Mitigating Construction Defects with a Quality Control Program

Construction worker inspecting for construction defects Construction worker inspecting for construction defects

With every project comes the potential exposure to construction defect losses. Having a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program, however, can help reduce this exposure. Three program elements to consider are: program administration and documentation, a subcontractor selection process and contractual risk transfer (CRT).

Program Administration and Documentation

A number of factors comprise program administration and documentation, such as management commitment and responsibility, design and codes, and documentation, to name a few.

Management Commitment and Responsibility

Your program should begin with management commitment and include responsibility for program administration and enforcement. A few considerations include:

  • A written QA/QC program, signed by the head of your company.
  • A plan, time and budget to implement/support the program.
  • Individuals with QA/QC responsibilities and accountability.

  • A formal commissioning/property transfer program with the project owner.

Materials

Material selection, storage and handling should include inspection, evaluation and documentation/retention confirming that materials comply with building codes, design specifications and national standards. This should be done both before and after installation. A few additional considerations include:

  • Understanding new technologies, materials and work methods.
  • Understanding manufacturers’ warnings and instructions.
  • An acceptance inspection by the supplier, if available.
  • Notification process to the supplier if defects are identified.
Chart of Quality Control Program Chart of Quality Control Program

Design and Codes

A complete and final approved set of current contract drawings and specifications, including design changes, should be in hand before work begins. Be sure to include building codes for your jurisdiction and accepted engineering best practices.

Quality Inspections

Installations should be reviewed, tested, approved and documented. The person inspecting (you, the subcontractor or a third-party inspector) must be qualified to make the inspection and should do so at several phases, including:

  • Prior to start of a project or task.
  • During the installation process.
  • When there are changes in the project, process or materials.
  • When the project is complete.

  • Upon warranty expiration.

Workmanship

Following the latest approved design documents, product/manufacturer directions and using specified and approved materials can help the quality of the workmanship. Do not substitute materials unless the substitutions are approved by the design team in writing.

Documentation and Retention of Documentation

Many types of documents are created in the course of a project. Thorough documentation, including of verbal changes and retention of the documents, can play an important role in the event of a construction defect loss, which may occur years later. A common mistake is not fully documenting verbal changes made in the field. Consult legal counsel for state retention requirements where your project exists.

Subcontractor Evaluation and Selection

Subcontractors play a significant role in the workmanship and quality outcome of your project. To help select quality workers for your project, start by having a subcontractor evaluation and selection process and program in place. Such a program could include:

  • Checking their financials, references, project experiences and losses.
  • Requiring appropriate licenses and certifications to perform the work.

  • Evaluating the subcontractor’s in-house safety and QA/QC written program/procedures.

Contractual Risk Transfer

Contractual risk transfer (CRT) is a program designed to help protect you against potential liability for the actions, services or products of other companies/persons associated with your project. Consult with your insurance agent and legal counsel for recommendations and review. A few considerations include:

  • Written contract of requirements, responsibilities and accountabilities.
  • Insurance coverage specifications (auto, general liability, workers comp, etc.).
  • Indemnification agreements.

  • Current Certifications of Insurance and Additional Insured endorsements.

A Quality Project

While many companies have a QA/QC program in place, it is only good if it is used. Keeping it updated and documented, selecting the right subcontractors, having contractual risk transfer in place and enforcing accountability for utilization of the program can help make the difference between a quality project and one that has issues, potentially damaging your hard-earned reputation.

Want more? Use your customer ID to access Reducing Construction Defects by Process Control.