off a domino effect, delaying future phases, straining resources, and eating into profit margins. And even if a subcontractor covers the cost of rework, the time lost will always cost you.

Beyond the financial hit, repeated quality issues can damage client relationships and erode your company’s reputation.

In today’s highly competitive market, the fastest way to improve profitability is by eliminating the hidden costs of poor quality. Companies that invest in FTQ not only reduce rework, but also strengthen client trust, secure repeat business, and set themselves up for long-term success.

Myth: Defining and Measuring Quality Is Impossible

There’s a persistent belief in the construction industry that good quality is too subjective to define clearly, or that quality is too intangible to measure accurately. People argue that accountability for quality is not achievable because construction is too complex, there are too many variables, and every project is different.

The Reality:

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Quality is not an abstract concept. It’s already defined by construction specifications, regulatory standards, and customer expectations. Good quality is simply work done to these standards, right the first time, without deficiencies. Sure, fixing a deficiency solves the immediate problem, but it’s still a failure in the process.

Quality can and should be measured, and FTQ is the ultimate metric.

Tracking your %FTQ - the percentage of work completed correctly on the first try - gives you a powerful, no-nonsense indicator of performance.

The higher your FTQ score, the fewer defects and the greater the efficiency.

And let’s be clear: 100% FTQ should be your goal. Anything less, and you’re settling for mediocrity.

Don’t let excuses cloud your vision. Measure, improve, and repeat until perfection becomes the norm.

Myth: It’s Out of My Control – The Industry Needs to Improve First

Some believe that poor quality is a systemic issue across the industry, meaning no single company or project can make a real impact. They say the entire industry needs to change before real progress can be made.

The Reality:

The fact is that today some construction companies are better than others. Some crews are better than others.

Some superintendents deliver higher-quality work.

What separates them?

It’s the ability to consistently push for FTQ, no matter the project.

The trick is to create a culture of success where everyone is empowered to achieve FTQ.

This isn’t about waiting for change -it’s about driving change on your projects right now.

Yes, there are industry quality challenges, but they don’t have to be your problem. Take control, set the standard, and be the pacesetter for FTQ in the industry.

Waiting for the industry to fix itself is pointless.

Conclusion

At FTQ360, we don’t just believe that First Time Quality is possible - we know it’s within reach for every construction company. That’s why we created the FTQ360 Software Platform, designed to reduce deficiencies, ensure compliance, and drive efficiency across the board.

Our mission is simple: to help you achieve First Time Quality with confidence, consistency, and excellence. Because when you build it right the first time, everyone wins.