Quality assurance involves a planned system of procedures that ensure good quality is achieved and maintained. It includes a proactive approach and open communication with our subtrades. Here are the highlights of our quality assurance program.
- LEED All subtrades are oriented with respect to their submittals, waste management, sediment control, and indoor air quality. The subtrades are monitored for compliance.
- Responsibility Our superintendent, foremen and project manager will maintain a proactive approach to minimizing and correcting deficiencies.
- Testing We use qualified testing personnel to verify soils compaction, concrete mix design, re-bar and concrete placement, mortar mix, and welding, to name a few examples. Test results are analysed and deficiencies are investigated and corrected. Our schedule always allows ample time for testing.
- Inspections We engage specialists for critical items like structural steel and roofing.
- Certification We call on the expertise of certified professionals to verify the integrity of materials, such as native soils, and designs, such as steel joist designs.
- Prevention We stay proactive by communicating our intentions and needs to the subtrades and by conducting regular inspections. Our aim is to correct minor problems before they become major expensive problems.
- Timely Action We note deficiencies if and when they occur and ask the responsible subtrade to remedy them in a timely fashion.
- Expedition If a deficiency impacts the schedule or is caused by a lack of materials or manpower, we expedite the situation as far as we can, including insisting on overtime work or negotiating any related additional expenses.
- Escalation If a deficiency has still not been remedied in a timely fashion we escalate the situation through the subtrade’s management structure while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the schedule.
- Holdback We hold back a portion of a subtrade’s funds to ensure that deficiencies are corrected in a timely manner.
- Alternates If a subtrade is unable, incapable or unwilling to fix a deficiency, we can call in another subtrade to finish the work at the first subtrade’s expense.
- Final Review The deficiency must be remedied to the requirements of the contract.
Quality Control Program
Quality control includes a system of activities that measure and control the quality of construction. Besides skilled workmanship and attention to detail, it includes compliance with the contract documents, regular testing and ongoing inspections. Any problems we find are documented and corrected. Good performance by the trades is positively reinforced, and substandard performance is swiftly corrected. Here are the main elements which comprise our quality control program.
- Ensure that subtrades thoroughly understand the need for work of high quality. This is done through regular subtrade meetings, on-site inspections, and informal discussions.
- Maintain good housekeeping because this fosters an environment where good quality is valued by everyone on site.
- Engage experienced and skilled personnel who have an eye for detail.
- Employ mock-ups.
- Review shop drawings for accuracy, completeness and conformance to specifications.
- Keep accurate records for changes, costs, maintenance manuals, as-builts.
- Check that delivered materials are in good condition and comply with the specifications.
- Continually monitor on-site construction progress, including the use of site inspections.
- Conduct regular testing and ensure that test results meet specifications.
- Conduct a deficiency review with follow-ups before the owner conducts his own review.