In the construction industry, many builders remain sceptical about committing to training and development due to perceived challenges such as cost and time constraints. This hesitancy can potentially affect project timelines and overall efficiency. However, it's worth noting that most builders already have a training program integrated into their construction system, which is ready to be utilized.
To address these concerns and ensure top-notch project quality, consider implementing quality assurance surveillance to monitor the effectiveness of the training program. Integrate project quality specifications into the training curriculum to cater to specific construction requirements. Additionally, appointing a dedicated quality manager can further enhance the training process, ensuring a seamless and productive learning experience while minimizing disruptions on the job site.
They are called Quality Assurance Programs and they should be in place in every construction company.
What is a QA QC Construction Program?
A Construction QA QC Program provides a training platform without added expense for quality management—and neither the trainee nor the trainer has to leave the jobsite. QA QC verifies project requirements and defines the builder’s expectation for quality.
It uses checklists and inspections to implement best practices and quality standards across all construction projects.
These checklists are expertly written by industry professionals, and they cover every facet of your job from safety issues through project closeout and can work in tandem with a structured training and development program to maintain QA standards.
QA QC Checklists in Construction
For starters, the collection of checklists and inspections provide a comprehensive training agenda. The milestones along the construction schedule comprise a core curriculum for new Superintendents, and this organization is critical for successful onboarding.
Trainees can use checklists to learn the basic steps to perform specific jobs along the construction schedule. Standardized inspections reinforce and support the training.
This advantage reduces the learning curve and allows trainees to quickly adopt the same process-oriented approach as established Superintendents. It instills a standardized method for job completion, minimizing variation and the risk of errors. The training involves checklists and on-site inspections, including a quality program, inspection and test plan, and project completion inspections. Remarkably, it enhances job quality without requiring offsite or classroom training.
Documented checklists and inspections provide a complete and consistence message. Left to his or her own ways, the seasoned Superintendent can accidentally misstate or omit important information.
But, whether the trainee is shadowing or working solo, checklists always provide clear direction and remove uncertainty. Job completion inspections quickly identify areas where further training is needed.
This allows the builder to shore-up weak areas and build-up its bench strength.
When should quality control be performed in construction?
To uphold the quality of a construction project, it is essential to carry out planned and systematic activities, along with implementing a quality control plan. At specific stages of the construction process, inspections and evaluations should be conducted. Having a designated quality manager overseeing these processes ensures that the project meets the desired standards and maintains its excellence.
These reviews should not be performed by the project manager. Instead, find someone who is not involved with the project and has a background or experience in construction, like third-party inspectors. They will use their expertise to provide objective feedback about the quality of your project, even if you are too close to it to see any mistakes.
The person performing the review will typically look for things like: - Safety issues such as exit routes and inspections - Code compliance such as ADA requirements for ramps and other handicap requirements - Project completion issues such as missing punch lists and work left undone - Quality control issues such as code violations or poorly designed fixtures or finishes.
How is quality assurance done in a construction project?
Quality assurance in a construction project encompasses comprehensive inspection and auditing of all essential elements and contract documents. The primary objective is to ensure that the project is completed in accordance with specified requirements and codes. This quality assurance process is carried out at various levels to maintain high standards and compliance with the project's defined criteria.
For example, a site inspection by a city inspector would be considered a quality assurance inspection. Quality Assurance can also be done at the sub-trade level as well.
Many contractors will have subcontractors come out to their sites and inspect their work in order to ensure the work is being done according to code, up to industry standards, and in accordance with the contract documents.
Conclusion
Finally the QA QC Program can make a great introduction to the company’s commitment to quality through the years. It defines exactly what quality means for the Builder’s brand, and exactly how quality is measured on the jobsite. When trainees learn how past problems were addressed and corrected, they will better understand and recognize the expected level of quality construction today.
The QA QC Program can be an invaluable component of the builder’s training program. Working together, both programs will ultimately be an investment that pays-off with seamless onboarding that leads to increased quality construction, reduced errors and defects, and a faster build time.