--- title: 5 Steps for Improving Your Construction Quality Standards description: Make sure you are building to the right construction quality standards. This article outlines five steps to improve your quality standards controls. image: https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15434227-jpg/images/impossibleconstruction-resized-600.jpg --- [![logo-light@2x](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-light@2x.png?width=149&height=58&name=logo-light@2x.png)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/) Call 443.292.9514 # Construction Quality Assurance/Quality Control Blog ## [5 Steps for Improving Your Construction Quality Standards](https://www.firsttimequality.com/Blog/bid/21119/5-Steps-for-Improving-Your-Construction-Quality-Standards) Posted by [Ed Caldeira](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/author/ed-caldeira) ![Construction Quality Standards](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15434227-jpg/images/impossibleconstruction-resized-600.jpg)Ask any superintendent or subcontractor and they’ll tell you they install products the right way. After all, they’ve been in construction a long time, right? This may surprise many of you, but almost every time I compare the manufacturer’s installation instructions with how a product was installed or built on the jobsite I find major differences. If you don’t believe me, look closely at any critical building product installation. Take windows for example, bring the manufacturer’s instructions to your jobsite and compare the jobsite installation for flashings, sealants, shimming, and fastening, etc. with the manufacturer’s specifications. Chances are, you’ll see that there’s a difference. It’s important for you to find these errors before they turn into costly defects or legal actions. Here are five steps to making sure you are building it right. **1. Get the Specifications ** First, you’ll need to know how to build it right. With most specifications on the internet, you can easily find product installation specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Also, review building code and industry standards. **2. Jobsite Verification ** Second, observe an installation and compare what you see to the specifications. When you find a discrepancy, take pictures of details so you can refer to them later. **3. Define the Right Way ** Third, if there is a discrepancy, ask the installer why they use the method they do. Not all differences mean that the installation is wrong. Your installer’s method might be better. Show them the specification and ask for their opinion. Call the product manufacturer if you need additional insights. In the end, you will decide what the right way is for your company. If necessary, obtain a letter from your engineer or product manufacturer approving your alternative method. [![Construction Quality Standards Training Sheet](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15428418-jpg/images/hotspot1-resized-600.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hotspot-training-sheets/)**4. Train, Train, Train ** When you find a product that’s not being installed correctly, create a hotspot training sheet for each detail showing the right way and the old (wrong) way. Train the installation crews, their supervisor, your field supervision staff, and quality personnel on the needed changes. Reinforce the training by posting the training sheet on the jobsite and reviewing it with the crew before they begin work. [![Inspection Form Hotspot Sheet](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15418797-jpg/images/ftq_inspform_hotspot_pics-resized-600.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/construction-quality-inspection-checklist-form-template/)**5. Follow-up ** Use your normal inspection process and field reviews for follow-up. Existing inspection forms can be used with this one simple enhancement: add a checkpoint for each revised installation detail. Even better is including reduced-sized training pictures on the inspection form. If inspections find old ways persisting, loop back and retrain people that need special attention. **Getting Started ** With the so many building products being installed, you’ll want to take a systematic approach to evaluating each one. My advice is to organize your effort by specialty trade. Start with the exterior building envelope, then proceed to concrete, and the mechanical trades. Allow yourself the flexibility to start the next trade as you get into step 3 or 4 above. On some trades you can leverage your effort by asking some of your top people or subcontractors to take the lead. The good news is that in a few months you will make huge gains toward first time quality and minimize your risk for costly defects. ***About the Author*** - Ed Caldeira is founder of First Time Quality, LLC, specializing in submittal-ready construction QA/QC plan templates and custom quality plans as well as construction quality inspection and punchlist software. [![download construction quality control plan sample](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15376831-jpg/images/download-quality-control-plan-template-sample.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/download-construction-quality-plan-sample-pages/)   Tags: [best-practices](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/best-practices), [construction](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/construction), [specifications](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/specifications), [building](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/building), [quality](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/quality), [standards](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/standards), [assurance](https://www.firsttimequality.com/blog/topic/assurance) ### Subscribe to receive new blog articles by email. ### **FTQ360 Inspection-Punchlist Software** [![FTQ360 mobile, touch-screen app.](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15412901-jpg/images/ftq360-mobile-touchscreen-app.jpg?width=181&name=ftq360-mobile-touchscreen-app.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/construction-quality-inspection-software-overview/) ### Take Control of Your Quality! [![Schedule-a-Demo_Orange-Button_162x45](https://d1n2i0nchws850.cloudfront.net/portals/72229/64934144-e642-497a-95b8-8d81e5e352a2-1340653363091/schedule-a-demo_orange-button_162x45.png?v=1340653363.35)](http://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/c/?&cta_guid=64934144-e642-497a-95b8-8d81e5e352a2&placement_guid=04aeef8e-5d9a-47ff-8402-b31581bca54f&portal_id=72229&redirect_url=nxRGb6AFHeOJBIQ4IQZHWwiipvfSv1gkp49yuTjBDy8ORSUp7T317bb9%2BOcaei2glPSPpNgVI8nEewyKVplrGg%3D%3D&iv=Gz6UU0qKB%2Bw%3D&hsutk=&canon=) Or, click here to [Learn more...](https://www.firsttimequality.com/construction-quality-inspection-software-overview/)     ### [![FTQ360 Inspection & Punchlist Software Brochure](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-66193615-png/images/ftq360-ebrochure-cover.png?width=170&name=ftq360-ebrochure-cover.png)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/download-a-brochure/) #### [Download a Brochure](https://www.firsttimequality.com/download-a-brochure/) | [![Construction qa/qc plan templates](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15490732-jpg/images/quality-control-plan-bl1.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/construction-quality-plan-overview/) | | --- | | [![iso 9001 quality management plan wh](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15437996-jpg/images/iso-9001-quality-management-plan-wh.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/iso-9000-isnetworld-construction-quality-control-plans/) | | --- | ### [Directory of All Posts](https://www.firsttimequality.com/Blog/ctl/all-posts/) ### Posts by popularity [![First Time Quality LLC is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Building Construction Consultants in Crofton MD](http://seal-greatermd.bbb.org/seals/blue-seal-200-42-firsttimequalityllc-90127359.png)](http://www.bbb.org/greater-maryland/business-reviews/building-construction-consultants/first-time-quality-in-crofton-md-90127359#sealclick) | [![Construction qa/qc plan templates](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15490732-jpg/images/quality-control-plan-bl1.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/construction-quality-plan-overview/) | | --- | | [![iso 9001 quality management plan wh](https://www.firsttimequality.com/hs-fs/file-15437996-jpg/images/iso-9001-quality-management-plan-wh.jpg)](https://www.firsttimequality.com/iso-9000-isnetworld-construction-quality-control-plans/) | | --- | ### [Directory of All Posts](https://www.firsttimequality.com/Blog/ctl/all-posts/) # How we can help Experts in quality and safety program documents and implementation software. Do it right the first time with First Time Quality! # Features - [Money-Back Guarantee](https://www.firsttimequality.com/complete-satisfaction-money-back-guarantee/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.firsttimequality.com/privacy-policy/) - [FTQ360 Login](http://www.ftq360.net/) # Contact Us - First Time Quality, LLC | Annapolis, MD 21401 - Phone: 410-451-8006 - Email: [EdC@FirstTimeQuality.com](mailto:EdC@FirstTimeQuality.com) Copyright 2010-2023 © **First Time Quality, LLC** ![](http://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion/1070275545/?label=VifvCOmyuwIQ2bes_gM&guid=ON&script=0)