What Are The Most Important Quality Control Checks I Should Be Looking For During Construction?

The Most Important Quality Control Checks in Construction: Where to Focus Your Energy

In construction, trying to be perfect with every single detail—outside of safety—can lead to burnout and inefficiency. That’s why one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: you must know where to invest your limited time and energy.

Years ago, a respected project executive gave me a powerful analogy: imagine you have 100 energy units. You can invest them wherever you want, but once they’re gone—they’re gone. That concept transformed how I approach construction leadership. Especially when it comes to quality control, your energy must be targeted and strategic.

This blog will help you zero in on where to focus your quality efforts so you’re not overwhelmed—and your projects don’t suffer.

The Trade Partner Preparation Process: Plan – Build – Finish

I follow a simple but powerful sequence for quality management: Plan, Build, Finish.

Here’s how it works:

1. Buyout Meeting:
   Establish expectations for safety, quality, submittals, RFIs, and documentation.
2. Pre-Mobilization Meeting:
   Gather everything the trade needs before mobilizing. Don’t just prepare to start—prepare to finish.
3. Pre-Construction / Pre-Installation Meeting:
   Define exactly what “good” looks like with visual aids and bullet points.
4. First-in-Place Inspection or Mock-Up:
   The first time something gets built—inspect it thoroughly.
5. Follow-Up Inspections:
   Check progress and completion against expectations.
6. Final Inspection:
   Ensure everything is buttoned up and ready to turn over.

This approach ensures quality is baked in, not inspected in after the fact.

Focus Area 1: The Owner’s Top 10

From the buyout meeting to final inspection, always ask: What does the owner care about most?
Communicate those priorities constantly. On one project, the owner’s top 5 included:

• Neighbor relations.
• Safety.
• Waterproofing.
• Cost.
• Schedule.

Every crew member heard those five priorities over and over. When it came time for final walkthroughs, there were no surprises—and we nailed the waterproofing.

Focus Area 2: The Inspector’s Top 10

Your inspector has pet peeves. Know them. Respect them. Plan for them.

For example, I worked with an inspector in Tucson who was laser-focused on:

• Concrete slump and mix.
• Reinforcing steel.
• 24-hour close-out of inspection report comments.

Loop your inspector’s top 10 into your quality control conversations and pre-construction meetings. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for failed inspections.

Focus Area 3: Pre-Construction Visuals

During the pre-con meeting, develop what I call a Feature of Work Board—a visual reference with:

• Pictures.
• Bullet points.
• Install expectations.

Without this, your field teams will either over-inspect everything or miss what matters. This simple visual tool keeps everyone aligned.

Focus Area 4: Testing & Inspection Register

Every job should have a Testing & Inspection Register that outlines:

• What gets tested.
• When it gets tested.
• The frequency.
• Spec sections.
• Required actions.

Use ChatGPT or a project engineer to build a testing log directly from your plans and specs. You’ll identify key items like:

• Window testing.
• Waterproofing tests.
• Sanitary sewer inspections.
• Exterior envelope testing.

Discuss this list weekly in your tactical meetings to stay ahead of issues.

Focus Area 5: Don’t Forget the “Big Five”

If you remember nothing else, don’t overlook these critical areas:

1. Soils:
   Bad compaction leads to settling and structural issues. Always test.
2. Concrete:
   It’s never too late… until it’s gray and hard. Triple-check before every pour.
3. Waterproofing:
   Improper QC here can lead to multi-million dollar failures. Inspect aggressively.
4. Closed-In Work:
   Anything in a wall, ceiling, or chase must be inspected before it’s hidden.
5. Life Safety:
   Always double-down on fire-stopping, egress, and safety systems.

Final Thoughts:

If you try to check everything, you’ll miss the most important things. Focus your energy on:

• The Owner’s Top 10.
• The Inspector’s Top 10.
• Items from the Pre-Con Meeting.
• The Testing & Inspection Register.
• The Big Five Quality Areas.

If you follow this approach, your project quality will soar—without burning out your team.