How do you keep construction quality high while controlling costs?

In my experience the biggest problem with maintaining cost control and quality is being short staffed on projects that require higher level of labour levels and/or expertise

With the 30 years in construction industry I fill that to achieve better quality and cost control we should - 1) Design project in coordination with operations team 2) selection of knowlgabke staff for the work to be done. 3) Clear and well laid procedures to support operations with decision to work with quality and time. 4) Detailed cost working and at least quarterly revision as per market change if required. 5) Fortnightly review of cost and time schedule. 6) Better planning 7) Training to staff as well motivational programs , incentivise for performance

In my opinion, by implementing a robust quality control procedure at the beginning of the job can assist to maintain the quality. Along with this build transparent communications with supply chain to get quality materials at competitive price. Not the least, but the skilled workforce plays a crucial role at the implementation stage. Also, the lessons learnt from previous projects, detailed planning, use of technology etc. will assist to keep Constuction quality as per design intent.

From my many years in construction, I've observed that investing time in thorough planning at the outset saves substantial resources later on. Detailed project blueprints with contingency plans have consistently yielded higher-quality results without escalating costs.

During my time in construction, this age old catch 22 situation stems from the perspective client having realistic expectations prior to any development taking place. Once the client has this realistic budget and time frame in place contractors have a legitimate chance of pricing the project how it should be priced without overlapping too many trades, without compromising on any Health and safety ( temp works, access & egress, environmental measures etc) and being able to procure long lead items in line with the programme. This naturally leads to a better build quality as you have adequate time and money to cost construction correctly. This is also providing you already have a decent list of professional subcontractors.

In my experience, the scope of work has to set out clearly, complete specifications and clear drawings in the contract thereafter preferably team up with the contractor/ subcontractor and supplier that have experience working with your team this ensure the quality and working style that they need to meet based in your standard. Proper planning and scheduling, by identifying the critical path and to mitigate the risk in project. Hire a staff especially QC/QC team that has extensive or relevant experience or in your project. Lastly, usage of technology to steam-line all the QA/QC process and procedure.

Right people for Right job. We have to deploy the Engineers and Contractor, workmen who are having the same kind of experience will reduce the Quality issues.

Pride in workmanship seems to be less important in today's market with contractors having more work than they can do. This leads to sloppiness in install, and important techniques in craftmanship abandoned in hopes to get to the next job. There are certain ways to limit this below. First, recognize good work and call it out at your contractor meetings. Everyone loves kudos. Develop relationships, at least by name with subcontractors. It shows respect from site management. Call out unacceptable work but in a discreet and totally private way with the sub alone. This face to face is worth its weight in gold as far as driving home your displeasure with their efforts. Treat all based on how you would like to be treated. This establishes trust.

One lesson that my experience has taught me time and again is that the team makes the project. I've always given weightage to character, commitment, and technical skills when selecting my crew. It's a strategy that has significantly minimized inefficiencies and rework.

In 2018-2019, we made a costly mistake by choosing the best vendor but not the best team. This decision not only resulted in significant financial losses but also deeply affected our client due to the vendor team's unprofessional behavior. This particular applicator, known for unwavering client trust, suffered along with the entire industry due to the negative mindset of our Gujarat Cluster Head and their team. Their lack of knowledge led us to use the wrong product specification, causing project delays. It's a reminder that team selection is as crucial as vendor selection, and we must exercise wisdom in these decisions. End result is that we lost the Trust in Biswas.

The construction industry has been revolutionized by technology and innovation, particularly with the advent of BIM. This has allowed experts to create 3D models that improve collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors, leading to more efficient project delivery. Drones are also being used for site surveying and monitoring, enhancing safety and accuracy, while also reducing project timelines. Furthermore, the implementation of advanced construction materials and methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction, has led to cost savings and improved sustainability. We can expect to see even greater improvements, as the industry continues to embrace technological advancements.

How to Ensure Quality Control in Construction Start With The Right Workers. It's no secret that the construction industry and trades are experiencing a labor shortage. ... Invest in Technology. ... Use The Right Materials. ... Ensure Safety and Compliance. ... Check and Check Again. ... Protect Completed Work. ... Avoid Scope Creep. ... Audit and Test.

The system of accountability is the first step in quality control and assurance. This begins way before any specific project starts and is a continuation of processes implemented into the trust but verify process throughout any project. Lay out each designed plan/process with detailed and specific steps to be met along the way. Any deviations or changes from the design should then get added to the updated process as an edit to the process if needed or hold proper accountability to the responsible party. If the implementation steps are followed to the procedures as closely as designed, this makes the verification steps easy to follow. The verification steps should also be a part of the process as well as have its own set of process.

Quality control and assurance have to be achieved balance approach both during design stage and execution stage inclusive of final testing and commissioning stage for which matured inspector and supervisors within project budget have to be included from start of design stage .

I'm a strong advocate for integrating technology and innovation into daily construction operations. I, HariNaag K Naidu, take pride in introducing (Early 2015) the innovative concept of embedding Carbon Laminates by carving grooves and seamlessly integrating them into the structural elements. Innovation's applicability varies by case and site, highlighting the importance of our deep involvement in tailoring solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective. Not every innovation requires a hefty budget.

If you can build it offsite, do. Anything that can be pre-assembled in a factory can be QA/QC in it's final form and minimize construction time for install. Both saving costs and increasing quality.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) : Project Management: ERP systems streamline project management processes by centralizing data related to scheduling, resource allocation, and task tracking. Financial Management: ERP platforms integrate financial management tools, enabling real-time monitoring of project costs, budgeting, and invoicing. Supply Chain Integration: ERP systems can integrate with supply chain management, optimizing procurement processes, managing inventory levels, and reducing the risk of delays due to material shortages. Human Resource Management: ERP solutions assist in managing human resources by tracking personnel assignments, monitoring labor costs, and ensuring that the right skills are allocated to specific tasks.

Technology suitable for each stage of project should be included after weighing the pros and cons of all concerned persons involved keeping the budget of project in mind .

Quality issues should be listed and tracked down during the project life cycle. A root cause analysis should be done the listed issues . This may result into mapping of the issue to 1. Material selection 2. Design 3. Workmanship Accordingly we may address the genesis of the problem.

-Effective Planning. -Value Engineering. -Competitive Bidding: Solicit bids from multiple contractors to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. -Supplier Relationships: Build strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate better prices for high-quality materials. -Skilled Labor: Invest in skilled laborers who can efficiently complete tasks with minimal rework, reducing costs associated with errors. -Quality Control Inspections: Implement thorough quality control processes to catch defects early and avoid costly rework. -Technology Adoption: Use of cutting edge softwares. -Material Efficiency: Opt for which provides balance in cost and quality. -Risk Management. -Continuous Improvement.

Continuity of work is the greatest motivator to craft doing the work. Changing the culture to get craft focused on quality starts on day one. I tell the craft the most important aspects of the work is Safety , Quality ,And Production. Safety gets you opportunities and higher level craft, but your Quality and Production gets you invited back. All three aspects require the same level of commitment to be successful.

You get what you Inspect, not what you Expect ... Quality is a Pre-installation in the field mtg, followed by an inspection at the start of the specific activity, continuous spot monitoring, and acceptance at conclusion of Work PRIOR to next trade covering it up or installing on top of the prior trade.

Get the design and Specifications right. Read them, produce Inspection and Test plan and follow it. Employ a Chief Engineer to ensure adherence and provide competence.

Seek to eliminate defects and rework. The QA/QC you build at every check point in the construction process will start to show the output of reduced costs. Control the WIP (work in process). Speed is the current focus. Reducing variation is a shift in focus one could go to. Focus on capacity, inventory and time as buffers to reduce variability. Side-note: Variability and variation are not the same*