Quality is one of the key concerns for construction project managers because it determines the success of the project. Overlooking it can result in a host of problems, from rework to disputes with clients, loss of reputation, and downfall in the profitability of the company. The project costs rise, and budgets may take a hit. It makes sense to go the extra mile with QA/ QC construction to steer clear of such major issues.
However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all quality control solution in the industry. Every construction firm has different processes, checklists, and regulatory requirements they follow through the projects. In fact, quality control may even differ from project to project for the same company. But there are some common pitfalls that every business must avoid. Let us list them for you.
Failing to Identify Quality Risks Right From the Start
When it comes to QA QC in construction, you need to keep track of risks right from the start of the project. It is vital to identify the potential quality issues and ideate proactive measures to prevent them. Fortunately, a majority of risks are preventable if you address them at the earliest. Involve the engineers, subcontractors, workers, and clients in the risk identification processes as they can have some helpful insights to offer. They can also help you with suggestions for the right preventive strategies.
Not Prioritizing Quality Management
The worst that any construction company can do is to overlook quality management. Ideally, it should start at the top, with owners and managers paying attention to it so that superintendents and crews understand its value. Failing to match quality standards may be the easy way to meet deadlines, but it isn’t worth risking your reputation. A robust Quality Management Program keeps you ahead of the targets without missing out on the project quality. Implementation of construction quality control software is also a tangible measure any company should take in this direction.
Not Focusing on Quality Improvement
While not paying attention to quality management can get your project in a fix, the absence of a quality improvement process can make things even worse. Having an ongoing process in place keeps the project quality on track and prevents mistakes. Managers must make continuous efforts to improve processes, training, and checklists, which is best done by learning from your errors. The best approach is to identify the gaps and seal them to ensure that they do not occur again.
Lack of Communication
The most common quality pitfall that project managers come across is a lack of communication at different levels. Poor communication with the client is the first concern because you will never be able to deliver to the client’s expectations unless you know what they expect. At times, managers fail to pass over client expectations to sub-contractors, which can lead to another quality issue. Similarly, ineffective communication between superintendents and quality managers can also lead to problems. Empowering your team with a construction management platform can facilitate seamless communication at all levels and prevent issues from cropping up.
Not Addressing Recurring Issues
A common mistake may seem like a frivolous matter, but it can become a major concern if it happens time and again. Taking it for granted can lead to serious losses in the long run. Pay attention to such errors, no matter how insignificant they appear. It is easy to figure out a few issues that keep popping up on punch lists. Ensure that you have a process to determine such issues, their frequency, and the people responsible for them. Also, have a plan to eliminate them for good.
Taking Cost of Rework or Second-Time Quality Casually
A casual approach to the cost of rework and second-time quality can push your project behind on the quality front. The more time you spend on doing a job right, the more expensive it gets for the business. You have to bear the cost of additional materials, wages, and longer timelines. It also ends up as a cost for the client, which they may resent as a wasteful expense. Project managers should strive to achieve first-time quality as it can cut down costs, make clients happy, and increase the project margins. Building right the first time also means less time and fewer hassles for your team.
Thinking Quality Management is Only About Punch Lists
If you believe that quality management is only about punch lists, you have your facts wrong. It requires you to do much more than sorting through punch lists and checking the items. Rather than thinking about fixing issues, you should focus on preventing them in the first place. It is equally important to set expectations for first-time quality for the team and managers.
Most of these quality control pitfalls are avoidable, and having a construction quality control software solution sets your project on the right track. Zepth is a name you can rely on if you are looking for an application to automate your quality assessment and control processes and ensuring that every project your business delivers is a success.
