1. Pre-construction stage
This phase include Project planning, design, procurement, and initial mobilization activities
Quality Assurance
Design Review: Review the project’s design documents (plans, specifications, and calculations) to ensure compliance with relevant standards, codes, and client requirements.
Material and Vendor Selection: Ensure that materials and vendors are approved and meet the project’s quality standards and specifications.
Risk Assessment: Identify potential quality risks during the construction process and develop mitigation strategies.
Procurement and Contracting: Ensure that quality-related clauses are included in contracts with suppliers and contractors, including material specifications, workmanship, and performance standards.
Quality Control
Pre-qualification of Contractors/Subcontractors: Verify that contractors and subcontractors have the necessary qualifications, experience, and capability to deliver quality work.
Equipment Calibration: Ensure that construction equipment and instruments are calibrated correctly before use on-site.
Preparation of Quality Control Plans: Develop a QC plan outlining inspection procedures, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria.
2. Mobilisation stage
Involves setting up the construction site, bringing in equipment, and preparing to begin physical work.
Quality Assurance
Site Inspection: Perform a pre-construction site inspection to assess site conditions and verify that environmental, health, and safety regulations are in place.
Quality Plan Review: Ensure that the project’s Quality Management Plan (QMP) is ready for implementation and that it includes clear instructions for QC and QA procedures.
Staff Training: Train staff on project-specific quality requirements, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
Quality Control
Material Approval: Verify that all materials delivered to the site meet the specifications in terms of quality and quantity.
Testing of Materials: Conduct initial tests on critical materials (e.g., concrete, steel, soil) to confirm that they meet the required standards before use.
Verification of Construction Equipment: Ensure that equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and suited for the job at hand.
3. Foundation and Substructure Construction
This stage covers excavation, foundation pouring, and the initial phases of constructing the substructure (e.g., basement, columns, etc.).
Quality Assurance
Compliance with Codes: Ensure that the design is followed in the execution of the foundation works, including adherence to safety and building codes.
Third-Party Inspections: Engage external experts or agencies to inspect key structural elements like piles, foundations, and excavation work.
Documentation Review: Maintain proper documentation of inspections, tests, and approvals throughout this stage to ensure compliance with the project specifications.
Quality Control
Inspection of Excavation and Grading: Verify that excavation and grading are done to the correct depth, alignment, and compaction.
Concrete Testing: Perform slump tests, cube tests, or cylinder tests on concrete to confirm strength, mix, and workability.
Rebar Inspection: Check the placement, size, and condition of reinforcement bars before pouring concrete.
Foundation Waterproofing: Inspect the quality and installation of any waterproofing systems in foundations.
4. Superstructure Construction
This phase includes the construction of the building’s structural framework, such as walls, floors, roofs, and columns.
Quality Assurance
Design Compliance Verification: Regularly verify that construction is being carried out according to approved plans and specifications.
Coordination of Contractors: Ensure that different contractors or subcontractors (e.g., for concrete, masonry, steel) work in coordination and meet quality expectations.
Ongoing Safety and Environmental Checks: Maintain high safety and environmental standards through periodic audits and inspections.
Quality Control
Steel and Concrete Work Inspections: Conduct ongoing quality checks on concrete pours, steel welding/bolting, and masonry work to ensure compliance with structural requirements.
Level and Alignment Checks: Use leveling instruments to verify that the construction elements are aligned correctly (e.g., floor slabs, beams, walls).
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Perform NDT (e.g., ultrasonic testing, radiography) on structural welds and joints to ensure integrity.
Plumbing and Electrical Installation Inspections: Ensure that installations for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems are done correctly as per design, and are safely installed.
5. Interior and exterior finishing
This phase involves finalizing the construction of internal and external finishes such as plastering, painting, flooring, windows, and doors.
Quality Assurance
Quality Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure that all finishes and final works meet the client’s requirements, design, and specifications.
Supplier and Material Certifications: Verify that materials such as tiles, finishes, paints, and fixtures are from approved suppliers and meet industry standards.
Pre-Final Inspection: Schedule pre-final inspections to ensure that all work is completed to quality standards before handover.
Quality Control
Surface and Finish Inspections: Inspect surfaces for defects (e.g., cracks, uneven surfaces, blemishes) and ensure that finishing materials (e.g., paint, tiles, flooring) are applied correctly.
HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspections: Conduct thorough inspections of HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical installations to ensure compliance with building codes and design.
Door and Window Installations: Inspect for proper installation of doors, windows, and other fixtures, ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet energy efficiency standards.
6. Testing & Commissioning
This phase involves the final testing of systems, equipment, and structures to ensure they function as intended before handover to the client.
Quality Assurance
System Verification: Ensure that all systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) are tested according to the specifications and operational requirements.
Final Walkthrough: Conduct a final inspection with stakeholders (client, architect, contractor) to review the completed project and ensure satisfaction.
Deficiency List: Develop a punch list of any remaining issues or defects that need to be corrected before project completion.
Quality Control
Testing of Building Systems: Perform functional tests on HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other systems to ensure they operate as designed.
Safety and Compliance Checks: Verify compliance with building codes and safety standards, including fire exits, emergency systems, and structural stability.
Finishing Quality Inspection: Conduct final inspections to check for any cosmetic or functional deficiencies (e.g., painting, flooring, cabinetry).
7. Post Construction Stage
This stage involves handing over the completed project to the client and addressing any post-completion concerns.
Quality Assurance
Final Handover Documentation: Provide the client with the necessary documentation, such as warranties, maintenance manuals, and as-built drawings.
Client Feedback: Conduct a formal review with the client to gather feedback and confirm satisfaction with the project.
Closeout Inspections: Ensure that any remaining issues or deficiencies identified during the final inspections are addressed.
Quality Control
Punch List Completion: Ensure that all items on the punch list are completed or corrected to the client’s satisfaction.
Final System Testing: If required, perform a final round of testing or commissioning to ensure that systems are fully functional after any post-construction modifications.