Follow up inspections How They Can Save Your Construction Project

In this blog, I’m going to cover how it’s not just enough to set up the process properly. We also have to stay with it, verify that the installations are going well, and ensure we’re finishing as we go. This blog will dive into the game-changing magic of follow-up inspections, when they are needed, and the agenda to follow. If you’re passionate about doing a great job on your project, you’re in the right place!

The Role of Follow-Up Inspections

Let’s anchor the follow-up inspection within the broader trade partner preparation process. After the buyout meeting where the right scope was identified and an executed contract was secured, the pre-mobilization meeting takes place.

 Here, the superintendent and foreman are onboarded for the trade partner. The first-in-place inspection is conducted to check if the project has started in the right direction.

Now comes the follow-up inspection—a crucial step to ensure the work continues to follow the right path. This step is essential because it verifies that work is being done properly and that excellence is maintained throughout the project.

Importance of Follow-Up Inspections

Human nature tends to conserve energy and prioritize safety, leading us to eventually reduce efforts to the bare necessities. Over time, workers may subconsciously cut corners, which can compromise the quality of work. 

Follow-up inspections are designed to counteract this natural tendency by regularly verifying that the key aspects of the work are still being followed.

These inspections can be scheduled on a time interval, such as every four to six weeks, or whenever significant changes occur—like weather shifts, crew changes, or new leadership on-site. These are moments when a follow-up inspection can be particularly valuable to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

Key People in a Follow-Up Inspection Meeting

The follow-up inspection meeting typically includes:

• The foreman
• The workers
• The superintendent
• The assistant or area superintendent
• The field engineer or field-focused project engineer

Anyone responsible for the day-to-day work on the site should be involved. The purpose is not just to ensure quality but also to support the crew in achieving excellence in their installations. 

This meeting allows the team to verify if all the quality standards are being met and whether the installation is on track. It’s also an opportunity to praise the crew for their efforts and to discuss any necessary changes.

The Follow-Up Inspection Agenda

Here’s a typical agenda for a follow-up inspection:

1. Review the owner’s top 10 priorities: Understand how these impact the work.
2. Review company-specific requirements: Go over any checklists or company standards.
3. Verify installation instructions: Ensure the crew is following the steps outlined during the pre-construction meeting or by using visual quality boards.
4. Gather input from the foreman and workers: Praise their work and discuss any steps that need to be adjusted moving forward.
5. Ask what the crew needs: It’s essential to provide the necessary knowledge, motivation, and resources to support their work.

The goal of the meeting is to ensure quality is being maintained and to provide the crew with whatever they need to continue delivering excellent work. This also includes checking how workers are progressing within their zones, meeting deadlines, and using the correct materials. As a leader, it’s important to connect with your team, ask about their well-being, and see if there are ways to improve their working conditions.

Establishing Daily Quality Control Habits

In addition to regular follow-up inspections, daily zone control walks should be performed. These walks involve superintendents, area superintendents, assistant superintendents, or field engineers visiting work zones to verify that tasks are completed and that the crews are ready for the next steps. This habit of finishing and preparing on a daily basis ensures that the project remains on track.

The ultimate aim is to maintain quality at the source. This means ensuring that each crew is committed to delivering high-quality work and doesn’t move forward until everything is done right. Follow-up inspections, coupled with daily checks, minimize rework and save time by addressing potential issues before they escalate.

Final Thoughts on Follow-Up Inspections

Follow-up inspections are an essential part of ensuring a successful project. They don’t cost time; they save time by reducing the need for rework. These inspections verify that the crew is finishing their tasks to 100% quality and is prepared for the next steps. Quality must be a priority from the start, and everyone should be empowered to ensure that quality is maintained at every step.