Quality control in construction explained

Quality control is a crucial process for every industry to ensure the delivery of reliable products and services. This is particularly true in construction, where quality control is also a key component of structural integrity and safety. And quality control specialists contribute to every construction environment’s durability, safety, and excellence.

Read on to learn more about the value of quality control in construction, top strategies to improve these processes, and how you can jump-start a career in the field.

Defining construction quality control

Quality control specialists on a construction team are the vigilant guardians of construction projects. These professionals ensure that every project — from the foundation to the final coat of paint — adhere to the predetermined quality standards. Construction projects keep these experts on their toes, requiring specialists to assess and inspect the work continuously.

Why quality control in construction matters  

As a quality control specialist, your main responsibility is to make sure everything related to your project complies with safety, structural, and performance criteria while also meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Think of it this way: The faster you catch and address potential issues, the more likely you are to ensure a durable final product that reflects top-notch craftsmanship — not to mention minimize costly rework, delays, and potential safety hazards.

If you’ve been considering the profession, it offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of ensuring the integrity and excellence of construction projects. This fulfilling role is characterized by attention to detail, problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering quality.

Are quality control specialists in construction in demand?

The short answer: Yes. These professionals are in high demand because of the continued emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance in the construction industry. As these types of projects become increasingly complex and intricate, the integral need for experts who can monitor and verify the quality of goods and services is projected to continue.

How to conduct construction quality control 

Effective construction quality control involves a systematic, five-step approach:

1. Outline approval criteria: Determine clear expectations and specifications for your project, making sure that all associated stakeholders — including the client — are on the same page. This understanding becomes the foundation for the quality checks performed throughout the process.
2. Plan inspections: Because quality control specialists help contractors and clients monitor the progress of a construction project, it’s essential to schedule project inspections ahead of time. This helps organize the frequency and timing of evaluations while guaranteeing quality at every stage of the project — adding structure to the quality control process.
3. Create a checklist: Develop and utilize a checklist that outlines tasks and project specifications. Share these with the team before getting started to give everyone a little more freedom to monitor their work quality. Make sure to include precise language and categories for the best results.
4. Corrections: During the inspection process, identify deficiencies and mark them on-site. Don’t forget to document these with photos and notes on your checklist for future reference. Provide clear instructions for how the responsible parties should rectify the issues and once corrected, you can mark the area as compliant for your records.
5. Verify acceptance: After you’ve completed the inspection and correction phases of this process, confirm that the work meets the pre-established quality and client standards. If changes were made to the initial specifications, make sure the client has a chance to acknowledge them. Keep these records safe; they’re an important part of your quality control documentation.

How to approach quality control in construction

If you’re interested in a career in quality control, there are a few ways to approach the work for the best results:

1. Embrace proactive practices  

A proactive approach is essential to maximize quality control. However, according to a report from Autodesk Construction Cloud, only 47% of quality control specialists and trade professionals have a standard process in place to compare findings from past projects to improve future work. By taking a proactive stance in these roles, you are more likely to identify issues early, take care of them, and apply these lessons to continually improve your future construction work.

2. Stay up to date with technological advancements 

Emerging technologies are becoming game-changers in the world of construction quality control. It’s important to stay in the know about popular digital tools, like inspection apps or cloud-based data management systems, and how they can help you streamline processes, improve accuracy, and ensure that quality standards are met consistently.

3. Recognize the value of training 

Establishing yourself as a well-trained and skilled professional is critical in quality control. You can explore valuable training resources to enhance your expertise in the field. With improved skills to monitor and maintain quality standards, you will be better positioned to boost the overall construction process.

4. Learn how to conduct thorough risk assessments 

By taking a forward-thinking approach to your quality control processes, you can minimize potential setbacks. You can use comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential issues, prioritize them based on impact and likelihood, and develop contingency plans. This will help you prevent any unexpected quality problems or project delays.

5. Communicate clearly and effectively  

As a quality control specialist, it’s important to maintain transparent and open channels of communication with all stakeholders to ensure that quality control aligns with other people’s expectations. This not only improves the overall quality of your project but also helps improve trust and collaboration.

Start a career in construction quality control

In construction landscapes today, quality control specialists are essentially the overseers of excellence; making sure projects meet standards and surpass expectations. And if you’ve been considering a career in the field, ResourceMFG can help.

ResourceMFG stands as a trusted partner, connecting skilled talent with the right employment opportunities at the right time. With a commitment to championing people and unlocking potential, we provide the ideal platform for those who want to get into a quality control career.

Ready to kickstart your professional journey in the field? Explore all of our construction quality control career opportunities or contact your local branch to learn more about how we can help you make your next career move with confidence.