The traditional top-down approach to quality assurance typically consists of two steps. First, the general contractor reviews the project's plan and specifications prior to starting construction, looking for issues or errors that might spark potential problems. Second, the general contractor and subcontractors follow a formal or informal inspection process to assess work as it is completed.

Looking for problems and fixing them throughout construction sounds good. However, in practice, this approach often fails in two important ways. First, it does not systematically catch and resolve process errors – the underlying issues that can cause mistakes at every project phase – so the same mistakes are often repeated. Second, this approach fails to make subcontractors full partners in the quality assurance process.

A Better Approach to Quality

A more collaborative and continuous approach to quality assurance is needed to more effectively prevent construction defects, and the costly claims that can accompany them.

John Rabovsky, manager, Liberty Mutual Risk Control, on one key weakness with the traditional approach to QC taken by many contractors.

In Liberty Mutual's experience as a leading provider of a full range of insurance coverages to contractors, subcontractors and project owners, quality improves when all parties are brought together before the first shovel enters the ground.

Gathering designers, sub-contractors, suppliers and others in initial discussions aligns goals and expectations, and builds a solid foundation for the construction project.

To help create and guide such collaboration, general contractors can develop and circulate a draft quality control program, looking for input and feedback from key constituents. The GC can also form a quality committee, giving everyone a sense of ownership in quality control. Conducting pre-construction meetings is another way to build the quality team, set expectations and gain buy-in.

In addition to collaboration, developing a continuous improvement approach and control mechanism is vital to improving quality.