EXPERTISE IN ACTION:
Ask the Expert - Steve Meeks
Posted on July 20, 2010
Answer: While economic factors have changed the way construction firms are doing business on a number of levels, quality assurance among them, the fact is that if quality assurance has been handled properly and well, and if a culture of “quality” and “safety” has been established, those already established best practices will continue to be effective, efficient and relevant regardless of the economic climate.
If there has been a change, it is the new importance that excellent quality assurance carries in the industry, especially in terms of individual firms being viewed as viable, reliable players in a very competitive market. In today’s economic climate, project budgets simply don’t allow the flexibility necessary to go back and fix issues that should have been taken care of in the planning stage.
Our philosophy – and that of all reliable contractors in the industry – is now and always has been to “do the job right the first time.”
Having made quality assurance a top priority in the past is paying off for diligent contractors now, as tight project budgets and increased competition require firms to set themselves apart from the rest with “added value.”
Best practices in quality assurance, both past and present, include strategic team goal-setting on every project, ongoing review and assessment of construction techniques, building performance and project management and delivery. On a broader scale, more companies seem to be providing continuing training opportunities as well as implementing long-term support plans to assure highly skilled and productive teams.
Continuing to make these best practices – and exceptional quality assurance on the whole – a top priority is a key factor in finding success in a challenging economy. But quite simply, in any market climate, excellent quality assurance minimizes the potential for callbacks – always the goal – meaning increased credibility, time and money savings for all involved and, of course, happier project owners.
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