To stay efficient and maintain delivery standards, a construction site requires strong quality management throughout all phases of a project. Though construction projects take many forms, one thing remains consistent above all else – that quality work is delivered on time and on budget. 

Site supervisors and managers are responsible for quality management in construction. Quite simply, it can be the defining factor in the success of a project. Quality management is a broad term and comprises many facets. Therefore, it’s important to understand just what it means and how you can maximise quality across your project. So, sit back and find out more in this blog post.

Defining the importance of quality management

So, let’s drill down into the term ‘quality management’ a little further. As touched upon previously, the manager or supervisor of a construction site determines the strategy by which quality management will be achieved. Quality is also about compliance with legal standards. 

Through policies and procedures, your aim is to ensure quality control standards meet customer or client expectations. The core foundation at the heart of quality management in construction is to consider all factors that influence safety and quality. 

You should base your quality management objectives upon the following principles: 

  • Consistency across all parts of the project 
  • Continuous improvement throughout your processes 
  • Minimise any defects on delivery or handover 
  • Identify and resolve any issues during the delivery phase 
  • Protect your business reputation through safe and quality practices

Construction quality and challenges

Despite your best intentions, a construction project doesn’t always run smoothly from start to finish. You may encounter some challenges that need to be navigated carefully as the project develops. 

Challenges you may face that impact the quality management of your construction project include: 

  • Budget limitations – what if the scope of the project changes but the money available doesn’t? 
  • Staff absences – illness or injury to workers can negatively impact project deliverables. Safe construction site management can help reduce this. 
  • Shortage or low-quality of materials – Construction quality issues may arise from poor-quality materials or even shortages. 
  • Communication issues – If workers or teams fail to communicate properly about any problems, this can harm quality standards. 
  • Lack of proper process management – Managing processes is key to efficiency and aligning checks on quality control. 
  • Managing expectations – Often, construction firms overpromise on deadlines and budgets, failing to meet the deadlines they set. This can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict between your business and your client or contractor. 
  • Subcontractor issues – Defects in construction quality often stem from a lack of trained workers that carry out sub-standard work, leading to issues with quality to harm your business. 

Engineer making notes whilst listening to the foreman

Tips to improve quality management in construction

But, whether it’s budget limitations, staff absences, or poor-quality materials that you face, finding ways to overcome these issues is part of your remit. Why? Because quality management in construction should always be your priority. 

Adequate measures should be adopted that reduce the risk of any challenges impacting your quality standards. Despite these challenges, it’s not impossible to address them with thorough quality management. 

Here are a few tips that can help improve quality management in construction: 

  • Purchase materials from reputable suppliers and quality check all materials upon arrival. 
  • Conduct regular audits of your suppliers and subcontractors to identify any issues that can be resolved early on. 
  • Define the scope of the project to ensure consistent quality throughout. 
  • Use an efficient quality management system to moderate time, efficiency and budget. 
  • Avoid complex, intricate projects and opt for simplified designs that offer better quality and higher profits. 
  • Define your quality requirements with detailed documentation that outlines all project specifications. 
  • Assign roles and responsibilities according to the capabilities and training of your workers.

Engineer silhouette planning work

Creating a quality control plan for your construction project

Developing a robust quality management plan means you can take preventive measures before it’s too late. All contained within one document, it offers transparency for both internal and external stakeholders, with a clear, defined set of objectives that the project entails. 

A quality management plan is the most effective way to illustrate all predetermined objectives. It helps keep everybody aligned and on the same page and gives you a reference point to keep up quality standards throughout the project. 

What should my construction quality control plan include? 

Your quality management plan should contain the following details: 

  • Quality policies, processes and procedures
  • A clear set of quality objectives that are measurable 
  • Any statutory or legal requirements 
  • Any necessary accreditations 

Effective quality management processes require attention to detail and good communication. You will need to provide clear documentation that outlines all of the above, so you can clarify any specifications, procedures and outline training processes. A quality management plan equals high-quality project delivery! 

man and woman in hi-viz coats and hard hats discuss information on a screen

Choose Smas Worksafe for a reliable quality management system

Good construction quality control means you can win more lucrative contracts and enhance the reputation of your business. 

Smas Worksafe PQQ is a quality management system that ensures all documentation is reviewed by one of our in-house experts. We’ll help make sure your quality management ticks all the boxes, keeping clients happy and boosting your business prospects. 

We also offer a range of CITB-approved training courses to help you and your employees understand the quality management responsibilities of a site supervisor or manager. Check out our course offerings below. 

All our courses are delivered online, so you can take modules at any time, and at your own pace. 

Request a quote today, or why not call us at 01752 697370, where one of our experts will be on hand to offer any guidance and advice for you about services. 

SMAS Construction Worker