In an ideal world, you would have someone closely monitoring every step of every construction project to ensure quality work and accuracy. Unfortunately, that’s not always very realistic. But performing routine quality audits on your projects can have the same effect with significantly less manpower spent micromanaging employees. Here are 5 crucial steps for doing monthly quality audits on your projects.
1. Speak with Clients
Your clients are every bit as invested in quality work as you are, so there’s a good chance they are performing their own inspections. Talk to them about what they see and any concerns they have. Ask them specifically if they have any issues with the quality of work, and ensure the project is being completed on time and according to their expectations. If possible, meet them at the job site to walk through things together.
2. Observe the Job Site
As the general contractor, you’re probably already visiting the job site regularly. But if you’re not, now’s the time to start. Walk the job site at least once a month to ensure the construction project is going as planned. Observe your employees’ work and make sure they have the proper training and skills to complete the job safely and accurately.
While you’re there, talk to your employees and any subcontractors. Ask them questions about procedures and what training they have been given. Make sure the specs and standards they are using are up-to-date. Ask about job satisfaction and ensure they are being paid on time since happy employees are more likely to produce quality work. Take note of anything that needs more attention so you can return to it after the audit.
Job site coordination is an important part of the quality audit. In a recent survey of construction professionals, 70% reported that a lack of job site coordination is the main reason projects run over budget and past deadlines [LevelSet]. Your audit can help ensure that communication for each project is running as it should.
3. Look for Quality Records
Find and review any quality assurance or quality control documents. Make sure the proper reports and documents are being filled out and filed and that they’ve been done correctly.
4. Double-Check Inspections
Take a look at the inspection reports that have been completed on the project, and then compare that against your own observations. Does your inspection yield the same results? If so, your inspectors are doing a good job. If not, you might need to spend more time on training.
5. Make Records and Form a Plan
A project quality audit is useless if it’s not recorded and no action is taken as a result. File your findings in an audit report, and then create a simple yet effective action plan to remedy any issues that you found during your audit.
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