Adobe Stock / michaeljung
Adobe Stock / michaeljung

One of the most important aspects of construction is delivering a quality project. Owners hire contractors to perform a specific function and they expect superior results. Implementing a quality control program that evaluates the work process from initial steps all the way through to completion can help ensure customer satisfaction and long-term success.

When implementing a new quality control program all employees should understand how to perform and document inspections correctly. When a sustainable quality control system is in place, contractors can complete work the right way, the first time, saving time and money on expensive re-work. Having to redo work increases employee risks, so all work should be completed as safely as possible. A well-documented quality control program can help with any future litigation if ever necessary.

"There are many benefits to implementing a quality control program. Contractors may not see the value in it when looking at the upfront costs of a program, but ensuring a superior product delivers a number of benefits to the owners, consultants, facility managers, and general contractors on a project," says Eric Olson, Safety Director at Western Specialty Contractors.

Western's quality control program is documented in its Quality Assurance and Quality Control Policy and Procedures manual and includes:

  • Document control with detailed proposal preparation, clearly defined roles, project set-up, and process controls
  • Strict guidelines on purchasing and material controls
  • Verification, inspection and testing protocols
  • Specific guidance in the identification of non-conforming actions and the necessary corrective procedures
  • Quality Control Inspection Sheets customized for each specific job
  • A Quality Control Supervisor (QCS) assigned to each project to ensure overall compliance
  • A series of well-defined tests and inspections before, during and after construction to verify that all items conform to stated project requirements
  • A complete set of all documents required for the proper execution of work to be maintained on site

Western's sound quality control program was derived and perfected from some of the best practices across a range of industries, including: Lean, ISO and Six Sigma.