If you are finding the same quality issues week after week, and checking boxes on inspection forms has become just a routine, it's time to start a 'Hotspot' process.
Implementing a Hotspot process involves identifying current quality issues, setting up training, adding Hotspot checkpoints to your inspection forms, and paying close attention to Hotspot problems during inspections.
- Identify one to two quality issues (per trade) to work on. Have your area or project supervisors identify one to two quality issues (per trade) through Measuring Quality, comprehensive quality reviews, and builder feedback.
- Add these as checkpoints. Include these top quality issues as Hotspot checkpoints on your Inspection Forms.
- Create one-page training sheets. Using pictures and diagrams to address each specific problem create one-page Hotspot training sheets.
- Train production personnel and subcontractors. During weekly production meetings or toolbox talks, train production personnel and subcontractors on procedures to eliminate the newly identified Hotspot problems.
- Post the Hotspot training sheets in a prominent area.
- Finally, celebrate successes. When your supervisors declare the end to an existing Hotspot issue, post the item in the production meeting room as a quality success.
Remove the checkpoint from the Hotspot part of the inspection form and put it in the reminder section.
Set a goal of replacing one to two Hotspot checkpoints per trade, per month. Of course, if the problem is not under control, don’t add a new Hotspot checkpoint in its place. Some problems may take longer than one month to eliminate.
Change the Hotspot checkpoints on your inspection forms as needed, bringing attention to current issues that demand a response from field personnel. The forms should also list key specifications, but only as reminders.
Subcontractors and superintendents should always pay close attention to Hotspots when inspecting every job.
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.
