Over the last 5 years we’ve been creating, implementing, tweaking, and perfecting the QAO methodology to help contractors, architects, subcontractors, insurance professionals, and even banks effectively mitigate poor quality construction. We continue to gather feedback and improve our process. While we don’t say we have the “only” solution or even that we have a “silver bullet” to solving every potential problem, the QAO process we do have has proven to be simple, effective, and profitable.
So what is our 5-Step process to effectively mitigate poor quality construction?
Step 1 – Become a Certified Quality Assurance Practitioner (CQAP); send someone to our 2-day QAO Certification course and learn how to effectively transform your quality assurance program and your organization’s culture.
Step 2 – Host a QAO (Quality Assurance Observation) Kick-off Meeting with the entire ownership, design, and construction team to set the stage for your project and what will be expected.
Step 3 – Host a QAO Ready Orientation for every craftsman on the jobsite; taking them through the 7-Steps to a Proper Assembly. We require them to go through safety orientation, why have we not required an orientation which takes them through the importance of quality.
Step 4 – Host Pre-Installation Conferences for specific assemblies and review your expectations for quality and the frequency of verification with every sub.
Step 5 – Schedule a QAO Audit. Whether weekly or monthly or quarterly, have OAC Management come in and evaluate how you’re doing with implementing an effective Quality Assurance Observation program. Remember, a good Quality Assurance Observation program will save you time, increase quality, and ultimately make you money.
“…Your QAO program didn’t cost us anything, it actually made us money.”
Graham Frank
Director of Development
Vail Resorts Development Company
What methods are you currently using to raise the bar on quality in construction? What have you tried that was not effective?
We welcome your feedback, questions, and comments either below or via email.