5 Things Construction Superintendents Can Do Reduce Punch Lists
There is no reason for your superintendents to continue to act as the subcontractors’ quality control inspector and creator of punchlists.
Here are 5 things superintendents can do to reduce punchlists and improve subcontractor quality performance.
#1 Communicate Expectations
Superintendents that set high expectations for first time quality ON THEIR JOBSITE get the best performance from their subcontractors.
Successful superintendents constantly reinforce their quality standards during production meetings and conversations. They make it clear, “Deliver 100% first time quality – don’t depend on me to create your punch lists!”
#2 Recognize Positive Behaviors
Everyone appreciates a bit of positive recognition. Subcontractors are no different. Even though you pay them to do a quality job, subcontractors will go the extra mile if they think you appreciate their extra effort.
For other subcontractors whose performance varies, catch them when they do well and use the opportunity to recognize them. Remember, behaviors that are recognized get repeated.
#3 Mentor and Teach
Teach your subcontractor to inspect their own work and punch it out before calling you to inspect. Ask the subcontractor to be with you while you do your inspection. The result will surely be a reduced number of punch items.
#4 The Last Resort
If communicating expectations, and recognizing efforts, coupled with guided improvement does not work, ask the owner for an action plan that will address the issue of repeated punch items.
Follow-up diligently and adjust the plan until the issues are resolved.
#5 Measure Success
Make your team’s progress come alive. Use inspection scores or punch item count data to track overall progress. Share it with your subcontractors.
The best superintendents go on to ask their subcontractors, “how good can we get?” and involve them in developing a plan to make it happen.
In Conclusion
Field superintendents that follow this proactive partnering approach will see positive results. In other words, punch lists will be shorter, and you will have fewer problems.
Just make it clear that delivering 100% complete first time quality work -- without depending on superintendents for punchlists is your subcontractor’s responsibility.